Stuff, like work, tends to expand to fill the space alloted to it. In the case of open shelves, that's a prescription for trouble. As items accumulate over the years, they get stashed where ever they will fit. The result: Too many items on your shelves and too little organization.

With a little time and a willingness to toss some items, you can transform your cluttered eyesore into a display that complements your decorating rather than detracting from it.

• Disheveled shelves

1. Clear the shelves. Take everything off the shelves and put it on the floor nearby. Weed out the items that you no longer want or need, and box them up for the thrift store.

2. Group like items. Around the room, form stacks of books, pottery, framed photos, plates, etc. If you have lots of books, group them by size.

3. Arrange the big stuff. When arranging shelves, it's good to begin with the largest items. Place them in a balanced composition from left to right and from top to bottom. These items might include baskets, bins, hatboxes, large pottery, or a stack of oversize books. For example, if you have one large item on the lower left, make sure you balance it with one large item or a group of medium-size items on the upper right.

4. Get perspective. Step back frequently as you work to gain an overall perspective of the arrangement. In this photograph, baskets anchor the bottom shelf and are perfect for hiding and herding habitually messy magazines and catalogs. Transferware plates are placed on stands and line the top shelf. The stereo, which is often used, is placed within easy reach.

5. Fill in. Around the large items, fill in blank space with smaller, shapely, colorful objects. For best effect, display similar objects in odd numbers, use different shapes, and use a mix of materials (wood, metal, pottery, plants). Pieces grabbed from other rooms can help fill out the arrangement.

6. Consider space. To keep shelves from looking spotty, use the full vertical and horizontal space of every shelf. At the same time, allow "breathing space" between items, so they can be seen and appreciated individually.

7. Stack and stagger. Vary the height of objects by stacking them on books and staggering them with taller items in back and smaller ones in front (remember to leave breathing space). Ceramic pitchers are clustered for a curvy rainbow effect, and stacked books and neutral-color canisters give the shortest pitchers needed height.