Most of us have bookshelves in our homes. They can become catch-all spaces for papers, keys, and odds and ends. They can also be unimaginative, holding only the books they are designed for. During your post-holiday cleaning this year, take a fresh look at your rooms and think about making your bookshelves look more interesting. You can combine storage and display functions for a colorful new look. Start by organizing your books by subject matter, then by size and color. Organizing books by color is prettier and more pleasing to the eye. Stack your books both vertically and horizontally. Alternating directions will give your displays more personality. You can also place objects on the horizontal books to create a still life.
Next, look around your home for objects that are attractive or meaningful. A collection of similarly themed items works well, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. For example, books, fine china, and family photos can all work together. Choose only a few of the items to display; keep it simple. Resist the urge to cram your shelves until they are over-full. Limit your selections to three or four types of items at the most to create unity. Too many objects can be overwhelming to the eye and cluttered-looking. As you work, treat each shelf as its own vignette while taking care to relate it to the shelves above and below it.
As you arrange your collection, put larger items near the top and bottom of the bookcase. Place smaller objects at eye level. Group items of different scale on different shelves and place items slightly off center. Step back occasionally as you are working to assess the overall effect you are achieving. Distribute items by their visual weight, rather than by their dimensions. For example, metal items will look heavier than glass.
If you have large shelves, try layering your treasures; it will give your bookcase depth. Use a colorful book, photograph, or a piece of art as a backdrop to other items. Placing colorful frames around the displayed art gives it more prominence. You can also lean plates against the back, anchoring them with books or heavier objects in front. Place smaller items near the front of the shelves. If you want to give one favorite item attention, place it on a shelf by itself.
If you must have loose papers or smaller pamphlets on your shelf, use pretty storage boxes or baskets to hold them. Repurpose small wooden crates or metal locker baskets to hold sundry items and give your shelf a more industrial look.
If your books and collected items are not “popping” the way you want them to, you can also freshen up the bookcase itself by painting it a vibrant, contrasting color. A dark color will make the bookshelf look larger. Another trick is to paste an attractive wallpaper, fabric, or scrapbook paper onto the back wall of the bookcase to create visual interest and to draw the eye inward.
Change items or rearrange them occasionally to keep your displays looking interesting. Instead of merely being functional, your bookcases will give your rooms character and warmth, and you will have created a new decorator look at little to no cost.
