Style Your Bookshelves Like The Designers Do

February 24th, 2010 at 4:54 pm

I recently tweeted (follow us on Twitter) about “Designer Ideas for Styling a Bookshelf” and got a huge response.  The overwhelming interest made me think that maybe this topic needed a little blog time also.  So here you go:

 

Styling a bookshelf, big or small, is a balancing act between objects, books, colors and space.  Here are some hints and tips for styling your bookshelves like the pros do:

 

• Stack books both vertically and horizontally
• Mix up your hardcover books with your paperbacks and your dust jacketed books for interest

• Books stacked vertically don’t have to be in descending order by size – mix it up for a “flow” look
• If you are going to fill and entire shelf with books, place it at the bottom of the display – otherwise your bookshelf might look top heavy
• Add decorative items among the books to break up the look
• If you shelves are deep, layer your items with photo frames, decorative items stacked on horizontal books or a piece of art behind some smaller objects
• If possible, paint the back of your bookshelf a contrasting color for added interest

• Group objects that relate to one another whether it be in color, shape or theme

 

Most important – if it doesn’t look right, just keep moving things around.  Eventually you will find the right look.

 

Images (in order of appearance): www.bhg.com, www.southernliving.com

 

 

Dining In The Round - Fine Table Linens & Accessories for every dining occasion