Bookshelf Envy

10 easy and functional bookshelf styling ideas

Mix It Up, Literally

Shake things up with your bookshelf by turning your shelves into a stylish mixed-use display for books and a bar. You can easily create an impromptu bar space by arranging cocktail accessories and drinkware on the lower shelves, then filling the top ones with books. Style Tip: Select neutral-colored books to go with silver, copper and brass-accented barware. It’s a surefire way to create an instantly chic look.

Restyling bookshelves is an easy way to drastically impact your home’s interior design aesthetic and overall atmosphere. You can bring a completely new perspective (and vibe) to your home space by refreshing your bookshelf. The online interior design experts at Modsy have rounded up their best bookcase styling ideas along with quick tips on how to decorate bookshelves to be instant focal points in any space.

Think Multipurpose

Bookshelf space can be used to provide multipurpose storage for books, stylish storage bins and Knickknacks. For example, in the case of low bookcases in a reading corner. Try not to overstuff them with books and storage containers. Space things out so it doesn’t look overwhelming. Style Tip: Have a mix of baskets and containers that hide smaller items on the bottom, then layer books and accents on top for both weight and visual balance.

Aim For Height In Small Spaces

If you’re pressed for space, consider installing a few tall and slender open bookshelves. It’s a great way to utilize vertical wall space and decorate with shelves that are styled out instead of hanging up art. Organize your shelves by use, with everyday items on the lower shelves.

Style Tip: Tall open shelving has a way of adding visual height, making the ceilings appear higher and the room feel more spacious.

17

Show Off Your Collections

When it comes to show-stopping bookcase ideas, you can’t beat a wall-length cabinet of curiosities. Fill your cabinet with your book collections for an impactful and eye-catching vibe. If you have old books and vintage sets, this is the best way to give them pride of place. Style Tip: Mix vintage and new books, sculptural vases and other small neutral decor items that don’t overshadow your books.

Go For A Monochrome Look

Bookshelf decorating doesn’t get more refined than a towering wood-andglass cabinet. It sets a formal tone and elevates the bookshelf look by default. Play up the sophisticated look further by displaying books in monochrome white and off-whites all throughout. Style Tip: For balance, arrange books in horizontal rows and stack them vertically. This is an easy way to create height and visual variance with just books.

Build Out A Full- Wall Library Gallery

With wall-to-wall shelves, give yourself room to experiment and have fun with how you store and display things. Stay practical by filling the lower shelves with all your books, then use the higher shelves as showcases for sculptural pieces and art. Style Tip: Beautiful book covers are artworks in themselves. Display some pretty books by placing them cover forward to give your shelves a high-end gallery vibe.

Opt For A Gallery Look

A long and low bookcase in your dining or office space is the perfect display ledge for a collection of important books like first editions and artwork. Think of it as a gallery wall but with shelving. Arrange the surface with framed prints, display books on miniature easels. Style Tip: To round out this gallery approach to decorating, hang art above your shelves, and lean larger pieces nearby to fill out the surrounding area.

Organize In Full, Eclectic Color

Take a vibrant approach to bookshelf decorating by mixing bright accents, like colorful books, sculptures, and florals. It’s a great way to incorporate color into a space without painting or buying colorful furniture. Style Tip: There are no hard and fast rules, but it’s always good to arrange accents in groupings of twos and threes for many unique focal points.

Keep It Lean For Entryways

Bookshelves aren’t just for the living room and office. Lean a slim ladder-style bookcase in your entry, where it can function as a catchall for your in-progress novels and extra storage. Style larger items on the bottom shelves and go smaller as you work your way up. Style Tip: One bookshelf decorating idea that’s always great in an entry is to combine books with greenery. It’s a lively pairing that’s certain to set a welcoming tone.

Combine Practicality And Fun

A tall bookcase is an essential in a kids room or nursery. Make sure to choose a bookcase that’s both functional and safe for a kid’s room. One that has a combination of closed drawer storage and open shelving is best. Style Tip: Your bookcase should provide storage that’s easy to access and be a higher shelving option where you can keep decor out of reach from the little ones. m

(Content and images: Modsy)

Subscribe on www.travelerandtourist.com