Download a free ginger jar & lemon tree printable for your summer home decor! Get a classic summer look for free.
With the weather warming up, I finally cleared away the last of my winter decorations and refreshed my living room shelves for summer. I skipped over most of spring this year and moved straight into a lighter, more summery palette.
I’ve shifted my decorating approach to focus more on year‑round pieces with small seasonal updates. That way I can keep a consistent base and add a few fresh accents for each season—this summer I leaned into blue, white, and a few citrusy touches.
One of the easiest, most budget‑friendly ways to update a room is with new artwork—especially free printable art. A few framed printables can instantly change the mood of a shelf or vignette without a big investment.
I replaced my last red and green frames with new wicker scalloped frames and added lots of blue and white accents to my greenery‑filled shelves. Natural textures like wicker and marble, combined with classic blue‑and‑white pieces, create a fresh, traditional summer vibe that complements deep navy walls and crisp white trim.
Styling bookshelves can still be a challenge, even with a formula. I keep a checklist in mind when styling: vary heights, mix stacks of horizontal and vertical books, anchor each shelf with one larger piece, add greenery and a small object or two, and use pairs and groups of odd numbers for visual interest. That balanced approach helps me achieve a cohesive look every time.
For the new wicker frames, I designed a couple of lemon and blue‑and‑white chinoiserie printables and placed them in the frames. They’re similar enough to feel coordinated but not so matchy that they seem staged—one features a lemon tree in a blue and white ginger jar, while the other shows a chinoiserie bowl filled with lemons. Together they add a light, cheerful touch to both sides of the shelves.
I also clipped a few hydrangea blooms from my garden to style with the printables. Fresh or faux florals are a simple way to add life to a shelf vignette. Pair them with a small stack of favorite decorating books to bring both beauty and personality to the display.
Blue and white accents are especially versatile for summer and pair beautifully with navy walls and white trim. They feel classic and clean while still delivering a cheerful seasonal update. Books also act as decor—place them in groups, use them to lift smaller objects, or stack them horizontally to create layers and interest.
I hope this post gives you some easy ideas for refreshing your own shelves for summer. Small changes—new art, a few stems of flowers, and a careful edit of what’s on display—can make a big difference.
TAP HERE to Download the Free Summer Printables
TIPS ON PRINTING PRINTABLE ART DECOR
- Home Printer: If you plan to print at home, use a reliable inkjet or color laser printer with good color output. High‑quality print settings will make a big difference in color saturation and sharpness.
- Use Cardstock: Print on heavyweight cardstock for a professional look and better durability. Regular copy paper is thin and can look cheap or warp under glass.
- Print Size and Cropping: The printables are set to print at 8.5×11 with a small margin. If your frame is 8×10, trim the borders carefully or scale the image slightly in your print settings to fit. Test on scrap paper first if you’re unsure.
- Local Print Options: If you don’t have a home printer, most office supply stores and local print shops can print high‑quality copies on heavyweight paper. Ask for a color proof or sample if possible.
- Framing Tips: Use a mat when possible to give the printable a gallery look. Mats also allow you to use a standard frame size without trimming the print too aggressively.
More posts you might enjoy:
- The Best Summer Decorating Ideas
- Summer Favorites Printable & More
- 25+ Stunning Summer Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas
- Summer Doormats You Will Love
- A Simple Summer Dining Room
If you download the printables, I’d love to see how you style them—mix them with books, ceramics, natural elements, and a few personal treasures to create a summer display that feels both collected and fresh.