Styling a bookcase can feel overwhelming. But it really isn’t. All you need is a few key elements and you will be putting together bookcases like a pro. I’ve decorated and arranged my fair share of bookcases, and I’ve learned that if you keep a few things in mind, it all falls together.
1. Books can be art. Don’t feel like you have to put books in vertically with the spine facing outward. BORING! Why should you always have to do that? It’s not a library. We want our bookcases to be interesting and pleasing to the eye. Especially if they are in high traffic rooms that people see often. Use books in creative ways to add interest. Stack them, lean them, insert them with the spine to the back of the shelf, arrange them by color. All of this makes them more interesting.
2. Always include family photos. A bookcase isn’t just for books. I always like to include family photos, or pictures that have significance to you. A favorite vacation spot, the dog or the recent family shot all do the trick. The key is just a few. Don’t overload your shelves with photos. Then it looks cluttered.
3. Add objects of interest. In a bookcase, you need something to grab people’s attention. You spend all of this time styling them, people should notice! Antlers, antiques, plates, vases, plants…. whatever you find that speaks to you is an object of interest.
4. Don’t forget the function. Bookcases are largely a place for storage. And while books and other objects can be artful, some of our stuff isn’t. Add in baskets or urns that can hold things like cords, loose change or arts and craft supplies. Then your everyday stuff can be hidden and beautiful at the same time.
5. Edit. Step back and take a look. If it looks a little cluttered, remove something. If it looks sparse, add something. It has to look good to you. You look at it every day. It’s your home and it should feel comfortable and beautiful.
Now you are ready to style it up! No matter what, it will be beautiful. Because it’s yours, it reflects your home and your family. Enjoy!
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