Mastering the Art of Styling Open Shelves and Bookcases
3 MINUTE READ
As an experienced interior designer, I've seen firsthand how well-styled open shelves and bookcases can transform a room.
Smart storage solutions offer more than just a place to store your belongings; they're an opportunity to showcase your personality and create visual interest in your space.
Mastering the Art of Styling Bookcases includes:
Understanding basic design principles
A step-by-step guide to styling
Ideas of what to use in your styling
Let's dive into the art of styling these areas to create a stunning display that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing:
1. Design Principles for Stunning Shelves
Here are some key design principles to keep in mind:
📐 The Rule of Three
One of the most important rules in design is the rule of three. Grouping items in odd numbers, particularly threes, is visually appealing and helps guide the eye across the space. When creating these groupings, think in terms of small, medium, and large items to create balance and interest.
⚫ Embrace Negative Space
While it might be tempting to fill every inch of your shelves, resist the urge! Negative space (empty areas) is crucial for preventing a cluttered look. It gives the eye a place to rest and makes the overall display more visually pleasing.
⚖️ Create Visual Balance
Vary the heights, shapes, and textures of your items to create visual balance. This diversity will make your shelves more interesting and dynamic. Mix tall items with short ones, round objects with square ones, and smooth textures with rough ones.
📚 Layer for Depth
Layering art and decorative objects adds depth and dimension to your shelves. Place smaller items in front of larger ones, or lean artwork against the back of the shelf with smaller objects in front.
2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Your Shelves
Ready to get started? Here's a step-by-step approach to styling your shelves like a pro:
Start with a clean slate: Remove everything from your shelves. This allows you to see the space with fresh eyes.
Begin with artwork 🖼️: Add framed artwork or family photos. These larger pieces will serve as anchors for your design.
Add books 📚: Arrange some books vertically and stack others horizontally to add height and create platforms for smaller objects.
Layer in decorative objects: Use a mix of large and small items to fill open spaces. Remember the rule of three!
Finish with greenery 🪴: Add plants or floral arrangements last. These bring life to your shelves and soften the overall look.
3. Styling Ideas - What to Display
First, let's talk about what items work well on open shelves and bookcases:
Artwork: Framed prints, photographs, or small sculptures can add a personal touch and visual interest.
Books: A design staple. Arrange them vertically or horizontally to create different visual effects.
Decorative Bookends: These not only serve a practical purpose but can also be statement pieces themselves.
Small Decor Items: Think figurines, collectibles, or mementos that reflect your interests and travels.
Greenery: Plants, whether real or faux, add life and a pop of color to your shelves.
Bowls, Vases, and Pots: These can serve as standalone decorative pieces or as vessels for plants or other items.
Stacked Decorative Boxes: Great for adding height and concealing smaller items you want to keep handy but out of sight.
Candlesticks: These add a touch of elegance and can create a warm ambiance when lit.
Styling shelves should be a fun art. Don't be afraid to play around with different arrangements until you find one that feels right to you. The key is to create a display that not only looks beautiful but also reflects your personal style and tells your story.