apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

That's a cute bookcase! How about putting books and magazines (piled flat) in the center, and in the flanking units put a 3-D object on each shelf. Something like a bowl, or vase, or decorative box? I think if you put one item on each shelf it won't look so much like you're waiting for the next Friends of the Library book sale.

Empty shelves are not a crime - Just spread things out a bit and relish the extra space you have.

Think objectively about what you have regardless of where it "belongs". Maybe you have an orange throw? A red mixing bowl? A blue ball cap? Pink heels? Not having enough to fill a shelf cannot possible be a problem.

I have a vase that I like the shape of, but dont really use that often - I filled it with some sand and some sea shells, and I like the look.

Small trinkets, photo frames - pretty much anything goes. If you're still lost, search flickr for "bookshelf", there's a lot of fun ideas out there!

-Ruth

Put the books behind the glass, not the items you want to display. What is the accent color in your home? You could display some bowls, budvases, photos, shoes, whatever.

forget about collecting books for looks. look at what you already have. do you have any cool barware that you only use for parties? it could be a cool place to showcase them.

Almost any kind of random small junk can be stored in attractive boxes on book cases; sewing supplies, office supplies, hardware, anything like that. Many tobacconists will provide you with several wooden cigar boxes a week if you ask nicely.

Solutions I have used in the past:
A small reading lamp
Vintage camera (sadly nonfunctional, but looks great)
Winnie the Pooh alarm clock
Photos
Whiskey bottle