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How to Style Bookshelves
If you know me, you understand that I have a passion for styling, and bookshelves are one of my absolute favorites to curate. They offer a unique opportunity to express your personality and enhance your home décor. In this blog post, I’ll share some simple yet effective tips to help you create the bookshelf of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a cohesive theme, ways to mix heights for visual interest, or ideas for incorporating personal touches, these strategies will inspire you to transform your shelves into a beautiful and inviting focal point in your living space. Let’s dive in!
How To Decorate Bookshelves
Start With A Blank Slate
Begin by removing all items from your existing bookshelves. This step is essential because it allows you to see exactly how much space you truly have and provides the opportunity to reassess your collection. It is always best to begin with a clean slate. Picture your shelves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed. This fresh start will not only help you organize your books more effectively but also inspire you to curate a collection that reflects your current tastes and interests. Take your time with this process, as it is the foundation for creating an inviting and functional space for your reading materials. Once you’ve cleared the shelves, you can thoughtfully decide which items to keep, donate, or discard, making way for a more organized and visually appealing bookshelf.
Gather Your Decor
Gather all the objects you want to display on your shelves. I love using books, vases, glass beads, picture frames, and interesting objects when styling shelves. Baskets and boxes are also great for hiding items. Gather all the objects you plan to use for styling your shelves. I enjoy incorporating a variety of items, such as books, vases, glass beads, picture frames, and other interesting decorative pieces. These elements can add character and personality to your shelves. Additionally, using baskets and boxes is an excellent way to conceal items that you don’t want on display, thereby creating a clean and organized look. When arranging your shelves, think about mixing different textures and heights to create visual interest and depth.
Start With The Larger Items
Start with the larger items such as books, baskets, and vases. I love to stack books both vertically and horizontally. Coffee table books are great for this! A visual contrast can be created by mixing horizontal stacks of books with some arranged vertically. This not only adds depth to your arrangement but also keeps it interesting. (Designer Tip: You can buy affordable used coffee table books on Amazon.) Consider adding decorative elements, such as candles or small plants, alongside these stacks to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Fill in the spaces in between with smaller items.
Layer glass beads on top of book stacks or boxes. Group items in 3’s or odd numbers for interest. Incorporate varying heights by adding candlesticks or small vases to create visual contrast. Use a mix of textures, like woven baskets or metallic accents, to add depth to the arrangement. Consider the color palette of the items to ensure they complement each other, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. Finally, don’t forget to include personal touches, such as framed photos or unique collectibles, to make the display uniquely yours.
Mix Old And New
For a collected look, mix old with new, shiny with dull, and color with neutral! This keeps your shelves from looking too one-note! Additionally, don’t be afraid to incorporate various textures—woven baskets, glass vases, and ceramic pots can all add depth and visual interest. Layering objects at different heights also creates visual interest, and adding some greenery can breathe life into your space. Remember to curate items that tell a story or evoke memories, making your display both personal and inviting.
