There are so many ways to decorate bookshelves. Yet so many of us have no idea where to start. I found 13 ideas on how to arrange bookshelves and want to share it with you. Here is where you will really find your true creativity and inspiration .
Anything goes! What’s your style? What’s your taste?
Do you like lots of color, symmetry, space, art, collections or are you a real DIY’er?
I’m a DIY’er and like creating things too, but I have learned from many of the interior decorators and designers about balance, scale, colors, and displays. Believe me, they know what they’re talking about.
Here are some simple things that I learned about arranging a bookshelf:
Image Source: Nadia’sdiyprojects.com
- Bookcase: What is the color and material of the bookcase. Is it opened, closed, wood, or metal? How much can I put in it without it looking too cluttered. A closed bookcase, meaning one that has a panel on the back, can look cluttered if not properly staged and planned.
If the bookcase is a dark wood or black, use cream colors, whites or any light color that will boldly display.
- Colors: I begin to gather the things that I think will look good together making sure to accessorize with colors that compliment each other. , books, pictures and my favorite objects.
- Balance: Balance objects with items that are low to high and using books on the side to add more height if needed. When using tall pictures or vases place lower items in front. Whatever you do, don’t crowd things!
- Scale: The best trick and tip I ever learned was this: Group items in odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. This works! When you learn this concept, you will quickly begin to see how symmetrical and balanced the objects look together.
Designer, Nadia Ramadan has a very simple strategy on coordinating and balancing objects on shelves. She suggests using trays and boxes to hide things, hanging mirrors and pictures at eye level. Accessories, such as books, vases, pictures, and candlesticks should blend in with a wall-hung display.
So, allow me to show you how that bookcase can bring out your personality
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She has done a magnificent job of arranging her objects. It has a high to low effect and the eye can easily follow it. Her colors remain consistent with the whites, browns, blacks and some greenery. The white bookcase makes all of her objects pop.
ELLE DECOR
Open bookcases offer a minimalist look which can work well for people who don’t want a heavy look. Often times an open bookcase is used as a room divider and objects that are placed on the bookcase should be totally dimensional.
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Having an open bookcase (no backing) always tends to give a minimalist look and blends well with any decor. Depending on the size of the bookcase, books and objects can be arranged in various heights giving a balanced look.
Image Source: HGTV
Designer, Emily Henderson has created a vignette bringing porcelain birds, and vases, bowls, plates and cake stands, while adding books turned on the side to create height and depth. The look is elegant yet simplistic using a color theme of whites, blues and greens. Notice how full the shelves are decorated but does not look cluttered. The trick she uses is giving dimension to the look while focusing on every piece of object.
Image Source: theartofdoingstuff
Karen Bertelsen said it took her months before she was able to get her bookcase right and don’t give up just keep playing with it. That’s great advice!
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A well organized bookshelf that is color coordinated in a black 5 shelf bookcase. Notice how the top shelf has 3 rows of books turned bottom side down to display the white grouped pages. The bookcase is well balanced to give a full effect.
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Bookcases are a great organizer for children’s rooms. It can be used to store, books, toys, sports equipment, clothes just about anything.
Image Source: Simon Upton for Elle Decor
Built-in arch type bookcases displays much elegance and simplicity. The shelves are color coordinated and equally balanced with objects in between. I love the way the bookcases surround the fireplace to give interest.
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Modern ladder bookcase made of wood with four floors,book shelf, stand shelf, wall shelf. A great modern look for anyone who like modern contemporary.
Always step back and look at the bookcase while your arranging things. Analyzing your progress will help to improve upon your design.
Image source: decoist
Using galvanized plumbing pipes you can balance those books on the pipe and wall to give an extraordinary look. All that’s needed are flanges, threaded 90 degree elbows, and pipes that are as long or shorter as needed. You’ve got to admit this is pretty creative. Tip: Perhaps adding a thin piece of plank attached to the wall underneath the books would give it more stability. What do you think?
Bookcases can be styled with glass, ceramics, artwork, photos and any objects that you like. The bookcase above was arranged with no books and the assortment of arrangements blends well with each other. As you can see, this built-in bookcase is conforming to the height of the ceiling, which has various heights and angles, and serves to incorporate interest and balance.
If you have a room that has a nautical theme, a canoe would be an interesting addition to display your personal creativity. It can be easily repurposed into a bookshelf holding books and other objects you may have. Love this idea.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to arrange bookshelves that are well balanced, coordinated and aesthetically beautiful. What is required is having an idea of what you would like to see or using books and objects that you have. If your aim is to color coordinate with books and then layer with pictures and other objects you will be well on your way to achieving the look you desire.
