Bookshelves add life and color to a room—they’re a cue to your personality and aesthetic, a place to show off your #shelfie chops and a great opportunity to meld storage with style. But getting the arrangement right is sometimes easier seen than done. Fear not, we’ve got some simple pointers to step up your styling game and make your shelves look Insta-worthy.
Even though the style and size of a bookcase depends on the room it will go in and what you're looking for, there are some general tips to keep in mind when shopping for one. Here are the basics below.
Think about material. From solid hardwood to metal, bookcases are available in a handful of materials. Wood veneers (boards made up of thin layers of wood) and plywood are commonly used -- and are the most cost-effective. However, materials such as metals (iron, stainless steel) and solid hardwoods (maple, oak and walnut) are sturdier, but they tend to be more expensive.
Refer: https://amzn.to/2FHL3y7
Double check dimensions. Bookcases vary greatly in sizes, so it's important to choose one that fits your room. Always take the dimensions of the room in which the bookcase will go. If there is a window, don't forget to measure the space between the window and the wall.
Take these measurements with you when shopping and check them against the sizes of bookcases.
The key is to ensure that a bookcase is sized so that it doesn't jut out too far from a wall, impeding traffic flow.
Adjustable shelves. Many bookcases come with adjustable shelving, which allows for a bit of customization. These are especially useful if you have large books or are considering placing larger objects in the shelves. Simply remove the shelf and take out the supports that hold it up.
Even though the style and size of a bookcase depends on the room it will go in and what you're looking for, there are some general tips to keep in mind when shopping for one. Here are the basics below.
Think about material. From solid hardwood to metal, bookcases are available in a handful of materials. Wood veneers (boards made up of thin layers of wood) and plywood are commonly used -- and are the most cost-effective. However, materials such as metals (iron, stainless steel) and solid hardwoods (maple, oak and walnut) are sturdier, but they tend to be more expensive.
Refer: https://amzn.to/2FHL3y7
Double check dimensions. Bookcases vary greatly in sizes, so it's important to choose one that fits your room. Always take the dimensions of the room in which the bookcase will go. If there is a window, don't forget to measure the space between the window and the wall.
Take these measurements with you when shopping and check them against the sizes of bookcases.
The key is to ensure that a bookcase is sized so that it doesn't jut out too far from a wall, impeding traffic flow.
Adjustable shelves. Many bookcases come with adjustable shelving, which allows for a bit of customization. These are especially useful if you have large books or are considering placing larger objects in the shelves. Simply remove the shelf and take out the supports that hold it up.
How To Style Your Bookshelves Like A Pro
Start with books, mixing vertical rows with horizontal stacks. Leave room on shelves for accessories. Vary the placement of books on left, right and center of shelves. Skip the tattered textbooks and paperbacks and keep just your best volumes. TIP: Remove any dust jackets that look worn or too distracting; uncovered books often look more classic.
Add some tall, eye-catching objects to anchor your arrangement, whether vases, candlesticks or a piece of sculpture. TIP: These pieces can also serve as bookends. Let some items stand alone; build out others into a small collection or grouping. It’s essential to vary the scale to avoid a mishmash of small knickknacks. Grouping elements of similar colors or materials will help create a cohesive arrangement.
- Don’t forget the tops of shelves! Add a few sculptural pieces, such as vases, planters or artwork up top to extend the height of your shelves.
- Consider painting or wallpapering the backs of shelves a contrasting color to make your books and objects really pop! For wallpaper, try this pro tip: Measure and cut pieces of Foamcore the size of the bookshelf backs, then cover the Foamcore with wallpaper and place in back of shelves. Much easier, and easy to change out!
- To color-code or not? Opinions are hotly divided on arranging books by color. Bibliophiles object to organizing books in a non-literary way, while stylists love the look (although it’s getting played out by this point). The styling trend that makes no sense (even though we’re sometimes guilty!): arranging books with the spines against the wall—which makes it obvious they’re just for looks and not for reading!
Thanks you for watching!
Comments
Post a Comment