Bookshelves duplicate as storage and showing space . pick up how to decorate bookshelf with these easy ideas for turning for creating a curated arrangement .

Bookshelves pull double duty asstorage for novelsand video display space for accessory , but they can be tricky to arrange . Too many piece can make the shelf seem littered , while too few leaves too much empty , negative space . It ’s also of import to pay attention to the material body , size , and scale of each physical object . Too much of the same can feel monotonic or uninspired . So how do you decorate bookshelves ? What ’s types of things should you apply to title them ? You ’ve come to the right place . These bookshelf decor ideas will help oneself you turn an empty set of shelves into a cautiously curated arrangement .

Shop Your House for Decor

The best bookshelf decor often comesfrom particular you already have . workshop around your mansion to find oneself graphics , picture frames , vases , and other accessory in a cohesive color scheme or style . Place the heavy items on the bookshelf first , staggering objects between shelves . meet in with the residual of your objects , add together in tons of books or cartridge holder andpotted plantsfor added color and texture .

Easy Bookshelf Decor

For word picture - gross bookcase decor , resist the urge to pack in a gross ton of accessories on every ledge . Keep a uninfected aspect by choosing a one - colour or tone - on - tone scheme for vessel and figurines , and make certain to mix up shapes . Every so often , step back to assess the overall equaliser of your musical arrangement . home items off - center , or seek larger or humble one until you like what you see .

Decorate Bookshelves with Mementos

Objects that have peculiar meaning to you or evoke sealed remembering make great bookshelf decor . Gather souvenirs from travels , flea market place artwork , or treasured collectibles to decorate your shelf . For a more dynamic show , arrange push-down store of horizontal books to serve as a pedestal for little object .

Arranging Accessories on Bookshelves

To add pastime to your reading material , alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically . One of the best ideas for decorating bookcases is to habituate accessories as bookend . Boldly colored accents andpicture framesmake slap-up bookends and stand out on neutral shelves .

How to Arrange Books on Shelves

Organize books by the people of color of their sticker to create color - stop bookshelf decor . Vary heights and create interest by stacking script horizontally as well as lining them up vertically . If you have volumes that do n’t fit with the others , turn their sticker to present the wall so only the pages are seeable .

Layered Bookshelf Decor

cryptic bookshelves give you the sumptuosity to take on with layers . Lean art along the back of the shelves , and cast anchor them with books or heavier objective . To ornament the bookcase , place a few small pieces of art near the front of the shelves to give them depth . Bulky vases or ornamental scale can hide their heft behind small frame of reference without losing their singularity .

Bold Yet Simple Bookshelf Decor

If your leger spines miss ocular style , paint the surround bookshelves a contrasting color to disembowel focus . In this living blank , black build - ins stand out crisply against the mostly white interior decoration on the shelves and elsewhere in the elbow room . Turning script around so the pages front outwards instead of the vertebral column can also avail bookshelf decor stick to a more cohesive color palette .

Bookshelf Storage Ideas

Boost storage by tucking a bookcase into an idle quad . In thisbanquette region , a blank wall was transmute into handy storage quad thanks to a set of built - in shelf . Use books and baskets of frequently used items to decorate lower shelves . Save the upper shelves for decorative target or other item that you do n’t frequently take to attain .

Modern Bookshelf Decor Ideas

innovative shelves call for a sparse look , so group together a small circle of book that are all of a fair uniform size . Accessorize with streamlined vase and metallic decor , leaving lots of heart-to-heart infinite on shelf to let the supplement shine through . Give the whole shelving unit a popwith a bright colored backdrop of wallpaper .

Symmetrical Bookshelf Decor

To giveoffice bookshelvesan organized flavour , gather a wide variety of collectibles . put your chosen items between books , produce loose isotropy . If you have a picture frame or substantial shape in one ledge , mirror it with a collectable of a similar anatomy and size on the opposite side . In a wall of bookshelf such as this , it ’s of import to scatter books here and there to emphasise the feel .

Colorful Bookshelf Ideas

Carry your vividness schemeonto your bookshelf to give the room a mother wit of unity . Here , accessories on the shelves match the loose blue of a nearby throw pillow . Storage cabinets hide items like toys and movies that might take away from the showing .

Pretty Bookend Ideas

Do n’t forget the power of bookends when decorating bookshelf ! Use heavy , sturdy decor or evenpieces of architectural salvageas a bookend to keep shelves neat and organize . Bookends especially come in handy for paperbacks and svelte Book , which are less potential to stay good .

Living Room Bookshelf Decor Ideas

For a display - desirable cosmetic bookcase , organize Holy Scripture and decor on staggered shelving . A slanted shelf , like this , is even more interesting with uneven rows and column . For aliving room bookshelf , place the most attention - grab titles and artwork at eye level for guests to peruse .

Functional Bookshelf Storage

bookshelf ledge are dandy cock to keep a living outer space organized . Slip magazine holders on open shelves to bear lax report . Storage boxes conceal clutter and can add bold coloring to the organization . employ flea market finds , decorative containers , and potted houseplant to eat up off bookshelf interior decoration .

Clean Bookcase Decor

Get the most storage andstyle out of built - in bookcasesby satiate the shelf with books . coordinate ledge by coloring material for a ornamental look without the need for extra accessories . commend that you’re able to hang decor off shelves as well . Thesemounted nontextual matter pieceshelp break up the air of books .

Neutral Bookshelf Decor

Vintage pieces make smashing bookshelf decor . Select a couple of choice items to showcase . Here , vintage books geminate well with an antique suitcase and serve as a pedestal for a wide wooden bowlful . al-Qur’an set with their Page turn out occupy out the impersonal bookshelf decor .

Bookshelf Art Ideas

It can be hard to find how to decorate bookshelves with aneclectic style . When you have graphics piece that cross a variety of styles , they can all work together on a bookshelf , as long as colour coordinate . Blue and livid live on each shelf of this bookcase , so the brilliant statue does n’t look out of place near a gold armadillo .

Bedroom Bookshelf Decor Ideas

Utilize abuilt - in bookcaseas afashionable and operational headboard . In this bedchamber , mounted sconce go forth plenty of way for a library of nighttime version materials and interior decoration . add together more appeal with vase and frames set up between shelf full of books .

Incorporate Clever Lighting Solutions

Kim Cornelison

Never under estimation thepower of firing — and do n’t block to incorporate it into your bookshelves . Small lamps offer fashionable functionality . They ’re sculpturesque , colorful , and add a picayune supernumerary light to the space . Plug them intosmart plugsor use electric battery - operated lamps for ease .

Frequently Asked Questions

Custombuilt - in bookshelvescost an average of $ 2,900 , or $ 300 to $ 1,200 per foot , depend on the type of wood and point involve in designing and installing . Freestanding bookshelvescan range from $ 200 to ten of thousands of dollar .

If you ’re doing a DIY bookshelf , it can cost as little as a few hundred dollar , depending on the eccentric of material . For example , plyboard will be much more affordable than oak tree . Other factors in the cost will include the type of stain orpaintyou choose , and the cabinets , ironware , or decorative touches bestow .

Building a simple bookshelfis a project   that most woodworkers or DIYers can do in a few Clarence Day for little cost . The canonic tools you need include a circular saw , pounding , block carpenter’s plane , tape bar , putty knife , nails , and clamps . Get the wood you require , and you ’ll be ready to set off the projection .

white built-in bookshelves close-up

Credit: Helen Norman

White shelf with décor next to large framed photo

Credit: Seth Smoot

kohlhepp house living room and kitchen with bookcase

Credit: Erin Kunkel

gold frame shelving unit with decor and books

Credit: Brie Williams

built-in shelving with decor and black fireplace

Credit: Helen Norman

Living room toward fireplace and shelving

Credit: Heather Anne Thomas

modern black and white living room with shelf wall

Credit: Brie Williams

Corner dining area with bookshelf and pink and white chairs

Credit: Tria Giovan

pink accent living room

Credit: Brian McWeeney

eclectic style blue dining room

Credit: Tria Giovan

blue backsplash bookcase

Credit: David Land

decorative heavy bookend

Credit: Scott Little

living room built in shelving

Credit: Brie Williams

functional bookshelf plus ladder

Credit: Brian McWeeney

living room white bookshelf

Credit: Brie Williams

white bookshelf contrasting decor

Credit: Laura Moss

eclectic style bookshelf

Credit: Helen Norman

bedroom built in shelving

Credit: Michael Partenio

Display shelves that are showcasing books, artwork, a lamp and a record player

Credit:Kim Cornelison