Design Tips to Style a Bookcase
Styling a bookcase is one of the easiest, fastest and affordable ways of updating the look of a room.
Bookcases are not only for displaying books but are also a wonderful way to display family photos, original art, travel treasures and other personal items. Depending on the room (family room, office, bedroom or living room), a bookcase can be styled and utilized accordingly. For example, if the bookcase is in a living room then it might be best to showcase original art, sculpture or interesting pieces versus if it were in a family room where one could display family photos and personal objects.
Here are some simple tips on how to style a bookcase.
A Fresh Start
Start by removing all the items from your shelves.
Group Similar Items
Once all the items are off the shelves, start grouping them either by theme or color. The book case below styled by Evars & Anderson Interior Design team groups large vases in green and white color scheme together for an impactful display. This is perfect for a living room area.
Add a Splash of Color or Geometric Pattern
I love using either a bold splash of color, a darker shade of color or a patterned wallpaper at the back of the bookshelves for visual interest. This gorgeous bookcase by decorator, Samantha Pynn is backed with Schumacher’s Imperial Trellis.
Mix Heights
Add objects of different heights for visual appeal and make sure to arrange your books vertically and horizontally to break up a monotonous look.
This book case style by Tim Barber Interior Design Firm showcases this well.
Make it Personal
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. Here is an example of beautiful bookcase in a family room that showcase more decorative objects than books.