The bookcase. It's functional by maximizing space and aesthetically pleasing by adding height to balance out a room. The bookcase is also not just for books. It is a wonderful place to add treasures that personalize your space. Here are some tips on how to style a bookcase.
A Clean Start
Remove all items from your shelves. Store or donate unsightly paperback books.
The study above, designed by Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., is a beautiful example of how a bookcases help maximize a space, while adding height for overall balance.
Add a Splash of Color
For visual interest, back your shelves with a contrasting wallpaper print or colorful paint. This gorgeous bookcase by Samantha Pynn {decorator, stylist and host and principal designer of Pure Design on HGTV} is backed with Schumacher's Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler in Charcoal.
For visual interest, back your shelves with a contrasting wallpaper print or colorful paint. This gorgeous bookcase by Samantha Pynn {decorator, stylist and host and principal designer of Pure Design on HGTV} is backed with Schumacher's Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler in Charcoal.
Some Up and Some Down
Books can be wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection. Arrange the books by size, subject and color. Create a rhythmic pattern by placing books vertically as well as horizontally {horizontal books can also act as bookends}. I love how designer, Molly Luetkmeyer of M. Design Interiors arranged the books and accessories in the built-in bookshelf above.
Make it Pretty
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Here is an example of beautiful bookcases flanking a fireplace from Elle Decor {May 2008} that showcase more decorative objects than books. It makes me think that "Bookless" bookshelves may show up more often as people go high tech and move to the Kindle or iPad to read books. What do you think? Do you like the look?
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Here is an example of beautiful bookcases flanking a fireplace from Elle Decor {May 2008} that showcase more decorative objects than books. It makes me think that "Bookless" bookshelves may show up more often as people go high tech and move to the Kindle or iPad to read books. What do you think? Do you like the look?
*images courtesy of Splendid Willow, Carrier and Company Interiors, Samantha Pynn Inc., M. Design Interiors, Good Bones, Great Pieces
Great tips, Cristin! Hope you had a good weekend...
ReplyDeletePerfect examples of how bookcases need not be dust collectors, but style statements ! Love love love.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kate
Fabulous post!!
ReplyDeleteCristin, I like books on bookshelves mixed with decorative and textural items for interest. These are all great examples of what can work. Great post, Kathysue
ReplyDeleteNothing beats a well styled bookcase - love these examples!
ReplyDeleteSuch a timely piece for me...seriously considering redoing all the arrangements on our bookcases here...may even try the color coded book thing! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSue
That first image is allllll kinds of amazing. I'm always so torn about filled bookcases. I live in the land of built-ins and find myself on the fence between showcasing all my "treasures" and keeping things mellow and sparse. These shots, though, make me want to expose myself completely. Hmmm, in a good way, that is.
ReplyDeleteShelves con imperial trellis...rawr
ReplyDeleteSome great ideas, Cristin. I'll be bookmarking this post to come back to once we get our built-ins finished.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. I'm gonna save this post for when I actually have some bookshelves. Better yet, I'm gonna send the link to my hubby and hope it gives him the motivation to get going on the built-in project! A girl can dream :)
ReplyDeleteLove it!!
ReplyDeleteI love love love it when built in bookshelves have a different color paint as their background tone. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I've arranged our books by color, so Domino's book of decorating is next to my husband's college physics text book! I also added in some knick-knacks from our travels to add additional visual interest.
ReplyDeleteI like them all but the first one is most appealing to me because of how uncluttered it looks even with all that stuff. And the table in that image is amazing.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Wonderful post and blog! I am proud to be your 500 and first follower! You must be thrilled to have so many people following along. Good for you! We have very similar taste so I look forward to reading your next post.
ReplyDeletewww.akmagnoliahouse.com
AK xo
Great tips, Cristin! I love finding unique items to mix in with my books. Painting the backs of the shelves of fun color makes everything pop.
ReplyDeletexo
Brooke
Great tips, Cristin. The images are beautiful too--perfect examples for your tips. This is a post I'll be coming back to!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I love books, the design, to feel, smell the pages, print, paper and the size. Then there is the genius behind the finished book. Kindle and Sony are great.......
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
ReplyDeleteThe Imperial Trellis wallpaper behind the white shelving is amazing! I might just have to steal this look for my office! I used a similar wallpaper, but by Osborne and Little, in my bathroom. Take a peak...
loft32.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteFinally!! I've been looking for a post like this forever! Lots of great ideas.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post and great ideas... I linked it to my "bookshelves" project post too, come on over and check it out!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely LOVE the wallpaper idea! great blog!! {new fan!} :)
ReplyDeleteblessings,
-Tracie
Great photos and tips.
ReplyDeleteThe most important principle is - is there room for my feet?
I'm dying over the imperial trellis wallpaper behind the bookcase. LOVE. Do you think it would be over the top to put wallpaper behind this bookcase? I'm itching to do it. The hubs will probably shoot me. xoxo, Shelli
ReplyDeletehttp://www.alamodemaven.com/2011/03/pretty-in-pink-office-redo.html