1. Do Judge the Book by its Cover
While of course you aren’t going to go out and purchase a whole new collection of books just to style your shelves with, it doesn’t hurt to invest in a few pretty books to brighten them up.
Candace Bushnell’s Manhattan Apartment in Elle Decor
The Glitter Guide
“Chanel” 3-Book Slipcase Hardcover Book – $75
“French Riviera” Hardcover Book – $45
“Paris in the 1920s with Kiki De Montparnasse” Hardcover Book – $195
Click here to shop more of our coffee table books.
2. Don’t Forget About Bookends!
The beauty is in the details, darlings. Bookends are essential to making your bookshelf look complete. Here are some prime examples:
Whale Tale Bookend Set in Blue – $60.00
Bronze Elephant Bookends-Set of Two – $180
Gold Gazelle Bookends – $172.50
Sheep Head Bookends for Kids – $110
We have a variety of these Animal Head bookends on our website, and they are so adorable in children’s rooms! Shop more here.
3. Add Wallpaper or Paint.
This is a fabulous way to add color or texture to a room without completely repainting or wallpapering all the walls. Since this will typically take less yardage than a whole room, this is a great opportunity to spring for that ridiculously expensive wallpaper you’ve been eyeing.
PaintedRoom.com
This bookcase covered in Tanzania wallpaper by Thibaut is so easy on the eyes. The blue and white looks perfect with the gold decorative accent pieces! What’s not to love?
Centsational Girl
Grasscloth is another amazing option for covering your shelves with. This gold sparkly grasscloth gives the perfect hint of glamour:
Kathryn Ivey Interiors
SHOP THE LOOK:
Tanzania Wallpaper in Blue – Thibaut Design
To order this wallpaper, contact The Well Appointed House Customer Service – customerservice@wellappointedhouse.com – 1-888-WELL-APP
4. Mix Up Book Placement.
When arranging your books and other decorative items, remember to mix it up. Vary heights; place books loosely in some places and snugly in others; arrange some books horizontally and some vertically; mix up textures and colors. If you have enough eye-catching coffee table or art books, stack them horizontally with the spines telling a story! Group books together by category– artists, travel destinations, fashion designers, etc.
Elle Decor
5. Color-Block: Arrange Books and Decor by Color!
A great way to keep your shelves organized is to color-code. This look is most successful when you have a plethora of brightly colored books and accessories to showcase.
LaurenConrad.com
ApartmentTherapy.com
6. Accessorize.
A bookshelf filled wall-to-wall with solely books can make your home start to feel like a law office. Mix in sculptural pieces, a beautiful bowl or vase, or decorative boxes to add interest.
Elle Decor
The Pink Pagoda
Domaine
SHOP THE LOOK:
Tortoise Pattern Marengo Jewelry Box – $170
Blue and White Decorative Box – $323
Small Porcelain Buddha Head in Distressed White – $112
Blue and White Four Seasons Porcelain Jar – $138
Gold Menagerie Animal Statue Collection – $190
Set of Two Coral Sculptures – $182.60
Set of Two Terre Meleee Marble Swirl Blue Tapered Porcelain Bowls – $86
7. Add Framed Artwork
Incorporate artwork into your shelves. You can even prop up small pieces or hang larger pieces on the shelves themselves!
8. Mirrors!
Mirrors also can give your shelves dimension when propped up against the back. See below:
9. Top it Off!
Last but not least, accessories and extra books can be arranged neatly on top of your bookshelf. This will add a little extra height to the room, and gives you extra space to throw anything that doesn’t fit on your shelves.
Domaine
We’re suckers for a fun pair of foo dogs! The blue ones sitting on top of these fun bookshelves are amazing:
Arizona Foothills Magazine
SHOP THE LOOK:
Sitting Foo Dog Pair in Turquoise – $280
