Bookshelves are one of the best spots to inject personality, style and color into a room. If your books are filled end-to-end with only books, removing the sea of books and incorporating objects and accessories can showcase your aesthetic and lighten up the overall space. Read on for go-to styling secrets to make any bookshelf come to life.

Clear the shelves

As you plan out your bookshelf styling project, the first step is to remove all existing items from the shelves to create a blank slate and take a comprehensive inventory of what you have. Then, by looking at everything together, you can begin to visualize the items that work together and take stock of what you need to fill in the blanks.

Take inventory

In addition to books, some go-to items are perfect for bookshelf styling. These items include:

Bookends
Jars and vases
Art
Framed photographs
Candles
Potted flowers and plants
Boxes, small baskets, bowls
Small clocks
Accent objects
Any unique personal items

Add wallpaper

Wallpapering the backs of the shelves can add color, texture and pattern to otherwise plain shelves. Grasscloth adds texture without detracting from the objects on the shelf, while a patterned wallpaper can help elevate the bookshelves and further inject personality into the space.

Style in odd numbers

Groupings of odd numbers are easier on the eyes. So when you’re gathering the objects to style the shelves, keep this tip in mind. Objects of three work exceptionally well in a small space such as a shelf.

Incorporate crystal

Small crystal objects, such as a picture frame, clock, bowl, or candlesticks, can offer a visual break while still filling the space. If the shelves are filled with visually heavy items, incorporating crystal objects can help create a respite for the eye.

Mix texture and metals

Incorporating different textures and finishes will help prevent the styling from falling flat. Combining several complementary colors, different textures, varying shades of wood and multiple metal finishes will create a layered and visually luxe appearance.

Incorporate art

Art can be displayed in different ways on the shelves. For example, framed art pieces can lean against the back of the shelf to add depth and serve as layering pieces. And art can hang on the frame of the bookshelf, creating a focal point on the bookshelves.

Stack books both vertically and horizontally

Being creative with the way the books are displayed can make the shelves feel more interesting. For example, small stacks of books can be displayed vertically, horizontally, without book jackets or backward. All these methods allow the bookshelves to serve its functional purpose while achieving your aesthetic goals.

Create a visual zig-zag

Zig-zagging similar items creates a pleasing effect and keeps the eye moving. So whether it’s blue and white ginger jars, similar-sized large picture frames, or potted topiaries, staggering these items on the shelves to create a zig-zag effect going down helps to create unity and cohesiveness on the shelves.

Styling your bookshelves can help the room feel intentionally designed, and re-styling the bookshelves regularly is an easy way to help refresh the space.

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Styling Series: Bookshelf Styling Secrets