Bookshelf Styling: It does work!
Bookshelf styling? What is that? Well it is one of the up and coming terms used to describe the arrangement of items on a bookshelf. Bookshelf styling involves making the bookshelves have more visual interest for the eye. Bookshelves are just not for books anymore, nor do they need to be a catchall and cluttered mess. They are styled with a variety of objects to create a cohesive design to complement the existing room. Now bookshelf styling does have some dos and don’ts with it all. I’m going to share with you ways to get your home to have your bookshelf upgraded in no time! Let me tell you just a few that I use when I am working on bookshelves in my projects!
Start with a clean slate. Take everything off the bookshelves when you begin. By taking everything off the shelves, you will create less of that overwhelmed feeling and will be able to see all that you have that you could possibly include back on the shelves.
Leave space to display alongside books. As I stated earlier, bookshelves are not just for books anymore. So go ahead and put some books on, but don’t make it all just books. Create some space between the books and other items on the shelf.
Apply a color scheme to shelves. I love this. I use this often in my shelves. Place like colored items together on the shelves. This trick helps create a sense of calmness in the room by not being too busy with too many colors on a shelf.
Display books creatively. You don’t need to have just books on a shelf that are upright with the spines facing out. That’s boring. You can stack books horizontally to create a bookend for a few books that are standing upright. Or stacked horizontally in the center of the shelf with a piece of decor on top and on either side. Or you can display books so that they are propped open upright on the shelf with the cover displayed. Kind of like what you saw in the library when you were a kid and would go to check out picture books and the librarians had all the books shown on the top of the bookcases. Piles of books helps to create dimension and attracts the eye.
Display books by weight. This means just what it says. Place heavier books on the bottom and lighter books towards the top shelves. This helps to create a balanced look on the shelves.
Showcase accessories with books. You can include decorative pieces of decor on the shelves sprinkled in with the books on the shelves.
Not just for books. You don’t need to have books to style a bookshelf. I’ve seen and done many a bookshelves, where it’s just decor and accessories out in view.
Do not fill. Don’t go and overstuff the bookshelves wherever you have any open space exposed. It’s ok to have some empty areas mixed in with the decor and books. Declutter and don’t make it be a catch all of things too! Style with the “less is more” motto in mind. Incorporate plants. A little greenery jumbled in the bookshelves helps to add life to the area and warm it up. It also is a different type of texture on the shelf apart from the decor and books, so helps to add visual interest.
I hope these few tips help you with getting your bookshelf to looking amazing! Don’t stress or feel overwhelmed with it. Every bookshelf is different based on what is on hand. So don’t rush out and buy things. Look around for decor or books that would look great on those shelves! It’s a clean slate for you to be creative with! The possibilities are endless. So go get to styling those bookshelves!
Join me next week for an overview on the basics of paint!
