Learning how to style a bookcase so it becomes an elegant part of a room rather than a distraction is vital to create a cohesive and attractive environment that doesn’t look cluttered. They can add both storage and style to a room, but styling them can be challenging. With so many shelves to fill, it can be overwhelming to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips for styling bookshelves that will help you create a beautiful and functional space.
Clear the Clutter
You want to start with a clean slate before you start styling your built-in bookshelves and that entails removing anything that doesn’t belong or would be considered “bookshelf” worthy meaning toys, Take everything off the shelves and give them a good dusting. This will help you see the space clearly and give you a fresh start.
Plan a Layout
Before you start adding items back to your shelves, plan out your layout. Consider the height and depth of each shelf and how you can use this space effectively. Think about which items you want to highlight and how you can create a cohesive look throughout the shelves. We advise to start with your larger books as a base and then stack them vertically or horizontally and place smaller books on top to give your shelf some character and movement. This allows you to vary the height and depth of items and create visual interest with placement of decorative objects like a pretty paperweight or other to make your shelves look more dynamic!
Grouping by Color
One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive look on your bookshelves is to group your collection of books and/or magazines by their color. This can be done not only with books but also with colorful decorative objects, and even storage boxes. You can be creative and do a rainbow like effect by grouping items by color while creating a visually pleasing and balanced look.
Whether you’re grouping items by color or varying the height and depth of your items, there are many ways to create a visually interesting and cohesive look on your bookshelves. When planning your layout, it’s important to consider the style and color scheme of the room as a whole. You want your bookshelves to complement the space, not clash with it.
Add Decor & Plants
Decorative objects are a great way to add personality and style to your bookshelves. Mix and match different objects such as family heir looms, vintage pieces, art, vases, sculptures, and picture frames to create a visually interesting and cohesive look. Pay attention to scale of the decor items so you are distributing them evenly on the shelves.
Don’t forget that indoor plants are a great way to add color, life and freshness to your built-in bookshelves. Use small potted plants or even fresh flowers to add a touch of nature to your shelves.
White Space
Less is always best is our motto when it comes to home staging and should be the same when styling your bookshelves. Thus, don’t be afraid to have some negative space which means leaving some areas of the shelves empty to create a more balanced, less cluttered look and be more visually appealing. Negative space can help draw the eye to the items you really want to highlight. To help out think about arranging items in odd numbers to create a more balanced look and leave more visual space to prevent clutter. Above all else, be sure to take a step back and edit as you go.
Add Lighting
Lighting can be a great way to highlight your built-in bookshelves and create a more dramatic effect. Consider adding built-in lighting or even using small lamps to illuminate your shelves. Finding one-of-a-kind lights is the perfect way to transform your boring bookcases into the centerpiece of a room. Try adding LED strips for that luminous glow. All it takes is peeling off the adhesive backing, cutting the strip to your desired size, and sticking it to the periphery of your bookshelf. It’ll almost be like your shelf is the light.
Mix Old & New
Mixing old and new items is a great way to add character and personality to your built-in bookshelves. Use antique or vintage items alongside new ones to create a look that’s both timeless and modern. Mixing old and new items is a great way to add character and personality to your built-in bookshelves. Antique or vintage items can add a sense of history and charm, while new items can add a modern and fresh touch. When mixing items, be sure to consider their scale and color to create a cohesive look.
Play with Texture
Texture is an important element when styling bookshelves. Use items with different textures, such as woven baskets, metallic objects, or even items with a rough texture, to add depth and interest to your shelves. The mix of textures can make your shelves feel more tactile and visually interesting. If you want a more neutral and boho look that shows natural texture then you can turn the books the other direction so you see the pages side instead of the binder side which displays a more industrial style look as well.
In conclusion, styling bookshelves can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can de-clutter, get organized and create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your own personal style.
