Michelle Pfeiffer’s Masterful Open Shelving Shows How Curated Living, Stylish Displays, and Intentional Decluttering Can Coexist Beautifully
Michelle's open shelving mastery makes a compelling case for curated spaces, thoughtful organization, and elegant decluttering
Open shelving – often considered the most debated storage solution in interior design – frequently divides expert opinion. While these shelves provide a beautiful stage to exhibit our most personal possessions, they can easily slip into looking cluttered. Despite the controversy, Michelle Pfeiffer has clearly chosen her side, firmly establishing herself as an advocate for the open shelving movement.
The Scarface actress's living room storage makes a compelling case for this style, especially as we transition into the winter months when we spend more time indoors. Her shelves are thoughtfully curated with books, photo frames, and even perfume bottles, proving that open displays can be both functional and stylish.
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I love the airy, lightweight appearance of this shelving unit, beautifully crafted from warm mango wood and accented with sleek metal details. Its combination of natural texture and sturdy design makes it both stylish and functional, just like Michelle's.
This set of bookends effortlessly blends modernist sculpture with everyday functionality. Each looping form plays with positive and negative space, creating a striking sculptural presence while keeping your books securely in place. With their unique texture and artistic design, they’re as beautiful as they are practical.
This bookcase adds a sleek, industrial touch to your space while providing versatile storage options. Featuring a sturdy iron frame and six tiers of engineered wood shelves, it offers a stylish way to showcase your favorite books, plants, and decorative pieces in any living room.
'For most of us, the living room is the beating heart of the home, which can also mean it’s a dumping ground for all our everyday items,' comments storage expert Vlatka Lake. 'To prevent your room from being overrun with clutter, incorporate a mix of open and closed storage solutions such as bookshelves and cabinets to neatly accommodate your belongings.'
Because every item is visible, open shelving leaves no room for error, forcing us to keep our collections organized. Michelle’s arrangement offers the perfect inspiration for a seasonal refresh, showing how to display treasures without sacrificing the room's overall aesthetic.
Copenhagen-based Interior Decorator Signe Kok Nielsen agrees that the smallest details can redefine a home’s atmosphere. This is particularly relevant during the new year, when many of us feel the urge to reset our living spaces.
Signe suggests being critical about what earns a spot on these shelves. 'Be critical and select only the items and books that mean something to you or that have an aesthetic appeal and complement your interior,' she says.
'Remember that getting rid of “stuff” creates space for new items. Declutter and create a different layout than before.' She also recommends leaving some empty spaces to ensure the eye focuses on the most meaningful pieces.
To keep the space feeling organized, Vlatka recommends using decorative baskets or bins. These additions look intentional on a shelf while providing a practical home for less aesthetic items. 'They're particularly great for stowing away items such as blankets or remotes,' she notes.
By blending careful curation with smart storage ideas, you can transform your open shelving into a sophisticated focal point that feels both fresh for the new year and timelessly elegant, just like Michelle.
