There’s no right or wrong way to style a bookshelf. But that’s the problem isn’t it? 😉 Our brains can’t help themselves; they’re always looking for the “right answer”. When working with design clients, the two most requested areas for decorating help are: styling bookshelves + hanging gallery walls. Today I’m sharing 3 ways to style a bookshelf to hopefully inspire your creativity and give you the confidence to tackle the shelves you’re blessed/cursed to have in your homes. 😉 This is supposed to be FUN, not stressful!
Before we dive in, let’s talk about some general styling tips:
Creating a Color Palette is Always A Good Idea!
Your palette can be as wide or as narrow as you’d like it be, but working within the palette you’ve set forth is your best option for creating a stylish, pulled-together look.
Only Work With What You Love!
Don’t display anything for the sake having something to display. Does that make sense? If the pieces you’re working with aren’t a.) functional b.) sentimental or c.) beautiful – it might be time to, as I like to say, “konmari that stuff”. If it doesn’t bring you joy, let it go to Goodwill. When you style things you LOVE you will always be happier with the end result as opposed to displaying things you’re not that enthused about but are just using because you have them. You get what I’m saying here, right?
Okay, now on to the good stuff! Here are 3 totally different ways to style a bookshelf using things you probably already have around the house! What I love most about bookshelves is that they give you the opportunity to breathe fresh life into a space as often as you’d like!
1. Traditional Library Style
If you’re a book collector or someone who is mainly looking to create a reading library with some stylish flair, you really can’t go wrong with a classic library style.
The key to keeping things interesting here is to play with different positions ~ stack vertically and horizontally. Don’t be afraid to vary the heights and go for a more collected feel. If you’re going book heavy on your shelves, bring in some round accessories to add contrast. Plant life is always a win, as is leaning art and photos.
2. Modern + Color Coded
Some say it’s trendy, I say it’s a fun switch for anyone with a large collection of books. Simply grouping books by color adds a modern vibe. And it’s an especially fun visual in a traditional space.
Create visual flow by balancing the color ~ red rug, red stack of books on the bottom right, red stack on the top left ~ keeps the eye moving.
3. Decor Happy
If you’re using your bookshelves more for display than to create a library, consider turning some books around to have the pages facing outward. This creates a nice backdrop that allows your accessories to shine. The pages add such nice texture, especially so with vintage books.
Make use of trays to corral smaller items, group things in odd numbers, and pepper the color around for a stylish, cohesive look.
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So which style is your favorite? Bookshelves are so fun to restyle every now and again, and it’s always amazing to me how different our living room looks simply by rearranging the books and accessories on these shelves. Isn’t it crazy how different each of the three above images look? Same bookcase, a lot of the same accessories, and yet bam – three totally different looks! It really just goes to show, you don’t necessarily have to bring in new things, you can absolutely create something fresh with the things you already have!
A Few Other Bookshelf Styling Tips:
~ If you’re working in a space with bookshelves that flank a fireplace, tackle them both at the same time.
~ No matter how many books you have to display on your shelves, it’s alway good to start there first. Books makes for great jumping off point. No matter if you’re working with a small stack or a trunk load.
~ Bookshelves and books are linear i.e. straight lines, so consider using round, sculptural pieces to add interest and contrast.
(I still love my Frame TV!)
~ Larger, coffee table type books make great bases/trays to display smaller items.
~ Lean art and photographs in the back and/or in front of books.
~ When you’re styling bookshelves (or really any surface in your home) it’s always good to have lots of options on hand to play with. For shelves, think ~ baskets, vases, artwork, photos, candlesticks, plants, bowls, etc. All the things that fit within your color palette!
~ Last but not least, every inch doesn’t need to be covered. More often than not when I’m working with the clients, the issue is that they have too much stuff displayed. I spend most of my time helping them edit. So think large, not small. And if you have small items, group them into collections or use trays or cloches to gather them.
For more Bookshelf Styling – Check out this video featuring my complete and easy-to-follow 5 Step Process to Styling Bookshelves ~ Click Here!
Happy Styling, Friends!
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Great tips!