Decorating Tips for Shelves and Bookcases

Group Like With Like. ...
Forget Symmetry and Be Odd. ...
Change the Shelf Height. ...
Add Sparkle and Shine. ...
Create Layers on Shelves. ...
Keep It Spare and Simple. ...
Arrange Books by Color. ...
Display Art in Creative Ways.

What should I display on shelves?
How do I make my shelves look nice?
How do you arrange items on shelves?
How do you decorate a bookcase shelf?
How do you decorate built-in shelves?
How do you decorate high shelves?
Why do decorators put books on shelves backwards?
How can I make a cheap bookshelf look expensive?
How do you display knick knacks without looking cluttered?
How do I make my shelves less cluttered?
How do you decorate a shelf without cluttering?

What should I display on shelves?

9 Ways to Make Your Shelf Display Look Great

Tell your story. ...
Vary the heights of objects. ...
Work with varying textures. ...
Not just books. ...
Work with negative space. ...
Odd numbers. ...
Keep it interesting. ...
Use the vertical wall space.

How do I make my shelves look nice?

For shelves that feel full and finished, mix and match bigger and smaller pieces to create a layered look. Try starting with a few large staple items, and then accessorizing with smaller, more intricate objects. Combining larger and smaller pieces creates a balanced look.

How do you arrange items on shelves?

The basic rule of thumb for decorating bookshelves: one-third books, one-third accessories, and one-third empty space per shelf. If you're short on storage, fill the bottom shelf with identical boxes or baskets. Organize 60 percent of books vertically and 40 percent horizontally to create both balance and spontaneity.

How do you decorate a bookcase shelf?

Layered Bookshelf Decor

Lean artwork along the back of the shelves, and anchor them with books or heavier objects. To decorate the bookcase, place a few small pieces of art near the front of the shelves to give them depth.

How do you decorate built-in shelves?

The Dos and Don'ts of Decorating Built-In Shelves

Don't – Force or Rush the Process.
Do – Shop Your Home for Accessories.
Do – Add Books.
Don't – Spend Too Much on These Books.
Don't – Water the Greenery on the Shelves.
Do – Vary Height, Texture, and Objects.
Don't – Go Matchy-Matchy.
Do- Add Meaningful Decor.

How do you decorate high shelves?

Paint. Use paint to enhance the high shelf area before placing decorative accents on it. ...
Plants and Pots. Place a variety of plants on the shelf to add greenery to the area. ...
Vases. Arrange decorative vases -- in different sizes, heights and shapes -- on the ledge to add interest. ...
Art and Pictures. ...
Baskets.

Why do decorators put books on shelves backwards?

The main argument for why designers like this look is that it shows the whites of the pages, creating a cohesive color palette on your bookshelf. “I love the sculptural effect you get by facing the pages out,” Meininger added. ... "I hated how we had so many books, but they were all different colors," she said.

How can I make a cheap bookshelf look expensive?

Add Molding to Make It Look More Expensive

Fine furniture is usually finished with as much trim and molding as the style allows. Thus, you can make a cheap bookcase look more expensive by adding molding—even if it starts as an everyday laminate piece.

How do you display knick knacks without looking cluttered?

Keep The Smallest Knick-Knacks In Jars

Glass jars provide a lovely way to show off knick-knacks, and decorating inside of a jar keeps objects from getting scattered. Using jars as eclectic storage pieces by painting them or wrapping them in twine is another innovative method of clutter prevention.

How do I make my shelves less cluttered?

To show off your stuff:

Create little vignettes. ...
Empty space is important too. ...
Be thoughtful about your books. ...
Put the things you don't access every day on top. ...
Choose a color palette for your storage. ...
Put the largest and heaviest storage vessels on the bottom.

How do you decorate a shelf without cluttering?

Tip 1: Balance smaller pieces with larger accents

If you use too many smaller decor pieces, it ends up looking junky and cluttered. By using larger pieces, you fill space without things looking too cluttered. Balancing decorative pieces of various sizes is good.