A bookshelf can reveal a lot about a person.
Beyond just what you’ve been reading, a bookshelf can showcase mementos, family pictures, knick-knacks you’ve picked up over the years, and your approach to your home.
Your bookshelf can serve as the focal point in any room. If it’s positioned at the end of a hallway, it can be the piece that draws all eyes to it. In your bedroom, it can take the place of art or posters. When your bookshelf is positioned in your living room it can be a talking point and inspire your interior design.
In a nutshell, styling your bookshelf should be an adventure. And the importance of doing it right shouldn’t be understated. Here are 6 tips to get you started.
1. Start with the
books
While a bookshelf definitely adds to the aesthetic appeal of your space, it still serves a practical purpose. That’s why, when it comes to styling your bookshelf, you should start with the books.
Not only is this functionally appropriate, but it’s also likely to be among the heaviest items you need to place. By arranging your books first, you can decide whether you’re arranging them by weight, with the heavier volumes supporting the slim paperbacks, or by color. You can also determine whether you want to place them upright or stack them horizontally.
However you choose to approach this step will also show you how much room you have to style your bookshelf, which makes it a great place to start.
2. Get creative with
your bookends
While bookends used to be all the rage, they have been phased out for the most part in favor of more modern alternatives.
Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find bookends on the shelves you come across. But they do add personality to your home. If you have a taste for the quirky, a stylized bookend may be just what you’re after.
Alternatively, you can use more stacks of books or heavy ornaments to keep your books upright on your shelf.
3. Add texture
Styling your bookshelf just right can be a feast for the eyes. Experimenting with textures can help you capitalize on this visual feast.
Don’t be afraid to place varying textures of book spines together. Place some colorful ceramics to bring some shine to your shelf. Add a picture frame, or family heirloom to personalize the space. You can even stack some vinyl records to add to your shelf. The options are truly endless when it comes to scattering accent pieces across your bookshelf!
Make the most of your bookshelf by mastering the depth of your shelves. Place larger items towards the back of the shelf and smaller, decorative items at the front to display them both ideally.
4. Leaf it out
Some leafy or cascading houseplants are a timeless addition to your shelves. A touch of green breathes life into your shelf and can make your space more refreshing and relaxing to be in. By choosing a brass, clay, or painted pot you also add more texture to your shelf.
This purpose can even be served with a flower vase. A vase can keep your bookshelf looking and smelling great, while letting you subtly renew the look of your shelves every few weeks with fresh flowers.
5. Less is more
A cluttered bookshelf can seem like a romantic way to add a whimsical touch to your home, but it can be difficult to maintain. It can also be challenging to strike the right balance between a happy clutter and a messy space.
Make sure all your items have space to breathe on your bookshelf. When you space everything out, you’ll find it much easier to navigate your shelf, find things, and add to your shelf over time.
6. Change it up!
Sure you may decorate your bookshelf and love it for now, but remember that your bookshelf can evolve with you.
Whether this means finding slots to add new books to your collection, or just rearranging your shelf, you’ll never grow tired of finding new ways to style your bookshelf. Make it the talking point it has the potential to be by switching it up whenever inspiration strikes.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or not, a bookshelf is a great addition to your home.
Before you go, tell us what’s on your bookshelf in the comments below!