Today’s blog, like many, is brought to you because I am in the midst of designing and styling our newly built and installed floating shelves in our living room! I promise I will be sharing the entire living room update VERY soon. But let’s get back to today’s subject, which made me realize how difficult it can be to find balance when styling a bookcase. I am sharing my “how-to” styling guide to design your bookcase like a pro. Of course, I will share some of my personal favorites too.
MY FAVORITE BOOKCASES
Over the past decade, bookcases have transformed from your basic bookcase to a piece of art that can be the focal point in your room. They are no longer solely used for housing your book collection, now the right bookcase (or etagere) can be a true piece of art telling your story. Options are endless, so before you begin your search start by considering why you are looking for this particular piece and what it will function as. You want to look for a bookcase that is consistent with your overall design atheistic but also has balance and scale that will fit perfectly into your space. I have put together a little compilation of my favorite bookcases and etageres.
STYLING YOUR BOOKSHELVES LIKE A PRO
To begin the designing/styling process, you want to consider your design aesthetic and overall home color pallet, creating a cohesive look and feel with the rest of your home. When designing bookshelves or bookcase, there are seven design factors I want to present.
Add Height and Dimension
Consider scale when adding height to your bookshelf. Steer clear of placing all of your tall vases or large objects in one area. It is essential to distribute the height of the pieces your use throughout your shelves. This will keep your eye moving and let the shelves balance one another out. I also like to offset precisely where I place objects. Instead of placing all items directly in the center of the shelf, move things around. Have some items near the front of the shelf while others or situated further back. Layer it!
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Layer in Collections
The most important pieces are the ones that hold meaning. Personalize your shelf by showcasing your prized collections. Old books, family portraits, Grandma’s favorite teacup, souvenirs, etc. These are your personal pieces of priceless art, don’t hide them. Make sure not to overcrowd any one shelf, if you do, your beloved items will get lost in the overall picture.
Incorporate Greenery
I add greenery to every bookcase I design. It brings an organic texture, color, and brightness to the shelf.
Staggering Heights
Create small vignettes within the bookcase by adding pieces of varying heights, never placing two objects of the exact height next to each other.
Highlight Books
Stack books horizontally and vertically. If you aren’t in love with the color scheme of your book covers/binding opt for a more uniform look and showcase your books with pages facing outward.
Accent Objects
When grouping and layering objects do so in odd numbers with varying heights mixing items both vertically and horizontally adding dimension to your shelf.
Additional Storage
Storage boxes can appear to be decorative, but they also can serve a purpose. They are also great for anchoring the shelves by adding in these larger items. It is almost unavoidable to have a need for something practical yet not so beautiful that it needs to be stored on the shelf. Stick those items (remotes, office items, paperwork, etc.) inside the decorative boxes that are easily accessible. Creating extra storage but also simplifies the shelf. Baskets are great to use for those extra pillows or must-have throw blankets.
A few lasting rules to consider when designing and styling your bookcase. Do not run out and buy a bunch of random accessories to fill this space. I am repeating to make sure you heard me DO NOT run to the store! You most likely already have items around your home you can utilize. Rarely do I get everything placed precisely right the first time. Your goal is to create balance on your shelves, and that can take MANY, MANY redo’s. Style, edit and keep editing until you get the result you are looking. In no time, you will have a styled bookcase that looks like a pro designed for you.
