How to Style a Bookshelf, According to Home Stagers
I have a confession to make: I’m a regular bookshelf redecorator. To me, there’s nothing more fun than taking everything off my shelves, sorting through my collectibles, moving things around and, ultimately, putting everything back slightly differently than the last time around.
Not only is this a way less expensive way to spend a Sunday than shopping for new things, but you also get to see your old stuff in a fabulous new light. If you’re seeking inspiration on how to style your shelves, read on for seven tips from home staging pros.
Only go monochrome if the spines are cohesive
“I’ve found that organizing books by color tends to kill the illusion that the home is lived in. My only exception are books from Penguin. That brand’s distinctive orange spines can look great in one section of a bookshelf.” —Emile L’Eplattenier, chief real estate analyst, TheClose.com
If you’ve got a collection of collectibles, flaunt it!
“We often stage bookshelves with a single type of object repeated over and over again. This might be a collection of vintage radios or film projectors, a milk glass collection from the 1930s or even color-coordinated pottery.” —Justin Riordan, an interior designer, architect and founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency, a staging company in Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles
All hail the sculptural—and functional
“To create an interesting look to your shelves, select sculptural and design forward pieces that are also functional, like lamps, bookends, boxes, and trays.” —Alison Murray Winkler, principal designer and founder of Ali Reeve Design in Brooklyn
It’s not odd to go odd
“We display an odd number of objects on each shelf (one, three, five, seven, etc.). We find that even numbered items tend to lack a focal point and look unbalanced.” —Riordan
A bookshelf is a perfect place for a piece of art
“Use small pieces of art in unique frames—acrylic is my favorite—to add depth and dimension to your bookshelf.” —Liza Pruitt, curator of the Liza Pruitt Collective and a home stager in Richmond, Virginia
Dust jackets can become dull-looking dust collectors
“We always encourage people to remove the dust jackets from hard-backed books to unify your color palette and, ultimately, keep your shelves looking streamlined.” —Riordan
Use coffee table books to your advantage
“Stack four to five larger coffee table books in different directions on your shelves. When they are placed on top of one another it allows for height and elevation of a decor piece (like a picture, tray or candle). When they lean against each other it allows for decor pieces to be placed next to them (like bookends, vases, sculptures, trinkets, and baskets).” —Courtney Fenimore, a design consultant at Spoak, a digital design and consulting service