By Lynzi Judish
Styling a bookcase can be a very intimidating task to tackle. Placing everything just right and having the right pieces for an aesthetically pleasing design is a daunting task. So, let us make it easy for you. Here are a few tips to help you create a stellar bookcase design.
1. You actually need to use books. Period.
I get it, not everyone reads, but a bookcase full of odds and ends without books will never look right. So, you need to buy some books no matter what. At minimum, a third of your space should be occupied by books.
2. Think beyond the stack.
Be creative about how you organize books - stack them, straighten them like your typical bookcase, prop them to the side and create an angle, use book ends, use stacks of books to create differing heights and don’t forget the space on top of the books is also fair game to display pieces.
3. Color-code.
Pair books together with similar colors, like creating an ombré effect or sorting similar color/toned books together. You can also turn them backwards, but I’ll only do this if it’s a small amount in a place where I don’t need to see titles, otherwise I’d go mad trying to find things. If they’re just decorative and you like that white/beige aesthetic, commit the ultimate bookworm sin and turn them backwards. You can also remove the book covers as most books tend to be solid colors underneath. This can help to have less clutter in the design. If you read a lot and revisit old books often, please disregard everything I just said and let your alphabetized or genre sorted bookcase be a part of the design.
4. Mix it up.
You’ll need a variety of decorative objects in different shapes and sizes. Some examples are spherical objects, abstract design objects, something tall like a candlestick or something short like tiny knick knacks. Seriously, the sky's the limit as long as you’re mixing in that size and shape regard.
Pictured: Lynzi's marble horse bookends, sourced from AuctionNinja
5. Pick a color palette!
This might not be possible per say if you have varying colored books and want to include them all, so we’ll call that look eclectic and functional. That’s definitely the category my main bookshelves lie in. If the bookcase is more decorative, then this tip’s for you. Choosing a monochromatic look is one way to do this. For example, you could choose yellow and collect books in the tan/yellow/gold/off white realm and it will make for a beautiful effect, whether you decide to mix them or make an ombre look.
My personal favorite is to pick a relatively monochromatic theme or analogous for the books and then choose a bold color to trickle in with objects. For example, let’s go back to our yellow books. Choosing a complementary color for your accent would mean purple. That could look stark, so if you’re not into a smack in the mouth design, then either lilac or eggplant would be great choices. I’m a big believer that any two colors can go together no matter the tone.
6. Layer layer layer! You want to work on being cognizant of varying heights and depths. One of my favorite secrets to a well-designed bookcase is framed art or picture frames. Bigger frames that are relatively the height of the shelves can be positioned in the very back of the bookcase, leaving room for your books and objects in front. Very small items are great for slivers of space in front of books or even on top if there’s a level section. Get creative with your placement. As long as you use the depth of your shelves you’ll create something cool!
7. More is more.
This is definitely a matter of opinion, but I’m keen on the eclectic look and I like to load up my shelves. By all means, be as sparse as you like if you’re more of a minimalist, but I will say I believe bookcase shelves with more fun and character tell a better story. My personal goal for a bookcase is for it to a) showcase my books in a functional way and b) create conversation. I want others to see it and have questions. I want your eye to move around the bookcase and marvel or, at minimum, pique your interest.
8. It’s all about balance.
Being Symmetrical doesn’t matter at all! However, balancing your shelves does.Think about the combination of these steps. Your books are positioned in a variety of ways, each shelf has highs and lows throughout, the objects are varied in shape and size, etc.
9. Add something living, for goodness sake.
Nothing freshens up a bookcase like flowers or plants. You don’t need a lot. Even a few sprigs or twigs in tiny vases here and there would be beautiful. Don’t feel like you need to spend money to keep your shelves looking nice. Look in your own backyard and see what you can find. If you can’t be bothered, zero worries. You can find faux plants and such all over. Just be careful that you’re buying pieces that look realistic. You can do this at all price points, you just have to do some work to find what looks believable. For example, CB2 and Crate and Barrel have some amazing faux plants, but they’re pricey. Michael’s has some more affordable options that look nice, but also some that don’t. By and large a place like Dollar Tree is not your store, but I have found some berry sprigs around Christmas time that look surprisingly real. Shop around! There are also a huge amount of Etsy shops that do dried flower bouquets that will last forever!
10. Your bookcase needs some soul, which means sentimental items. Personally, my favorite spot for pieces I’ve bought traveling live on my bookshelves and my most sentimental family heirlooms do, too. My bookcase shelves my wedding cake topper, my first purchase of legit art on a trip to Santa Fe, pictures of my husband’s grandfather looking very debonair, etc. I love to keep them here because they’re a safe space. It’s not a high traffic area. If you have kids or cats that might be a different story. Use your highest shelves for those special pieces.
11. Showcase your most-loved.
Use this moment to find homes for objects or items that you don’t use often, but love. This could mean a beautiful teapot that’s gathering dust in the back of a kitchen cabinet or neutral seasonal items. There’s no reason you can’t keep out some Halloween or Christmas or whatever items. For example, I keep out a Frankenstein snow globe that I love as well as some faux animal skeletons, all of which are Halloween decorations. I also display some ceramic rabbits that are also my Easter decor.
12. Find unique pieces
This is why AuctionNinja is my best friend. Shopping auctions are one of the best ways to source interesting pieces you won’t see elsewhere. An adorable item from a chain store is great, but vintage is a girl’s best friend. I’ve found so many pieces from various auctions that are just stunning, not to mention a deal. I got the little yellow painting and the encyclopedias in this post for $1 each! The items I’ve found via AuctionNinja that are on the pictured shelves are all the framed artwork, the encyclopedias, a decorative bird and some of my most prized possessions: my marble horse bookends. I think they’re absolutely stunning!
13. Have fun!
I promise styling your bookcase will be easy. Consider my steps and just enjoy yourself. Throw on some tunes and a whimsical outfit and let your imagination do the work.
More About Lynzi
Lynzi Judish (@lynzijudish) is an influencer in upstate New York who focuses on fashion and home content, trickled with body positivity and mental health. Previous to working as an influencer, she had a successful career as a fashion photographer, shooting for brands like Northface and magazines like L’officiel. She also was the editor-in-chief of Jute Magazine for many years.
Lynzi grew up in Lakewood, Colorado as an only child. Her love for photography started at a very young age and she styled many photo shoots of her childhood playmates. Lynzi is now married with three dogs and recently bought a beautiful home on a mountain top. Sharing the process of making her house into a home has been one of her greatest joys, which she is documenting on her new account exclusively for lifestyle and home, @lynziliving. She’s recently moved into the world of upcycling and has big plans ahead. Once upon a time, as a young adult, Lynzi aspired to be a professional bowler. She also loves heavy metal and is very passionate about opossums.
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June 11, 2021 Updated 03:06 PM
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