Book Shelf Ideas

Must Have Items for Beautiful Bookshelves

By: Abbie | Published: 10/23/2019 | Tips and Ideas

Whether you just put together a new IKEA bookshelf or your home came equipped with built ins, decorating all that space can seem daunting. Below are some items needed to achieve beautiful bookshelves in no time.

Framed Photos
Buy frames that have a common element to them in all different sizes in order to create interest. For example, find three different sized frames that all have gold in them, so they go together without being matchy matchy. Fill the frames with your favorite captured memories. They do no need to be professional photos..the candid ones have a lot more charm! Try having all the pictures printed in black and white for a more cohesive look. Frames can be so expensive and they absolutely don’t need to be, my favorite frames are from HomeGoods & Marshall’s!

Meaningful Items
Find that favorite souvenir and put it on display; every time you look at it you will be taken back to that moment and it can serve as a conversation starter. Place items in an odd number for a most successful look, think a grouping of 3 or 5. Vary the height of these items, as well as direction to keep things dynamic. Have that neat antique platter from great grandma just collecting dust in your attic? Put it on top of a stack of horizontal books, and fill it with seasonally appropriate things and some candles. Think ornaments and lights in the winter, pinecones and leaves in the fall. Michaels always has great inspiration when it comes to these types of fillers as well as the $1 bin at Target!

Texture & Shine Elements
Just like a stylish outfit, a stylish bookshelf always has some texture & shine elements to it. Whether it's a woven basket, a pebbled picture frame or a fabric book cover, be sure to have items that feel different to the touch. A mirror, metal bookend or object, or glass vase are also must haves in this category. It adds a depth to the shelves that takes your decor to another level, pun intended. Balance is key when it comes to decorating, so don’t place too many similar items next to each other, put two on one side and one on the other to create a stabilizing triangle effect.

Something Natural
Every room should have something natural in it and your bookshelf is no exception. Spring for low maintenance greenery, such as succulent plants or ferns. Still too much work? Mix in some realistic- looking faux ones and fool people into thinking all are real. Bringing the outside in beautifies any space instantly.

Books
I know you may think this goes without saying but you would be surprised how many bookshelves I see without books! I know we live in a digital world, but no bookshelf if complete without some books. Hardcover books look best, which can be pricey if you don’t have a collection already. You can grab some awesome finds at garage sales, thrift stores and my personal favorite, Half Priced Books….the more well loved the better! Don’t have edge to edge books on your bookshelf; negative space is very important to have your decor truly shine. If your book’s cover doesn’t work with the color scheme of your room, turn the binding to the back so that you mostly see the pages.

Decorating takes time, so enjoy the process of adding and removing items until it feels just right… pour yourself your favorite drink, turn on some tunes and let the creativity flow!