7 Secrets to a Perfectly Styled Bookcase

I always say that good design is all in the details and sometimes it can be difficult to get the little details just right. This is especially true when it comes to styling a bookshelf. Filling up large amounts of empty space in an artful way is no easy task. Whenever I’m re-styling my own bookshelves it often takes me hours! If you’re stuck on how to style your bookshelves, here are 7 tips that will help you overcome the challenge and make your bookshelves look picture perfect!

1. Use interesting objects as bookends
Bookends are certainly functional but not all are very stylish. Instead of hunting for traditional bookends, try using something more unconventional like a marble sculpture or a heavy vase to help anchor your books.

2. Add pieces with a sculptural feel
Incorporate accessories with a unique shape to bring a sculptural feel to your bookshelf arrangement and to add a bit of drama.

3. Alternate between horizontal and vertical book stacks
I prefer a more eclectic look to my bookshelves vs having each book perfectly aligned. Alternate the direction of your books with some standing vertically and some laying horizontally. Mix in a few of your favorite objects for even more interest.

4. Cluster collections of items together
If you have a collection, your bookshelf is the perfect place to display it! In the very top photo you’ll see a cluster of pink vases which add a bright pop of color and in this photo I grouped together a few of my favorite blue & white vases. Another tip – make it personal. A favorite photo of my grandmother when she was young makes this arrangement extra special.

5. Vary your heights
Arranging your accessories with varying heights will keep your bookshelves from feeling stagnant. Another styling trick I love is incorporating decorative boxes and stacking the on top of one another which helps to build height wherever needed.

6. Incorporate art
I absolutely love incorporating art into a bookshelf arrangement. It feels a little unexpected and can often create a very appealing focal point. A styling trick I always use is to add damage-free command strips to the bottom of my frames to keep the artwork firmly in place so it doesn’t tip and fall.

7. Layering is key
Beautifully styled bookshelves really boils down to artful layering and finding the right balance of books and objects. Create stacks of items whether they’re books or accessories, sit some horizontal and some vertical, pull some items forward and push others back. You can even pop in a small plant or fresh flower arrangement to help bring it to life. Most importantly, take your time and play around with different arrangements to find what feels right to you.