Bookshelves double as storage and display space.
Learn how to decorate bookshelves with these easy ideas for turning for creating a curated arrangement.
Bookshelves pull double duty asstorage for novelsand display space for accessories, but they can be tricky to arrange.
Credit: Helen Norman
It’s also important to pay attention to the shape, size, and scale of each object.
Too much of the same can feel monotonous or uninspired.
So how do you decorate bookshelves?
Credit: Seth Smoot
What’s types of things should you use to style them?
You’ve come to the right place.
These bookshelf decor ideas will help you turn an empty set of shelves into a carefully curated arrangement.
Credit: Erin Kunkel
Shop Your House for Decor
The best bookshelf decor often comesfrom items you already have.
Place the largest items on the bookshelf first, staggering objects between shelves.
Every so often, step back to assess the overall balance of your arrangement.
Credit: Brie Williams
Place items off-center, or try larger or smaller ones until you like what you see.
Gather souvenirs from travels,flea market artwork, or treasured collectibles to decorate your shelves.
For a more dynamic display, arrange stacks of horizontal books to serve as a pedestal for small objects.
Credit: Helen Norman
One of the best ideas for decorating bookcases is to use accessories as bookends.
Boldly colored accents andpicture framesmake great bookends and stand out on neutral shelves.
Vary heights and create interest by stacking books horizontally as well as lining them up vertically.
Credit: Heather Anne Thomas
Layered Bookshelf Decor
Deep bookshelves give you the luxury to play with layers.
Lean artwork along the back of the shelves, and anchor them with books or heavier objects.
Bulky vases or decorative plates can hide their heft behind small frames without losing their uniqueness.
Credit: Brie Williams
Bookshelf Storage Ideas
Boost storage by tucking a bookcase into an unused space.
Use books and baskets of frequently used items to decorate lower shelves.
Save the upper shelves for decorative objects or other items that you don’t frequently need to reach.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Give the whole shelving unit a popwith a brightly colored backdrop of wallpaper.
Symmetrical Bookshelf Decor
To giveoffice bookshelvesan organized feel, gather a wide variety of collectibles.
Place your chosen items between books, creating loose symmetry.
Credit: Brian McWeeney
Colorful Bookshelf Ideas
Carry your color schemeonto your bookshelf to give the room a sense of unity.
Here, accessories on the shelves match the light blue of a nearby throw pillow.
Storage cabinets conceal items like toys and movies that might detract from the display.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Pretty Bookend Ideas
Don’t forget the power of bookends when decorating bookshelves!
Use heavy, sturdy decor or evenpieces of architectural salvageas a bookend to keep shelves neat and organized.
Bookends especially come in handy for paperbacks and slimmer books, which are less likely to stay upright.
Credit: David Land
A slanted shelf, like this, is even more interesting with uneven rows and columns.
For aliving room bookshelf, place the most attention-grabbing titles and artwork at eye level for guests to peruse.
Functional Bookshelf Storage
Bookshelves shelves are great tools to keep a living space organized.
Credit: Scott Little
Slip magazine holders on open shelves to hold loose papers.
Clean Bookcase Decor
Get the most storage andstyle out of built-in bookcasesby filling the shelves with books.
Organize shelves by color for a decorative look without the need for extra accessories.
Credit: Brie Williams
Remember that it’s possible for you to hang decor off shelves as well.
Thesemounted art pieceshelp break up the lines of books.
Neutral Bookshelf Decor
Vintage pieces make great bookshelf decor.
Credit: Brian McWeeney
Select a couple of select items to showcase.
Books set with their pages turned out fill out the neutral bookshelf decor.
Bookshelf Art Ideas
It can be difficult to determine how to decorate bookshelves with aneclectic style.
Credit: Brie Williams
Bedroom Bookshelf Decor Ideas
Utilize abuilt-in bookcaseas afashionable and functional headboard.
In this bedroom, mounted sconces leave plenty of room for a library of nighttime reading materials and decor.
Add more appeal with vases and frames set between shelves full of books.
Credit: Laura Moss
Small lamps offer stylish functionality.
They’re sculptural, colorful, and add a little extra light to the space.
Plug them intosmart plugsor use battery-operated lamps for ease.
Credit: Helen Norman
For example, plywood will be much more affordable than oak.
Get the wood you want, and you’ll be ready to start the project.
Credit: Michael Partenio
Credit:Kim Cornelison
