Bookshelf Like a Boss

Today we are sharing our secrets on how to style your bookshelves like a boss.

Step 1: Strip Down and Set Up

Clear everything off your bookshelves and wipe those dirty girls down! Now that you have cleared off your shelves, begin sorting your like items into piles near your shelves. Try organizing your items in a rainbow color scheme or by warm or cool colors. Creating a color scheme will take your items from individual pieces and turn them into a bona fide collection. In this example below, we used a scheme of black, white and gold, so we sorted these books accordingly.

The key to making your objects pop is having contrast between the backs of the shelves and the colors of your objects. If you are more of a magazine reader than a book collector, try painting or wallpapering the backs of your shelves so the white spines of your magazines can pop more. If your books and objects are colorful, opt for a simple color for the backs of your shelves like a nice clean white in a semi gloss. We used Distant Gray by Benjamin Moore.

If you are styling multiple bookshelves, take the time to measure and set each shelf at the correct height. Start by measuring your tallest object and add 6” for “breathing room” so it doesn’t look like your objects are being “smushed” or worse, decapitated.

Go for a classic library look by setting each shelf at the same height across the entire shelving system, or go modern by mixing up the shelf positions by creating a rhythm.

Step 2: Build like an Egyptian

Why are the pyramids in Egypt still standing today? Because they have great foundations. Start with your heaviest items on the bottom. Why? It gives the shelves a visual and literal stability. We love using colored photo boxes to store unsightly, personal or delicate odds and ends. Keep your shelves balanced by pairing stacks. To avoid a “column” look, break up your shelves with groupings in threes or other odd numbers.

Step 3: Anger a Librarian

Just because the library organizes their books in a vertical orientation doesn’t mean you have to! Take a stack of books and rotate them on their side. Make sure the tallest books are on the bottom so your sideways stack doesn’t topple over. You can still place your books vertically, but have fun with the overall top shape of the stack. For example, try making a “V” with the tops of the books by placing the tallest books towards the ends of a shelf and the shortest in the middle. Other playful ways to stack books vertically is to go for a zigzag pattern or a mountainous slope.

Step 4: Share the Spotlight

Sometimes great objects can stand on their own and shine. Some objects play better with others. Have fun moving your figurines, vases and other items to see what works best together. Consider splitting the pair and flipping the arrangements so they are balanced.

Step 5: Show Off

Walk away from the shelves and clear your eyes. Once you are a few feet away, turn around to face your beautifully arranged shelves and admire your work.

Getting stuck? Have a quick question? Leave us a comment and we’ll write you back.