Style Easy, Read Freely
Written by Devin Lewis
–Style a bookcase–
You finally purchased the shelving you’ve been dreaming about, only to find that once it arrives, you have no idea how to fill it up. You are in luck, because we are here to help! It can be a daunting task trying to achieve the perfectly styled look from the pictures that drew you to the unit in the first place, but with a few guidelines you will be able to make it even better than the pictures!
1. Base: Starting from the beginning, choosing the right bookshelf, or base, to display your knick-knacks, is very important. It sets the tone for the items you will be able to fill up the shelves with and due to its (normally) large size, it is one of the first things people notice. You want the unit to fill the space in your home without over powering it; draw the attention of guests, but not distract from the things on the shelves. For a “barely there” look, try something similar to this Lucite Jonathan Adler unit. Other than subtle corner details, it will blend into the background and allow your accessories to shine. For those with neutral walls or those who just love to experiment with color, this Worlds Away unit is the one for you! If you tend to appreciate the classic look, but with a twist of surprise, Arteriors has made the perfect piece for you; its small geometric turns add just the right amount of personal flare. Ultimately you want to look for something that will highlight the rest of your objects rather than compete with them.
2. Books: This may seem slightly obvious, but it is called a “book” shelf for a reason. A good selection of books not only inspires you to start your own collection, but can also act as a good conversation starter between guests. Even if you’re not one for delving into hardcopies of text, you can still fill the shelves with other options — like these quote books that will surely be a hit among everyone who sees them or patterned ones for a textured effect. When it comes to stacking, don’t be afraid to mix it up on each shelf; having some larger coffee table books in addition to the classic paperbacks. When displaying them, alternate between the vertical look, using unique bookends, and the horizontal stack.
3. Odds and Ends: While this may seem like a simple task, it often creates the most challenge. How much is too much? You don’t want your shelving to look cluttered, but you also don’t want it to look empty either. The fine medium lies in the ability to incorporate a variety of accessories that create a streamline, not bulky effect. Look for items like this Kate Spade desk calendar and these Tozai tortoise shells stands that can be added onto a book stack or create height in the empty spaces. From there, move on to other items more personalized for your home. These can range from a whimsical picture frame, to wall décor re-imagined as a resting object. When it comes to odds and ends, just remember there is no right or wrong way to do things. Just express yourself with accessories!
4. Tips and Tricks: In order to achieve a balanced display, go for the zig zag (or opposite) rule– if you place a stack of horizontal books on the top shelf left side, the second shelf should be vertically oriented on the right side. This allows you to fill the spaces in between, without having a strong repetitive presence of larger items. Keep in mind pops of color are your friend. Choose accent colors that blend – they don’t have to match exactly — with colors already present in your room. If your room is primarily neutrals, subtle pastels mixed with bold pops is always the way to go. Add your signature scent to finish the look and create a heavenly aroma to fill your newly designed space. Candles are available in so many beautiful containers, and after use, you can enjoy giving them a second life by filling them up with your favorite flowers!
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