A well-styled bookcase can be a stunning focal point in your home, reflecting your personality while adding visual interest. It’s a great way to show off your collections, unique pieces, artworks, books and other fun finds that make your home unique to you.
Here are some insider tips and tricks from from us at c2Design to elevate your bookcase styling game:
8 Tips for How to Style Bookshelves
1. Start with a Foundation of Books
- Arrange by color, size, or genre: Create visual harmony by grouping books by hue or size.
- Stack horizontally and vertically: Mix up orientations to add variety and break monotony.
- Leave some open space: Avoid overcrowding—allow your display to breathe.
2. Mix Art and Accessories Thoughtfully
- Incorporate small art pieces: Framed photos, mini paintings, or decorative prints add personality.
- Vary your accessories: Use candles, sculptures, vintage finds, or plants for texture and interest.
- Create visual balance: Distribute art and accessories evenly across shelves to avoid clutter.
3. Layer with Candles and Lighting
- Use candles to add warmth: Place candles of different heights for a cozy vibe.
- Add lighting: Integrate small LED lights or battery-operated lamps to highlight specific areas.
4. Play with Heights and Shapes
- Vary the height of accessories: Use stands or boxes to elevate smaller items.
- Mix shapes and textures: Combine round, square, and organic forms for visual intrigue.
5. Maintain a Cohesive Color Palette
- Stick to a color theme: Use complementary or monochromatic tones for a polished look.
- Add pops of color: Incorporate small colorful objects to create focal points.
6. Leave Some Negative Space
- Avoid overfilling: Empty space can highlight your favorite pieces and keep the design clean.
- Use gaps intentionally: They help your eye rest and create a balanced aesthetic.
7. Rotate and Refresh
- Change items seasonally: Swap out accessories or art to keep the look fresh.
- Update books and art: Rotate display pieces to reflect new interests or styles.
8. Personal Touches Make a Difference
- Display meaningful objects: Items with personal stories or sentimental value make your space unique.
- Layer items with care: Place smaller objects in front of larger ones for depth.
Final Tip: Remember, styling your bookcase is an art, not a science. Trust your instincts, experiment, and have fun creating a display that truly reflects your style!
Styling Accessories We Love
Here’s a short list of some items we love to use for styling and some ideas to get you started!
1. Moss Balls | 2. Marble Arch | 3. At Home Coffee Table Book | 4. Framed Landscape Art | 5. Gold Knot Sculpture | 6. Bird Sculptures | 7. Walnut Frame | 8. Eat Drink Nap Book | 9. Gold Metal Box Set | 10. Marble Bookends | 11. Ruffle Marble Bowl | 12. La Jolie Muse Candle
We find that a mix of different types of objects with different colors, textures and sizes makes for an interesting and cohesive bookshelf. Stack books or keep them upright with these fun marble bookends. This ruffled bowl is stunning and would look amazing and add such cool shapes to your shelves (or your table!). These gold boxes are perfect for stacking and hiding special photos or postcards, and these Anthro-inspired candles not only smell amazing, but are a great price point. They’ll set the mood and also make for great gifts.
We saved even more of our favorites here and we’re always adding to it, so if you need more inspiration, check our Pinterest board and make sure to follow us!
Need assistance? Let us help!
Reach out if you would like one of our designers to help you style in your home! We can mix current items you have with new pieces to create a cohesive and engaging space that you love!
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