Last fall I was invited to teach a class on bookshelf styling at my local West Elm. As nervous as I was to take my dog and pony show on the road 😉 it was an absolute blast! In this decorating class I shared my super simple 5 step process to styling bookshelves.
Many of you that aren’t Charleston, SC locals reached out to ask if I would be sharing what I taught in that class here on the blog. But I just knew that this particular content would be better shared via video. It’s just easier to hear and see what I’m talking about rather than reading. Admittedly, it’s taken me a while to get my act together, but today I’m excited to share that I’ve finally condensed the class into a short, but easy to follow video! So without further ado……
A Few Styling Tips to Keep in Mind
1. One of the biggest misses made when people are styling shelves in their homes is having too many “too small” items. The best thing to do with all those smaller pieces is to corral them with baskets or trays. That will give them more visual weight and keep your shelves from looking cluttered. It’s also a good idea to think big when you’re shopping for accessories. Large pieces ground the overall look really well.
2. Leaning is good! Layering art in the back or in the front of a stack of books adds interest and personality.
(3. Visual triangles keep the eye moving and help to create a cohesive look.
4. Plant life is always a big YES! Whether real or faux, greenery is a bookshelf’s best friend.
5. Last but not least, bookshelf styling is supposed to be FUN! So don’t overthink your decorating too much. Just go with what looks good to YOU, and be sure to enjoy the creative process!
Let me know in the comments section if you have any questions!
Love all the tips! I have the same bookcases but a window in the center of mine giving me more narrow shelves on the L and R side of the window —on both sides (more like cubbies…. ) so like only 1 thing fits in each….. would you follow the same rule of thumb?