Ever wonder how to style your bookshelves like a designer? Bookshelves can add life and color to a space. They are an intimate cue to your personality and aesthetic and a great opportunity to meld storage with style. We have found that getting the right arrangement is often easier seen than done. We’ve got some simple #KKDL pointers to step up your styling game and make your shelves look Insta-worthy.
Start with books, mixing vertical arrangements with horizontal stacks. Leave some breathing room on shelves for accessories. Edit out the tattered textbooks and paperbacks and just your best hardbacks. With permission of our client, we always remove dust jackets as we like to celebrate the classic look of the color saturated canvas exterior.
Add in eye-catching objects of varying heights to anchor your arrangement—think vases, candlesticks or a piece of sculpture. These pieces can also serve as bookends. We like to group elements of similar colors to help create a cohesive look.
Vary your materials, adding in touches of shimmering metals or translucent glass will lighten-up your look.
Layer in artwork and framed photos. Small paintings placed toward the back of shelves add depth and pattern. Alternatively, hang art right on the bookshelf frame, in front of your books.
Employ decorative boxes or baskets to hide and organize smaller, utilitarian items. These add texture, order and a home for things like tech accessories, votive candles, writing supplies and more.
Place smaller objects atop of stacks of books, or to fill in where needed. This can be anything from a paperweight or framed photo to a bowl or string of beads.
Add in a bit of nature, like plants or a piece of coral or driftwood.
Stand back and assess the overall effect as you arrange. Balance the mix of books and objects, and leave some breathing room so your shelves don’t look cluttered.
