How to Stylize a Bookshelf

Article by Darlene Schacht

One thing I’ve always had a passion for is a stylized bookshelf. Bookshelves can either make a room or break a room. They have the potential to add warmth and interest, and they also have the potential to make you look messy and disorganized.

I love books. I don’t buy the old ones for the content so much as I do for the character. I love the texture, the design, and the unique interest that books add to a home. I also love pairing them with nick nacks, and I think that a mix of both is key to a good design.

Let me show you some of my favorites!

1. 1. Place books vertically and horizontally on the shelves.

This first one is from Stylish Bird. I love how they have a combo of both vertical books and horizontal books. Using horizontal books as book ends is a great way to add interest. Notice how the horizontal books are layered with smallest books on top and largest on the bottom.

2. Pair vintage books with faux plants.

3. Allow the books room to breath.

4. Try to keep all of the spines flush with the front edge of the shelves.

The next one is from Magnolia. Here’s a little secret between me, you, and the rest of the internet. These are faux plants. Plants are a beautiful compliment to the deep colors of vintage books. Notice how the book shelf has room to breath. Just because you have a lot of books it doesn’t mean that you have to display them all at once or all in one place. Mix them with plants or ornaments for interest and character. This one is also a great example of keeping spines flush with the front of the shelves.

5. Stagger your alignment

6. Keep book sets together when possible.

This white book shelf is from MyDomaine.com. Whenever I stylize a bookshelf, I like to stagger the alignment. Notice how some books are on the right and left, while others are in the center. This gives the bookshelf balance. Also notice how they kept sets together. So beautifully done!

1. 7. Use baskets to store awkward items like magazines and pamphlets.

This beautiful bookshelf is from All Mimsy Home. I love the addition of the baskets. It’s beautiful and creative!

8. When grouping items, try to keep them in groups of three: tall, medium, and small. This isn’t always possible, but looks great when you can do it.

You might not be able to tell from this photo, but the items in each group are slightly turned toward each other. I do this with most items in my house–again, when it works.

The little boy in the knitted hat is a new addition to my office. I found him at a thrift store and had to take him home. Oh, can you tell I like color a lot? *smile*

About the Author:

Darlene and her husband Michael live in Manitoba Canada where the summers are beautiful and the winters are cold. Together they’ve raised four children and have welcomed two grand children into their family.

She began her publishing journey about fourteen years ago when she pioneered one of the first online magazines for Christian women, known at the time as “Christian Women Online Magazine.” After three years, Darlene left CWO to blog as a solo author at Time-Warp Wife Ministries.

Being the youngest of six girls in a house without boys gave Darlene the opportunity to watch, to listen, and to learn what it takes to manage an organized house.

My P31 Home is a warm blend of Darlene’s writing and love for a comfy, pretty, and organized home. It’s a small corner of the world where faith, family, and home come together in one beautiful place.

Find Darlene on the Web at:

Time-Warp Wife Ministries
Facebook: @timewarpwife
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Twitter: @timewarpwife
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