How to Style a Bookshelf
The foolproof formula for a well-designed display.
To design enthusiasts, using a bookcase solely for its namesake purpose—to house books—is a missed opportunity to add a dose of personality to your space. From pops of color to decorative accents, here are four easy tweaks to transform your bookshelf from a practical piece into a stylish showcase of your favorite collections.
Set the scene.
To make even the most utilitarian of shelves stand out, line the back of the bookcase with wallpaper (fabric, contact paper, and paint work, too). Have a bookcase with open-back shelving? Use a razor to carefully cut a piece of cardboard or foam-core to the shape of the bookcase, then simply cover it with your pattern or paint of choice.
Choose a color scheme.
When grouping together items in close quarters, like on a bookcase, stick to a set color palette. This will ensure your styling efforts look cohesive, not cluttered.
Hit the books.
The key to arranging books is variety: Try out different orientations—stack a few books horizontally and set others vertically—or allow a few books to lean and some to stand upright. Resist the urge to pack in the entire bestsellers list, and instead, aim to fill up about one-third of the shelf space.
Layer in accents.
Use the remainder of the shelf space to add in accent pieces like bookends, clocks, photo frames, and vases, varying the scale of the objects you choose to add balance. If you have a large piece to display, consider giving it a shelf of its own to visually break up the bookshelf.
