What To Put On Your Shelves: A Guide To Styling Your Bookshelves
As an avid reader and lover of home decor, I have always been fascinated by the art of styling bookshelves. It’s amazing how a well-styled bookshelf can transform the look and feel of a room. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experience and tips on what to put on your shelves.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
The first step in styling your bookshelves is to start with a clean slate. Remove everything from your shelves and give them a good dusting. This will allow you to start with a fresh canvas and give you a better idea of what you have to work with.
Step 2: Group Similar Items Together
Once your shelves are clean, start grouping similar items together. This will make it easier to see what you have and help you determine what items you want to display. For example, group all of your books together, all of your picture frames together, and all of your decorative objects together.
Step 3: Mix and Match
When it comes to styling your bookshelves, don’t be afraid to mix and match different items. A well-styled bookshelf should have a mix of books, decorative objects, and personal items. Try to create a balance between the three.
Step 4: Play with Height and Color
One of the keys to styling bookshelves is to play with height and color. Use different sized books and decorative objects to create visual interest and add pops of color to your shelves.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Use bookends to keep your books in place and add a decorative element to your shelves.
- Add greenery to your shelves with small potted plants or succulents.
- Use picture frames to display your favorite photos or artwork.
- Incorporate decorative boxes or baskets to add texture and storage to your shelves.
- Display your favorite collectibles or souvenirs from your travels.
- Use a mix of hardcover and paperback books to add visual interest.
- Add a personal touch with items like family heirlooms or sentimental objects.
- Don’t be afraid to play with different textures like wood, metal, and glass.
- Use lighting to highlight certain items on your shelves.
- Think outside of the box and use unconventional items like vintage cameras or globes.
Pros and Cons
One of the pros of styling bookshelves is that it can completely transform the look of a room. It’s a great way to add personality and style to your space. However, one of the cons is that it can be time-consuming and overwhelming. It’s important to take your time and not rush the process.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
After styling my own bookshelves, I have to say that it was a lot of fun and I love the way they turned out. My suggestion would be to start with a few key pieces that you love and build around them. Don’t be afraid to play with different colors, textures, and heights. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Question & Answer
Q: What should I do if I have a lot of books but not a lot of decorative objects?
A: If you have a lot of books but not a lot of decorative objects, try incorporating bookends or stacking your books in creative ways to add visual interest. You can also use decorative boxes or baskets to store items and add texture to your shelves.
FAQs
Q: How many books should I display on my shelves?
A: The number of books you display on your shelves is completely up to you. It’s important to strike a balance between your books, decorative objects, and personal items. Don’t overcrowd your shelves and leave some blank space for visual interest.
Q: Should I organize my books by color?
A: Organizing your books by color is a personal preference. It can add a fun pop of color to your shelves but may not be the most practical for finding specific books. Consider organizing your books by genre or author if you prefer a more practical approach.