Five Tips for Styling a Bookshelf
Chattanooga Furniture You’ll Love: The Bookshelf
One of the elements that gives a room character is the smaller details, such as accessories. These items can infuse personality into a space. While we don’t recommend over-loading your home with too many small accessories we do believe that styling pieces such as bookcases and open cabinets with a few of those accessories plays a major role in the overall look of your home. Since styling isn’t a skill that always comes easily we’ve put together five tips for styling the bookcases and open shelving in your home.
Of course, you’re going to use a bookcase to store books but that doesn’t mean they should be placed without any thought. Use one or two shelves to place them in the traditional manner. Then stack a few books here and there and finish by turning a few or all of them backwards so that the pages are showing. This creates a more casual vibe to what can otherwise result in a stuffy feel.
Use open shelving as an opportunity to add a little mood lighting. A fun lamp in a bookcase or étagère adds a boost of energy to a space. Typically something short and chunky works best when used in open shelving. Plus, it highlights all those pretty accessories.
Open shelving can provide stylish storage. Baskets and decorative boxes are a styling go-to for avoiding clutter. Use larger bins towards the bottom to ground the piece and work the smaller ones in towards the top for easy access.
Don’t forget the natural elements. Greenery and fresh flowers have the ability to breathe life into a space. Contrast those earthy elements with metallic accessories in gold or silver for an eclectic mix.
Display your pretty pieces sparingly. Alternate the number of items used on each shelf. For example, if one shelf holds one large piece then place a grouping of various sized pieces on the next shelf. And remember, less is more. Edit the final look and remove anything that makes the piece look too busy or cluttered.
You should always use the open shelving in your home to add more style. If you’re struggling with how to work the style in these spaces then let us help you. Schedule an appointment with a designer to help you with any decorating project, large or small.