How to Accessorize and Organize Your Bookcase

Tips and Tricks to Decorate Bookshelves like a Pro

May 8, 2009

If you want your shelving unit to look its best, follow these tips to achieve a gorgeous vignette.

Don’t let the name fool you; bookcases are for more than just books. They’re where we store some of our most cherished possessions such as family photos and beloved knickknacks. It’s important that we show them off as strikingly as possible.

Accessorizing bookshelves is important. Without our treasured objects a room is just a bunch of furniture. The way bookshelves are accessorized can make or break the look of a room. A messy and cluttered shelving unit can make even the loveliest and simplest room look cluttered and sloppy.

Chances are, you’ll want to put some books on it. When you do, remember that hardcover books look best. Paperbacks should be relegated to bedside tables and cabinets with doors that close. When you put them on the shelves remember that you can stack them horizontally as well as having them vertical. When stacking horizontally put the tallest books on the bottom and the shortest on the top. Remember to stagger them throughout the bookcase. Larger ones should probably go on lower shelves, while smaller ones on the higher shelves.

Other items that can be included are decorative boxes, framed prints, favorite accessories, candlesticks, and of course, bookends. Add something unusual and unexpected. Remember, there really are no rules. The most important things to include are those that you love and make you smile when you look at them.

Properly accessorizing a bookshelf is a balancing act. Elements such as color, style, shape, and size all have to be taken into consideration.

Accessorizing with Color

Colors should compliment each other and the room. A random mix will make it look too busy. Try to keep like colors together as best you can (keep books with like-colored spines together).

Don't forget the style of the room. A Louis XIV candelabra may look a little odd in a sparse, modern setting, and vice versa. Use items that will compliment the furnishings and existing style of the room.

It’s important to mix shapes. If you have a horizontal stack of books, try placing a small, curvy objet on top. The contrast will add visual interest. If everything is straight and square, your shelves will be boring.

Different sized items are essential. Varying heights will make your display more interesting. Add depth by layering smaller items in front of larger ones.

Don’t make everything too perfect. Keep things off-center and group things in odd numbers. This will ensure that your display will look relaxed, as well as organized.

It’s very easy to over-accessorize. So step back periodically and make sure it doesn’t look too cluttered. Give your items some breathing room and give them the space to show themselves off!

The copyright of the article How to Accessorize and Organize Your Bookcase in Interior Decorating is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish How to Accessorize and Organize Your Bookcase in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.