Take your bookshelves from boring to brilliant with these expert styling tips.
Bookshelves are a great way to bring personality and style to a space, but they can do so much more than just display books. They can also be the perfect showcase for your decor, art, travel mementos and whatever else helps show off your modern style. They also provide a stylish storage option.
Don’t know where to start when it comes to your own bookshelves? Check out five of our favorite bookshelf styling tips.
- When it comes to books, mix it up! Your bookshelf doesn’t need to look like a copycat of a library shelf. Try having a stack of books on one shelf and a row of books on another shelf, or include both on a single shelf. And don’t forget to remove any beat-up dust jackets to make sure your books are worthy of the beautiful bookshelf they’re on.
- Add a little height. Break up the long lines of horizontals by adding in some taller elements, like a vase or small piece of framed art. You can also get the opposite effect by adding in smaller, shorter pieces like a clock or houseplant. Both of these will make your bookshelf more visually interesting.
- Try texture. Create contrast against the sameness of the paper spines by using metal or glass accents. And you can make an even more significant effect by using a bookshelf that incorporates bold materials like brass or steel. For a more organic feel, bring in natural elements like jute or wicker.
- Don’t forget storage. Carefully-selected boxes and bins can blend right into your bookshelf and provide extra storage while still meeting your modernist tastes. Look for storage solutions in neutral colors so they don’t stand out too much.
- Bring in art! Bookshelves don’t have to just display books—they can also showcase smaller pieces of art. Place a few of your favorite pieces on the shelves to lean against the wall for an effortlessly casual look. A bonus tip? Use frames with a unique texture for an even better look.
Before you start styling your own shelves, make sure your bookshelves are worthy of the treasures that sit upon them. Check out Kardiel’s offerings for some marvelously Mid-Mod picks.
