Designer Tips

5 Steps to Style Your Bookshelves!

Decorating a chic and stylish bookshelf is often a major design challenge. And we totally get it. It can be overwhelming and difficult to style your bookshelf without making it look cluttered and unorganized. Styling the perfect bookshelf is more than just a matter of trial and error. We’ve compiled these simple tips and tricks to style a tasteful and artful bookshelf!

#1 Pretty Books: Sometimes it’s okay to judge a book by its cover! Some books are so beautiful; they are meant to be admired just like a piece of art. Pick out a few hard cover books that stand out. (Interior design books and fashion books are great.) If new hardback books aren’t in the budget, try wrapping them in beautiful paper. For a more neutral and cohesive look, wrap your books in linen, or plain craft paper. You could also turn your books with the pages facing out to create a similar color scheme amongst all of your books.

Via SSPrintShop

Via SSPrintShop

Via MyDomaine.com

Via MyDomaine.com

Pages facing out via Apartment 34

Pages facing out via Apartment 34

Via Madebykatyblog.blogspot.com

Via Madebykatyblog.blogspot.com

#2 Decorative Objects & Collectibles: Neutral accessories are timeless and provide more styling options than crazy, colorful pieces (although it’s fine to slip in a few colorful objects for wow factor). Display a collection of the same or similar items for a cohesive look. Decorative boxes are the perfect shelf accessory. Not only are they great for hiding away clutter and storing little treasures, they add texture and depth to your shelves. Vases, jugs, and bowls also make great accents for your bookshelves.

Via awelldressedhome.com

Via awelldressedhome.com

Via HGTV

Via HGTV

Via Sims Hilditch

Via Sims Hilditch

Via Apartment 34

Via Apartment 34

#3 Picture Frames: Personalize your bookshelf with pictures or framed artwork. You want to tell a story with your pictures, while still keeping it simple. Choose simplistic shapes and colors (We love the simplicity of rectangle and circle frames in gold or silver). Stagger your frames and objects, layering them in front of each other to create depth!

Via BlogLovin'

Via BlogLovin’

Via Meyer Interiors

Via Meyer Interiors

frames

 

#4 Greenery: Bring a burst of life to your bookshelf with some eco-chic greenery! Faux plants are great because they grab your attention without requiring your attention…and they last forever!

Succulent plants are great if you prefer live plants because they do great with little to no maintenance and we love that they come in different sizes, shapes, and colors! They have an awesome selection of every shape and size at Joss & Main.

Terrariums add a super chic and modern feel to your bookshelf while brightening up the space with exotic botanicals. Check out these trendy geo terrariums at World Market

Via Love Grows Wild

Via Love Grows Wild

Via The Creativity Exchange

Via The Creativity Exchange

Via LifeonVirginiaStreet.com

Via LifeonVirginiaStreet.com

#5 Sculpture and Shape: 

When choosing accent pieces for your shelves, it is important to layer the heights on each shelf to add visual interest. Shelves that are really tall need taller items in them so that it does not look like something is missing. You can even place smaller items on top of a stack of books to add some height where it is needed. Uniquely shaped sculptures and abstract objects help break up the straight, repetitive lines of the shelves. We love the look of funky geometrical shapes, like these!

Via House of Jade Interiors

Via House of Jade Interiors

That sculptural starburst is great because it introduces height and an irregular shape. Scoop one up here! 

Via Apartment 34

Via Apartment 34

Check out these awesome sculptural objects from AllModern

Untitled presentation (2)

Now you’re ready to style any bookshelf in the house like a pro! But, if you want to make it really easy on yourself, let our professional interior designers accessorize your shelves with products that are handpicked for YOUR style and budget in only 3 business days! Our virtual design services start at just $49.95, so get started today! Whether your room needs a simple refresh, or a complete overhaul, we can make your Pinterest dreams a reality! 

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions and recommendations are our own.



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