I’ve always been an avid book collector. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a bookshelf in my bedroom. Over the years, I have decorated a few of my bookshelves. But I think, my most recent bookshelf must be my best ever shelf. This is why, I wanted to share how to style bookshelves: 5 tips for Easy Styling.
Bookshelf Styles
There are different ways which people style their bookshelves. But my style has always been a bookshelf that looks like it is being used.
I know that within the book community there are readers and those who are collectors. Personally I’m both, but lean more towards being an actual reader of books. If you want to start reading more, check out my tips on how to read more.
My personal advice is that bookshelves that look more enthralling are the ones that look like they are being used.
My Bookshelf Mistakes
The truth is that, when I first started styling my Billy Bookcase Shelves from IKEA. I was leaning more towards an aesthetic than a bookshelf that I use.
Firstly I went for the rainbow shelves. Okay, so, in the booktok/ bookinstagram this is a major no no for many people. Personally, I didn’t like my books in that order. However, I can honestly say, other people genuinely make rainbow shelves look so good. So, do what you like most at the end of it.
Secondly and this is my current mistake, but I went for plain white decor on my white shelves. I still haven’t rectified this as I kind of like it, but hope to change it later.
5 Easy tips to Style your Bookshelves.
1. Add your personality to it.
Okay, notice how this blog post isn’t called how to style your bookshelf exactly like mine. My only goal is to share my top tips on styling shelves, which you can take or not take.
That’s why my first tip, is to add some personality to your shelves. Before, you concern yourself with an aesthetic, the first thing to do is create shelves which represent your taste. At the end of the day, that’s what makes them unique and inviting. You want to look at your shelves with pride.
2. Decorate with plants
Hear me out. Plants on shelves might be the best thing since sliced bread. Not but honestly, decorating your bookshelves with plants is an excellent choice. There’s just something about plants and books together that is pleasing to the eyes.
Whether you use real or fake plants is all up to you. But, most definitely use only fake plants. I cannot risk damage to my books, I absolutely cannot do it.
3. Decorative pieces
If you are leaning more towards an aesthetic bookshelf, my top suggestion is to add decorative pieces to it. What I mean by this, is that you can add things like vases, bottles, candle holders, mini baskets or display plates on your bookshelves.
The reason, I don’t particularly like my decorative pieces is because of the colour of them. But, I must admit that I genuinely think decorative pieces make the shelf look really good. There’s just something about a shelf with a candle holder that looks good.
4. Add Art Work
Adding art work to my bookshelves is something that I’ve recently done. I can tell you that it’s a look, that definitely works. There’s something about artwork that makes bookshelves look quaint & rustic. I can’t put it to words. But I just love the look of it.
What makes it more special is adding artwork that you actually like.
5. Decorate bookshelves with Books.
Goes, without saying, once again. That the game changer is actually having books on your shelves. I know for some people bookshelves may be added for decorative purposes only in their homes. But I really do recommend that you get some books.
You don’t need to buy new books, I actually think second hand books work really well.
Where to buy your shelves.
I got my bookshelves from IKEA, the bookshelves are Billy Bookcase and I got 3 with extra shelves. Unfortunately, all 3 couldn’t fit in my bedroom, and my heart still breaks over that. I added an extra
Alternatively you can get used bookshelves from furniture shops, Facebook markets and other secondhand shops.
Where my Decorations are from
All my decor on the shelves are from the Range UK.
O’L Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the goal is to create bookshelves that represent your taste. I think the bookshelves that stand out are the ones that look like they are being used.
Even if you are not a reader, make sure to add a lot of books there. You never know, you may be encouraged one day to pick up a book and start reading. Honestly, once you start you may never go back.
