Shelves, built-ins and bookcases have developed over time, from a functional place to store books to, in some cases, glorious spaces filled with treasures, art and curated objects. They provide a snapshot of those who live there, providing an opportunity to display things of beauty, meaning and interest.
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This built in shelving unit was designed for a client and recently finished, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to have a play and to give you some tips and tricks on how to style your own. Please see my interior designer bookcase styling tips below.
START FRESH
Start by de-cluttering and removing all items from the bookcase and editing down your collection to only include items you love or that have significance to you.
BALANCE
Aim for a balanced look by evenly distributing items throughout the shelves. Use symmetry when arranging items to create a cohesive and visually appealing display.
MIX OF OBJECTS
Incorporate a variety of objects such as books, decorative objects, bowls and artwork to add visual interest. Varying heights and textures will create dimension. I always love to combine modern, old and organic objects for some juxtaposition, but it also works to stick with objects of similar style. This dried Nikau seed pod provides an organic element as well as sculptural form.
COLOUR
Arrange books and objects by colour to create a cohesive colour scheme. This can help tie the look of the bookcase together and create a visually pleasing arrangement.
USE OF SPACE
Don’t overcrowd the shelves. Leave some empty space to allow the items to breathe and to prevent the shelves from looking too cluttered.
LAYERING
Layer objects in front of or on top of books or behind other objects to add depth and visual interest to the display.
PERSONAL TOUCHES
Incorporate personal items such as family photos, travel souvenirs, or sentimental objects to add personality and warmth to the bookcase.
GREENERY
Consider adding a few small potted plants or succulents (fresh or faux) to bring a touch of nature and freshness to the display. Hanging options look good in a bookcase but in this example, I have placed out ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia vase which has faux foliage for a low maintenance option.
LIGHTING
If possible, add lighting to the bookcase to highlight certain items and create ambiance in the room. These LED strip lights were built into the shelving unit but you can use a cordless lamp if there are no plugs available.
REGULARLY REFRESH
Don’t be afraid to regularly refresh and rearrange the items on your bookcase to keep the display feeling fresh and updated.
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BOOKCASE STYLING VIDEO