Bookshelf styling seems like a task no mortal should attempt. After all, only a design pro knows how to get all the accessories, baskets, and books to look well-coordinated and visually appealing on a wall or shelving unit. The rest of us are resigned to jamming all our stuff up there however we can get it to fit — no finesse at all, right? Nope. Totally wrong. We all should feel empowered to do some professional-grade shelf-styling too.
Professional interior designers employ a number of tricks to make sure shelves are as pretty as they are purposeful. For example, bookshelves and floating shelves should have a set color scheme. Mixing textures and adding metallic elements are just a couple tricks pros use to make shelves stand out. Containers, such as glass jars and baskets, can organize and hide away smaller items. Plus, making sure accessories are in a color that stands out against the wall or back of the shelf is really key.
There are also some clever ways to get books to look more cohesive on the shelf (one is a teensy bit controversial though, so be prepared to love it or hate it).
We've got more on these secrets to perfect bookshelf styling. Plus, tons of photos of the most gorgeously arranged shelving units out there. Don't think of this as an organizing chore — think of it as a fun decorating project!
Color-Coordinate Shelves
One of the easiest ways to keep shelving style consistent is to carry out a color scheme as shown on Pretty Providence. Use art, books, vases and other touches in variations on the same shade. So many ways to say turquoise!
Turn Book Spines Out
Books belong on shelves, naturally. But if they're looking too sloppy as is, try turning book spines out as demonstrated on MyDomaine for a more unconventional (not to mention slightly mysterious) effect. Some book lovers will loathe this idea but those who want to keep the colors on their shelves in neutral tones will love it.
Store Items in Baskets
Shelves can be used for storage without looking messy and chaotic. Just put smaller items in matching storage baskets as displayed on 12th and White, and try keeping them on the lower shelves, so prettier things are closer to eye level.
Mix and Match Shelf Accessories
As long as it fits in with the overall theme, nothing is really off limits in terms of eclectic accessories (as this mix of items from Amber Interiors prove). Vases, initial letters, picture frames, and decorative objects can all share shelf space. Experiment with different combinations in various sections until it feels right.
Be Picky About Books
Just because it's a best-seller doesn't mean it's going to fit into the shelving design scheme. Use books of the appropriate color and size for the shelf you're decorating, as recommended by DIY Playbook (even if they were bought from thrift stores and library sales for their color and size, not their content).
Use Natural Materials on Shelves
Stick to accents made with natural materials as shown on Love Grows Wild (wood, bamboo, plants) for an eco-friendly but fashionable result.
Lean Larger Items on Shelves
An all-important style element: what's referred to on Just a Girl and Her Blog as "leaners" (larger objects that lean against the wall and fill the back layer of the shelves). Good options include framed art or photographs and wreaths.
Create Balance When Styling a Shelf
Grouping items by size and shape is a foolproof way to create balance, as described on Making Joy and Pretty Things.
Use 50 Shades of Gray on Shelves
Stay cool and neutral by limiting shelves to shades of gray (as demonstrated by Coco Lapine Design). Ideal for a home office or anywhere else that needs to be Zen-like.
Stick With One Subtle Accent Color
For the home decor maven who wants to stay mostly neutral but needs a little something extra, pick one subtle accent color like the light green shown on Made By Katy. Bonus points if the accent color happens to be one that can be found in the produce aisle (example: the bowl of green apples in this pic).
Use Book Stacks as Platforms
It's almost like shelf sculpture: Make stacks of books and magazines to use as platforms for objects like plants and knickknacks as seen on Jungalow.
Group Shelf Items in Threes
A great insider tip from professional designers is to create vignettes in threes, according to Apartment 34. In this example, bowls, vases, candles — and yes, even books! — were grouped in trio format (quite successfully!).
Wallpaper the Backs of Shelves
An easy first step that makes all the difference is to wallpaper the backs of shelves before filling them, as recommended by designer Ashlina Kaposta in a Dallas News article.
Add Extra Space With DIY Floating Shelves
Have a bit of empty wall in need of shelves? Handy types can make these DIY floating shelves from Thrifty & Chic without too much effort or cash: Two can be built for about $10 with a little bit of wood, some nails, and a hot glue gun.
Leave Some Shelf Space Empty
Resist the temptation to fill every spot on the shelves. As these shelves from Mix & Match Design prove, plenty of white space maintains a minimalist sense of order.
Remove Some Shelves from Bookcases
If bookcases are bordering on boring, take some shelves away to make space for taller items and to diversify their appearance (as demonstrated on Finding Home Farms).
Repeat Elements to Create Shelf Style
Create the illusion of harmony and consistency by repeating decorative accents and elements — think frames and baskets — as seen on House by Hoff.
Put the Biggest Books on the Bottom
Avoid top heaviness by filling the bottom shelves with the biggest books, boxes, and vases, according to Style by Emily Henderson.
Spread Out Shelf Accents
To really make shelves pop, spread out accent items as shown on Up to Date Interiors (particularly those with similarities such as the same finish or theme).
Add Some Shine to Shelves
There's literally nothing a little bit of glitz can't improve, which is why metallic tones like gold, silver, and even mirrors make shelves, like these by Monique McHugh, absolutely glamourous.
Layer Items for Depth
Give shelves a sense of depth by layering shorter things in front of taller things, says Finding Silver Linings.
Shop at Home for Shelf Accessories
Sure, it's always great to have an excuse to scroll through Amazon or some such for irresistible additions to shelves, but it's oftentimes just as easy — and cheaper! — to find treasures "shopping" at home (like, in the back of the closet or that forgotten box in the basement) as suggested by The Sweetest Digs.
Experiment with Texture on Shelves
A fun way to add complexity while styling a shelf is by experimenting with different textures, as shown on Centsational Style: A variety of materials and finishes are more interesting to the eye.
Go Green on Shelves
Liven shelves up (literally) with the addition of lots of greenery as shown on Style Curator. Love those cascading vines!
Use an All-White Color Scheme
Yes, doing the all-white thing can be scary when there are little ones afoot. Still, for a clean, bright look, stick to white as the main theme color for perfectly styled shelves, as shown on Fashion Jazz.
Do Minimalist Bookshelf Styling
No need to cram stuff into every space — just check out these sparsely filled but still visually compelling shelves from Amber Interiors.
Incorporate Glass Jars on Shelves
Cheap but classic and versatile, glass jars filled with everything from sugar to dried flowers are ideal for kitchen shelves (like these on Jenna Sue Design).
Use Uniform Containers on Shelves
Much sleeker and chicer than putting bottles with non-matching labels up on a shelf, switch spices to matching clear containers to display alongside matching sets of dishes, glasses and the like.
Follow a Formula for Styling Shelves
As Driven by Decor shows, certain combinations of items create compelling vignettes. For example: books plus a bookend next to a filled bowl, or a plant plus two ornamental objects.
Decorate With Meaningful Letters and Numbers
These DIY pipe shelves from Unoriginal Mom might be a bit of a challenge to build, but the addition of oversized decorative (and probably meaningful) letters and numbers is a trend anyone can replicate.
Use a Travel Theme for Shelves
Feed the family wanderlust with shelving accessories like cool globes, vintage license plates and maps.
Make a Photo a Centerpiece
Once upon a time, people did more with photos than just scroll through them on their phones. Go old school and get some favorites printed and framed. Shelves filled with framed photos (as shown on House of Harper) make the most of those gorgeous shots.
Decorate With a Contrasting Color That Pops
A few brightly colored and patterned accessories really pop against a black background, as Decor Pad demonstrates.
Accent With Black, White and Wood
Stick with black, white and a bit of light wood — as shown here on The Little Design Corner — and shelves turn into instant modern art.
Purge Pantry of Boxes and Bags
Get rid of all those unsightly cereal boxes and flour bags and put their contents into cute, vintage-looking containers for pantry shelves guests are allowed to see.
Stay Inside a Single Shade Spectrum
These sculptural pink shelves from Domino might look complicated, but achieving the effect isn't quite as difficult a process as it might seem … and how beautiful! (Find instructions here.)
Put Dishes on Display
Got great plates? Don't hide that carefully chosen china away in the cupboard; instead, put dishes on display as shown on Liz Marie Burger.
Streamline With Storage on Bottom Shelves
Using larger, matching storage containers on lower shelves like these bins on The Mountain View Cottage is a good way to get smaller items and/or those that are potentially not as visually pleasing contained and out of view.
Style Shelves With Contrasting Shapes
To create contrast as shown on these shelves from Style by Emily Henderson, think of every shelf as holding a different shape and arrange objects accordingly (a cylinder, a rectangle, a square, etc.).
Bring the Beach Vibe to Shelves
Of course these coastal-styled bookshelves from Artsy Chicks Rule would be amazing in a summer home, but sea-themed accessories (like shells, coral and tropical blue glass jars) could make every day in any house feel like a staycation.
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