Bookshelves

This is a pretty common problem. I know I struggled with decorating bookshelves for quite some time, until I figured out a system that worked for me.

To show you how to fill an empty bookshelf, I went to my local IKEA store and bought a brand new white Billy bookcase.  I put it together and I'm going to show you step by step how to make it functional and beautiful.

First, gather all of the books that you'd like to put in your bookshelf.  Then, in another area/pile, gather items like vases, framed pictures, glass objects, small statues...the pretty stuff. Don't focus too much on color, but don't go crazy either. Pick 3 or 4 different colors (can be different shades) otherwise it could look a little crazy. These are the two main piles you will be using to fill the bookcase.

Here comes the fun part!  Putting it together!

Find the prettiest of the books you've collected and start with those.  Books do not have to be placed the traditional way in a bookshelf.  In my first bookshelf in our apartment, I had them stacked every which way as you can see by the picture.  You can stack them on top of each other, vertically from the left or vertically from the right.  There is a trend right now where people are arranging them with the spines backwards, making only the pages visible, but I find that incredibly impractical. (Besides, if I did that, my Librarian mother would probably disown me :P) The whole point is to make it functional and then beautiful.  I usually keep series of books together for more impact.  They have similar spines, but in different colors, so it provides clusters of colors and designs. (Again, see the
 first bookshelf pictured here)

Full View of First Bookshelf

The next thing I do is find heavy items in the pretty stuff pile to be used as book ends.  In this bookshelf, I'm using a beautiful carved stone elephant my brother brought me from Peru.  (We named him Tyrone)  You can also use frames, depending on the weight of the books, but really anything heavy that you think is pretty will work. I am also using a set of antique alabaster grapes from my grandmother as book ends.  Grapes and elephants aren't typically linked in any way, but it works.  Instead of focusing on a theme to your bookshelf, just fill it with things that you love.  One of my favorite designers says that if you have multiple themes going on in an area that you're designing, just make sure to have more than 1 hit of each theme, and it will work together.  For example, in this one, I have glass and stone.  Even though grapes, elephants and owls don't really work, their materials do. :)

Here is the finished product.

Full View

Above the Bookshelf

First Shelf

Second Shelf

Third Shelf

Fourth Shelf

To provide more function to your bookshelf, use a basket for storing things that you need.
This bookshelf is in my office, so I'm using it to store office supplies.m (Plus it's cute too)

The bottom 1-2 shelves of any bookcase can usually just be filled with books (no pretty stuff)
The eye is not typically drawn to the bottom of the bookshelf, so those can be purely functional.

I hope this helped inspire you to create your own unique bookshelf.  And if it has, please send me pictures!  I'd love to see it!  (mocklidesigns@gmail.com)

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Happy Decorating!

***Don't forget to post your comments and design questions and I will share my ideas with you***