Ideas to Spruce up a Bookshelf With More Than Just Books
Bookshelves may be an obvious place to store your favorite beach reads and photo albums, but when styled appropriately, they can also become a valuable feature that adds beauty and function to nearly any area of your home. If decorating your bookshelf to look like it came straight out of a magazine seems complicated, don’t fret. Fortunately, decorating a bookcase or two like a professional designer is much simpler than it may appear. With the right accessories and a few simple tips, you can put together a stylish bookshelf. When you’re looking to elevate your ordinary bookshelves, keep these 5 tips in mind from the design experts at Matter Brothers Furniture in Naples.
Start With an Empty Shelf
Before you start rearranging items on your bookshelf, it’s best to remove everything that you’re currently storing on it. That’s right, empty it completely. The goal is to create a blank slate to build from. Once the shelf is completely empty, separate all of the pieces you removed into categories to give you an idea of what you will be working with. There is no wrong way to go about this, so stick with what feels most comfortable to you. Some options include dividing books by author, genre, size, or even color. Don’t forget to make a section for things that it’s time to donate or throw away. Only the items that are stylish, useful, or meaningful should be allowed to stay.
Be Selective About What Items You Put Back
Even if your bookshelf is large enough to hold all of the items, not everything goes back on it. On the contrary, you should only put back items that will be serving a purpose. If a particular belonging is not earning its keep, store it in a different location or get rid of it. Furthermore, leaving some free space on the shelf is definitely a good idea. By choosing to not fill up the entire bookcase, you’ll effectively draw people’s eyes to the items you choose to display, such as framed photographs and artwork.
Use Books as Decor on a Bookshelf
Sure, bookshelves are ultimately a place to hold books. However, that doesn’t mean that the books can’t add to the overall aesthetic of your room at the same time. By strategically organizing and displaying books thoughtfully, you can effortlessly add color, texture, and dimension. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically for a surprising twist.
- “Color block” books by arranging them according to color (shades of blue together, green together, and so on) for a fun, contemporary vibe.
- Position books with the spines facing the back of the shelf for a clean, neutral effect.
- Pair books together by size; tall books together, short books together, and so on for a clean, orderly result.
Pro-tip: If you do choose to color block your books, separate them by the color of their spine, rather than their cover since that is what you will see on the shelf.
Keep It Interesting
Close up of wooden rack with books in living room
When it’s time to refill your empty bookshelf with books, home decor, and accessories, do so in a zig-zag formation. Begin by putting a large item in the top right corner of the bookcase, such as framed artwork. Next, do the same thing on the opposite corner of the shelf directly underneath it. Continue this process by alternating corners as you work your way down. If you are styling two bookshelves that are side by side, be sure to zig-zag in opposite directions to create contrast and balance. After you’ve found a home for the large items, fill in the remaining spaces with books and smaller decorations.
Pro-tip: choose items of varying sizes and shapes to keep it as interesting as possible. Then, incorporate patterns, colors, and textures that will complement the other decor used in the space. For instance, round items, such as a vase or a globe, would provide a lovely contrast to the straight lines of the bookshelf, while light colors, such as white or yellow, would add a beautiful pop of color against black or dark walnut shelves.
Personalize It
The most attractive bookshelves are the ones that are designed to highlight the taste and interests of the person to whom they belong. With this in mind, don’t forget to decorate your bookcase in a way that emphasizes who you are and what you like. Along with your favorite novels and biographies, displaying family photographs, souvenirs, and other things that bring you joy, such as fresh flowers, can make an ordinary bookshelf the star of the room. It’s important to remember, though, that this process should be enjoyable, not stressful. If you aren’t satisfied with how your shelves look when you’re finished, no problem. Swapping out an accessory or two may be all it takes to achieve a whole new look that you love.
Spruce up Your Bookshelf!
It doesn’t take much to transform an ordinary bookshelf into a gorgeous display. With a strategic plan, creativity, and accessories, enhance any room by simply redesigning your bookcases. For more tips on how to make the most of the bookshelves in your home and everything you need to elevate your Naples living room furniture, Matter Brothers Furniture is here to help. Visit us online today or stop by our convenient Naples furniture showroom to check out our large selection of gorgeous home furnishings and decor. We can’t wait to show you how simple and fun redesigning your home can be!
