Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Interior Styling Wednesdays: Book Shelves

I started a new series called Interior Styling Wednesdays right before I had the baby and am happy to be resuming this weekly feature! Today I'm covering book shelves, which can be tricky to style. It's easy to clutter a bookcase with too many objects, books, etc., which can end up being more of an eyesore than a decorative focal point. I've gathered several great examples of well styled book shelves to share with you for inspiration. I've also created (3) style boards with suggested accents you can purchase if you're looking to re-style or accessorize your shelves. Enjoy and please feel free to share any other fabulous styling tips you may have on this topic!

{Be sure to mix up the shapes and sizes of the accessories you place on your shelves}

{Alternate the direction of your books and stagger the heights when standing them upright}

{Keep it simple, clean and uncluttered}

{Paint the back of a book case to give contrast to your accessories}

{Neatly stacked magazines in lieu of books}


{Lean framed artwork and photographs against the wall / back of book case}

 {IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7}

***********
STYLING TIPS & RESOURCES

{1} Start with decorative books and boxes. Alternate books by standing them upright and stacking them. Incorporating a decorative rectangular box is also a good way to take up space on a shelf without cluttering it.
[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]

{2} Add in found objects such as decorative vases, artifacts, bookends, colorful bowls, etc. The more interesting, the better! If the accessory is small, set it on top of stacked books. Lean one or more framed art prints against the back of the shelving to add color and dimension.
[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]
 
 {3} Texture is such an important element in a space, especially when it comes to accessories. Fill in empty spots on your shelves with textured objects and a couple of small plants - a little bit of greenery does wonders! 
[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]
 
 ***********

13 comments:

  1. Oh dear, I have FAR too many books to have a bookshelf like these. Even though I've just turned around to look at mine and seen how cluttered it is (soooo easy to place objects in front of the line of books 'just until...').

    I like the one with the cases. xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great round up + advise! I recently moved into a home with 2 very large built-ins that are in need of some serious love! Can't wait to use this post as inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 20, 2012

    Great post, thanks! I'm just about to restyle and your inspiration will come in handy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have too many books also. I just started culling some of them that I've had for over 30 years! Magazines as well. You have inspired me to put a coat of paint on my bookshelves and start re-styling my living space. Since my bookshelves are really the focal point of my living room this is crucial.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Agate rocks! Couldn't agree more...all it takes is a bit of natural and organic texture to really help these usually stale units sing! Love how fresh and clean these shelves look in all shades of white...beautiful collection for summer!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very beautiful Shelves. Thanks for the inspirations. Great Job.
    Avelina

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nothing better than perfectly styled bookcases! Love all these pictures. It's nice to see magazines in the mix.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful book shelves. I can't wait to get my own proper apartment - not tiny studio like now - and decorate it with gorgeous ornaments and books. Lovely blog by the way !

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJune 21, 2012

    wish i could do this with my bookcases, but like others, my shelves are packed to the brim with books.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks Great, thanks for the arranging tips!

    ReplyDelete
  11. i'm planning to re-organize my book shelf for this new year & found these great tips...tq
    http://comfortandblissfullife.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lovely collection! I just finished building a new shelf, so I'm looking for inspiration on styling. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you stopping by :)