How to Style and Decorate Bookshelves
Interior Design & Photography: Amber Interiors
Bookshelves can serve as more than just storage for your favorite books. With some creativity and personalization, your bookshelves can become a focal point of a space, offering an opportunity to display your favorite items while adding character to your home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to style and decorate your bookshelves to achieve a fun and elevated look:
Declutter and Organize
Begin by removing all items from the shelves and thoroughly cleaning the space.
Sort through your books and belongings, setting aside any items you no longer need or want to display.
anchor with books
Arrange your books in a combination of both vertical and horizontal stacks to create visual interest.
Play with alternating the placement of books and incorporating decorative bookends to keep them neatly organized.
layer with decorative objects
Introduce a variety of decorative objects such as sculptures, vases, or framed artwork to add texture and dimension. You can lean artwork against the back of a shelf or even hang a small frame on the front of the shelves, in between shelves.
Experiment with different heights and shapes to create a balanced and visually appealing display.
add personal touches
Infuse your shelves with personal mementos, such as framed photographs, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms, to showcase your unique personality and experiences.
I love adding a small trinket box or bowl of mementos such as matches from favorite restaurants and hotels.
balance and symmetry
Maintain a sense of balance by evenly distributing objects of varying heights and sizes throughout the shelves.
Achieve symmetry by mirroring the arrangement of objects on both sides, while allowing for some subtle asymmetry to maintain an organic feel.
Opt for a cohesive color palette with similar colors used on each shelf or every other shelf.
incorporate greenery
Add potted plants or fresh flowers to bring a touch of nature into your space. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also create a sense of life and freshness and they add an organic element.
By following these steps, you can transform your bookshelves into a stylish and curated display that not only showcases your love of books but also reflects your personality and interests.
If you need some pieces to add to your bookshelves, here are some great options:
Need help with sourcing some decor for your bookshelves? Fill out an inquiry form and let's see how we can work together.
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