No-Fail Tips for Styling a Bookcase
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Do you have a bookcase or shelving unit in your home that just never seems to look “right”? Well, you’re in luck today because I’m walking you through my no-fail tips for styling a bookcase. Through this process, I’m also going to show you how I decorated one of my bookcases.
No-Fail Tips for Styling a Bookcase:
I do follow a few “rules” when it comes to getting the look I want in a bookcase/shelving unit. Here are the elements I keep in mind: function, color, shape, texture, spacing, botanical, bling, and personal.
I know this may seem like a lot, but each aspect is important. Once I explain things a bit, I’m sure it will make sense. I’ve snapped some pictures of a bookcase in my apartment to walk you through the process. Let’s do this!
My Go-To Styling Tips:
Function – Decide what you need your shelving to do.
I wanted to use this bookcase for storing books and miscellany. It’s close to my kitchen so it needs to double as a wine rack. My overall goal is to balance storage and décor.
Color – Stay within your color palette.
Here I used greens, teals, and blues. These are the colors I have in the rest of the room. I pulled in neutrals as well (black, white, and wood) because they coordinate with details in the space.
Shape – Use a variety of shapes to create balance and interest.
A bookcase full of square items is probably going to be a bit boring. To break up the sharp lines of my bookcase, I added elements with different shapes – my bunch of grapes, tree sculpture, and round pots and vases. This keeps things interesting!
Texture / Pattern – Bring in multiple ones to enhance visual appeal
Things like plants, baskets, and wood are great for adding texture. Incorporate them throughout your bookcase to create different surfaces.
Spacing – Leave some empty space.
It’s the difference between collected and cluttered. Allowing room between the items is better than cramming in too much. When a piece can breathe, it can stand out.
Botanical – Include flowers and plants to complete a space.
If you ever look at a shelving unit and think it’s missing something try adding a plant or fresh cut flowers. A botanical element is a natural way to finish off any space.
Bling – Add something that sparkles – glass, metallic, mirrors, crystals, etc.
Finally, every space needs a little bling. Add something metallic or another item that reflects light (like my vintage bunch of grapes). Touches like these will instantly give your bookcase life and movement.
And voila! Your bookcase went from drab to fab in seven simple steps! I hope these ideas are helpful.
As always, Happy Decorating!
Lovely except my bookcase needs to be used as a…bookcase. I did try to incorporate these ideas into one of them, though.
Thanks for the great ideas! I’m going to apply your tip on leaving space between decor. That’s exactly what my mantel needs! Also, where did you find your Pray for Peace picture? Such a great reminder…
Thanks,
Patti
Thank you! I believe it was from Lindsay Letters.
xo Michael
I really enjoyed your design tips and used them to redecorate a space in my home. I have also used your tips on flower arrangements, mantel decorating, christmas tree garland and lots of your recipes – especially for entertaining at Christmas!
So kind of you to say Holly! Thank you!
xo Michael
Oh the grapes bring back memories of my childhood. My mothers were an orange/red/yellow color but just like these. Nice job of restyling the bookcase! I really don’t have time to read it all but I’ll get back to it when I can..🙁
Why are some of the book binding facing the wall?
Looks great but just wondering why? Were they no in the color sceme?
LOOKS GREAT! I really like the wine rack on the bottom.
always a good idea, would also like to add some textures images Seems like it would make the design more finished and better quality. That’s why it’s worth taking a few confident steps toward design in general
Dear Michael,
Where did you get the wine rack/basket?
Angie
HomeGoods 🙂
xo Michael
Michael, this is such good advice and could help lots of people I know. I especially like what you say about spacing since people can tend to clutter the shelves. Someone told me once that 1/3 decor, 1/3 books and 1/3 open space can be nice. I tend to agree.
Michael, Excellent article. Straight forward and yet stylized. You’re a master designer in a world of self proclaimed stagers. Really enjoy your writing. Keep it up!
I was happy to to see the bunch of grapes. My mother back in the late60’s made several bunches of these grapes. She made red and one exactly like the bunch on your bookcase. Brings back memories of her being crafty.
Very useful, valuable information on styling but WHERE do you keep all your books if not on the bookcase? I love all the design details but have a great collection of books and not sure how to implement all this? Looks like there are only about 10 books on this “bookshelf.” I hope this does not sound snarky. It is certainly not meant to be. Just an honest question of how to store books and still look nice. I enjoy all your posts and always learn something!
This is really attractive but where do I put all of my books? You have about 10 books total on this lovely bookshelf. Most of us have many more favorites so maybe a post on what to do with your books. I give away the ones I don’t want and store the ones I don’t think I need but there are so many I like to have at hand. Thanks!!
….I tried to delete this comment after I read it because I didn’t want to sound critical. You actually have 14 books displayed and it’s very nice.
Not critical at all. I have another bookcase in my office that is full of books. This is just more decorative. However, you could certainly add more books to this type of styling if you wish. This is just a guide. I always recommend making it your own too.
xo Michael
Hi, i loved the trees the first time I saw them but I can not find the post to locate the source. What etsy shop did you find them?
Thank you, Sherry
“Your apartment”. do you have 2 residences or is this an older post? Don’t tell me you’ve moved from your gorgeous home?!
This is an older post. I found it as a “draft” in my posts and realized I never posted it. Ack!
I still think the advice is applicable (regardless of where you live), so I figured I would publish it.
Thanks for asking!
Michael
This is very useful! Where did you get the tree sculpture?
I found it years ago on Etsy.
xo Michael
I found it. 2of2goods Etsy