10 Designer Tricks For Styling The Perfect Bookcase

I can't think of one client I have met in the last 13 years in business who doesn't love a wall of bookcases. Built-in shelving is often the perfect architectural detail in a living room or study.

The issue however, is how to style them to perfection.

The task of styling a bookcase to perfection is often daunting and overwhelming, but fear not, we are here to help!

Here are 10 designer tips to a perfectly styled bookcase

1) The first thing to consider is the bookcase itself

Are you having a built-in custom-built from scratch? It's the perfect time to design exactly what you want. Determine if you prefer a painted or stained finish. If you prefer stained, then you need to invest in good quality wood species that will take the stain evenly. Consider adding adjustable shelves where possible to expand your options for styling. Decide if you'd like drawers in the base, cabinets or even open shelves. Design the layout that works best for the items you have to display. I typically recommend designing the top with open shelves less deep - maybe 12" than the bottom drawers or doors - typically 24" deep.

Whether new or existing, consider how the color you choose will work with the rest of the space.

In most cases, painting the bookcases to match the trim in the rest of the room will help it blend in as part of the home's architecture. Painting an accent color will make it a feature and more like a piece of furniture in the room.

In some situations, adding an accent color or wallpaper in the back of the bookcase creates interest and depth

Of course you may be working with a freestanding piece of furniture, in which case, the same tips below will apply

2) Decide whether you prefer symmetry or not and begin to layout your items

This will be based in part on the existing pieces you own. Take stock of what you already own - measure them as best as you can, and set aside one day to shop for all the other items. I recommend buying more than you think you need and keep your receipts in case you need to return any items. When it comes to bookcase styling, or styling any vignette for that matter, it can be hard to know what to buy ahead of time. Try to have fun with it and not let this part overwhelm you. If you prefer to make it a project you do over time, spend time searching for the pieces that speak to you

Symmetry may be a bit easier to pull off as typically you're copying the same layout from one side to the next.

Asymmetry makes for a more collected feel, but it takes a more careful eye to achieve balance and harmony without looking like clutter

Start with one shelf at a time. Lay it out in a way that's pleasing to you, then work on the next shelf and make sure the layouts are different but cohesive.

Notice in the image below, the bottom shelf on the left has a grouping of books; some standing vertically and some stacked one on top of the other. What I did there is use the books stacked as a bookend for the books arranged vertically. Then I added a smaller object on top of the stack of books. On the right side of the bottom shelf I added a pair of jars at varying heights and a floral in front. That adds some dimension, a bit of color and some natural element.

The shelf above the bottom left shelf has a different layout than the one below it. That is intentional. If all shelves are laid out the same way, that will feel a bit contrived. On the second shelf, I added a stack of two books with a plant on top. Plants are a good addition to styling your shelves to add texture and a natural element

Next to that is a leaning piece of art or photo. That helps create a subtle focal point. In some cases, overlapping two pieces of leaning art adds interest. Another stack of books on the right, this time a bit taller with an object on top completes the shelf. Varying heights is an important component when styling

On the shelf above, I also laid it out a bit different than the bottom two. Some books, photo frames and a wire object for texture completes the look

The top shelf are some personal mementos owned by the client. Things that are special to my clients usually go on a shelf on top or at eye level. This makes it easier to appreciate them, and keep them out of the hands of little kids

The shelves on the right side, while containing completely different objects still feels similar, or at least flow with the ones on the left.

This is the best way to achieve asymmetry.

I typically avoid having the adjustable shelves themselves at varying heights or staggered. Those I prefer to keep symmetrical

3) Books are a must

A big pet peeve of mine is a bookcase with no books. Even if you are not an avid reader, a bookcase must contain books to fill the space, add warmth and interest. Books are available inexpensively at thrift stores. I love to coordinate them by color

If you are going for more of a minimal look, purchase random books and wrap them in white or brown craft paper. They will tend to recede instead of standing out. Whatever you do, do not use fake books.

I have seen many designers turn the books with the spine towards the back of the bookcase, but I am not really a fan of that as much. That does allow more consistency in the coloring of the books, so it is not out of the question.

While you want to have an authentic look to your books where there would naturally be lots of colors, try to keep them as uniformed in color as possible, unless your goal is to be bold with contrast

4) Personal mementos

Be sure to include personal mementos

Sprinkle in things that you love or have collected, especially if you love a lot of books. This may inspire starting a collection. Try to group like items together as much as possible. This could be a few objects that tell a story, or actual objects that are similar in style.

5) Layer

Layering helps to add dimension. This has to be done well to avoid clutter.

The below image is my personal bookcase. I love books and collect them. This may be too much for someone reading this post, but wanted to illustrate how to layer.

Layering is basically overlapping objects and arranging objects in front of each other and still allow them all to be viewed and appreciated

Notice the second shelf from the top on the left side. I placed a stack of books in front of a group of books laid out vertically. There is also an object of the stack of books

Same with the top right shelf. We have layered books in front of books. This works best if you have deep shelves

6) Consistency in color or not

Keeping the overall color scheme consistent will have a cleaner more modern feel. It doesn't mean that every single item in the bookcase has to be the exact same color. It means that the vast majority of items must be close in color and little to no contrast

At the very least, keep objects at eye level similar in color

7) Balance

In a modern setting a balanced layout can be more calming overall

Here in this modern bookcase below, I arranged both sides of the bookcase to be a mirror images of each other. Everything is balanced and consistent.

8) Breathing Room

Unless you are a maximalist like me, having some breathing room when you style your bookcase is appropriate. This means that not every shelf must be filled to capacity. Some empty spaces helps the eye to relax. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to add more items over time

9) Vary textures

Bring in several different textures - shiny, matte, rough, metallic and mix them all. Greenery and florals also helps to add texture, which always makes for a more interesting arrangement

10) Vary heights

Varying heights is a must. This creates rhythm and movement. Apply the rule of odd numbers where appropriate - basically arranging objects in groupings of threes and fives. If you have items all at the same height, you can use books, boxes and acrylic risers to help vary heights

Now it's time to finish up your beautiful bookcase styling, step back and enjoy your handy work.

If you have follow up questions, head into the Forum and ask away!

Wishing You beauty And Inspiration!

Veronica