In order to give our homes a unique and stylish touch, shelf styling, or shelfie styling as it is more commonly known, is becoming more and more popular.
You can improve your shelfie game from mediocre to amazing with a few easy tips and tricks on what to use and how.
Table of Contents
What You Need
- books (as many or few as you want)
- a few framed photographs or artwork
- some mementos, collections, or meaningful/beautiful objects
- a plant or something natural
Simple Tips For Styling A Bookcase
1. Make It Substantial.
Before you start styling your bookcase, think about where you want to put your shelves and how big they should be for your space. It should be a key component of your style and carry enough significance to be significant. Here’s an idea: placing two identical bookshelves side by side will make the room appear larger and more like built-ins. Alternatively, placing them on either side of a TV or fireplace increases the impact of one main focal point.
2. Keep It From Being Overstuffed.
Even if you have a large collection of books and/or unique trinkets to show off, try to narrow it down to those you truly adore or find another place for some. You should mix books with other decorative items and leave some empty space. Your eyes and brain can only process so much information at once, so they interpret a shelf filled with numerous small items as clutter. You desire that the items on your bookcase be noticed and valued (both by you and others), not passed over.
3. Find A Color Scheme That Works Well Together.
While I’m not advocating that you color your books, try to pick out one or two dominant colors to use repeatedly on the bookcase. Compared to a kaleidoscope of colors, this will be more calming to the eye. If it looks good to you, you might even want to try grouping books by color per shelf. Alternately, you might prefer to use a very neutral, monochromatic design.
4. Ground Your Bookcase.
Place heavier objects, such as boxes, baskets, or a stack of large coffee-table books, at the bottom. The bottom shelves should hold the objects that are the heaviest (both physically and visually).
5. Different Depths And Heights.
Lay out your books horizontally and flat. Place some decorative items more prominently in front and some farther back. Consider placing a small object in front of a photo while leaning it toward the back. Alternately, place two photos on top of each other, one larger than the other. To add height, add a big bowl or vase. Alternatively, arrange some books in a stack and then place something on top. It creates interest and draws the eye when the heights and depths are different.
6. Use Meaningful Items.
Mix in at least one or two sentimental items. Perhaps that is a small work of art or a few pictures of loved ones or friends. Or perhaps it’s a sentimental relic from a memorable excursion or time in your life. Since your attention will be drawn to these, you want them to make you happy.
7. Actually Use Books!
You are not required to do this, but if you want to use your bookshelves for actual book storage, go ahead and do it! Be sure to visually divide the area by stacking some items, laying some flat, and leaning some more. And add a few other inconspicuous trinkets or organic objects for interest. The area becomes more engaging as a result.
8. Have Fun With It
Try something a little unique. Include a simple shelf with one item on it in the mix. Alternately, group several of the same items together to create a captivating focal display. Alternately, flip your books around to create a soothing monochromatic effect. Maybe add a plant or something else from nature on top. As always, include meaningful and/or natural items that you adore in your display.
9. Edit.
Stop now and take a step back while maintaining a critical gaze. Take a picture with your phone’s camera and then examine it through that lens. There’s a good chance you’ll need to cut things down once, twice, or even three or four times. Don’t fill it up too full. However, make sure it’s also evenly distributed. Is there a visual difference that makes one side appear “heavier” than the other? To achieve balance on both sides, reposition a few elements.
10. Let Go Of Perfection.
Your bookshelves belong to you. They don’t need to be worthy of Instagram. Show off your favorite smile-inducing items, and change your displays frequently. Continue working on them. You’ll lead them to a location that makes you happy.
Bookcase Design: How Do You Make It Appear Nice?
Several techniques can be used to make a bookshelf look nice: first declutter the bookcase so that it isn’t over-stuffed. Put the heavier, larger books at the bottom of the bookcase and the lighter, smaller books at the top. Create a neat display by stacking some books on their ends and some on their sides. Leave space so that your books can be displayed alongside accessories. Display books based on their spine colors, and emphasize your bookcase styling by painting the back of the bookcase a darker color as well. These strategies are especially crucial when looking for living room and bedroom bookshelf ideas because both can feel disorganized if left unorganized but can be given new life by being well-organized.
How Do You Set Up A Bookcase Like A Pro?
The pros usually completely empty a bookcase before grouping the items they want to display on the shelves by size or purpose. The lower shelves will hold larger items like books, storage baskets, or even pieces of art, while the upper shelves will hold visually lighter and smaller items. Instead of stacking books on top of accessories, it is worth switching up the displays so that accessories are positioned above and below a line of books. This will give the staging of your bookcase some pace.