Do you have trouble when it comes to styling bookshelves?

Bookshelves work double-duty as storage for books and other items, as well as offering us a place to display our collections and favorite accessories. But they are often an area many homeowners struggle with when it comes to decorating.

Bookshelves give you a chance to express your personality through the things you choose to display on them. The items you display can also be used to bring in color and texture to the room. And that can be accomplished even when the shelves are only holding books. This may sound like a lot to pull off, but it’s really not that difficult. Styling bookshelves and loving the results is a lot easier if you know a few tricks of the trade.

To add to the bookshelf styling tips I’ve previously shared with you, today I have more decorator “secrets” to help you create beautifully arranged bookshelves.

Tips for Styling Bookshelves

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Accessorizing Bookshelves

• Use bookshelves to carry on your color scheme. Unify the room’s overall look by adding accessories that repeat the main colors in the space.
• Use decorative storage boxes and woven baskets to add texture and color to your bookshelves. To make your shelves look more organized and streamlined, use them to keep magazines and paperbacks hidden or for additional storage.
• Sturdy pieces of pottery and heavier accessories can be used as decorative bookends. They add interest and keep books in your display from tipping over.
• Keep things simple by not overloading your shelves with too many accessories. If you have to much on a shelf, it can look cluttered. Sometimes it’s better to let a special object take center stage by placing it on a shelf by itself. It has more impact and draws the eye to it.

Adding Artwork to Bookshelves

• Create a stylish and unexpected display by hanging artwork and other decorative items from the front of bookshelves.
• If you have lots of colorful books and accessories, give the eyes a rest by bringing in some black-and-white artwork to break up all the color.
• Give your display depth by layering pieces of art, framed photos, or decorative plates behind small stacks of books or accessories such as vases and figurines.

Customizing Bookshelves

• When lining up multiple bookshelves with adjustable shelving, vary the heights of the shelves in each unit. This will add movement and visual interest.
• To give bookshelves a sleeker more polished look, add glass doors. The doors are a nice feature and will also help cut down on your dusting.
• Make your built-in bookcases standout by painting the frame and shelves in a contrasting color from the walls. The bolder the contrast, the more dramatic the look. For example, deep navy against white.
• Another option is to paint the back panel of a bookcase in a vibrant color or one that’s a few shades darker than the wall. Everything you display on the shelves will pop against the color.

Styling Bookshelves: Shop the Look

Once you’ve arranged everything on your bookshelves, take time to step back and view your display to see if it’s balanced and visually pleasing. If something doesn’t look quite right, tweak it. Then go back and review it again. Basically, it’s “look – tweak – repeat”, until you are happy with it.

The most important thing to remember when decorating bookshelves or any space is to have fun with it. Get creative with your displays and the bookcase itself. Display what you love and you’ll never tire of it.

If you have any questions or something to share, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a note in the comments

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