Secrets to Styling a Bookshelf

Learning to style a bookshelf can be daunting and frustrating because it's a multifunctional piece that above all else needs to be functional. When done right a bookshelf can be the focus of something really beautiful, but when done wrong it can be the focus of a traumatic visit for your guest. For those of you that have bookshelves causing your guests discomfort, I want to help you. Here are some rules/tips to help give you some direction.

Rule One: Think Outside the Box. 
A bookshelf doesn't only have to have books with a little frame that says "Keep Calm." It's important to vary the objects that you're using and try not to limit yourself.

This bookshelf is such a good example of awesome styling. The bookshelf is a very standard and popular one from IKEA and you can barely tell because it stands out and looks completely individual. The big print on top is great because it helps give the illusion of the bookshelf being taller and adds something graphic. All the little objects throughout create a story; the plant, the branch on a stand, the brass horse. All these objects express a personal style.

This is another example of great bookshelf styling. I love the rock crystal bookend on the top shelf, the plant is beautiful because it's sculptural and the pot is pretty too. The three small painted canvases on the second shelf are a really nice touch, they're handcrafted and unexpected. Everything here is nicely layered without feeling cluttered.




Rule Two: Use Different Shapes.  
You never want your shelves to feel boring or too repetitive and because essentially you're using your bookshelf for books, you need to take advantage of the shapes you're choosing to incorporate.

So this bookshelf was done by Emily Henderson so naturally it's styled to perfection. This bookshelf has a lot of books laid out horizontally and vertically with something sweet on each shelf. You have books stacked with a little gold bowl on top, and then you have books lined up with a piece of art at the end. This keeps it feeling fresh and unexpected. Screw you, Emily Henderson. I'm just joking, call me instead.

So I think this is the mother of all examples of playing around with shapes. Take a look at that bird, definitely a different shape than all the books, and it totally works. I love the styling of these shelves, with the picture frames and miniture elephant. It's done really well.

This is good for people who want to keep their bookshelves for books instead of a lot of objects. But even though it's full of books it still has the pretty moments with the gold fish on a stand displayed with an Andy Warhol book.


Rule Three: Flowers and Nature.
Adding flowers and plants to any styling surface is always a must and bookshelves are no exception. It brings in life, color and shape and executes the finish product beautifully.

So this was also done by Emily Henderson, and here we see flowers being represented in wallpaper- a pretty damn good one. It's a gorgeous backdrop for those white open shelves. Keep in mind this can be done in your own home: Purchase the shelves from IKEA and before putting them up apply self adhesive wallpaper of your choice. I can't guarantee it will look this good or end up all over pinterest, but if it doesn't work out at least no one will ever know about it. With these open shelves the books are laid out neatly with a few nick nacks here and there to break it up. Have you ever seen better use of a fern? I love a nicely messy fern and this one looks so bright against the black and gold.

So here the flowered branches not only add something natural but it adds height and sculptural to these shelves. Branches are great for taking up a big amount of otherwise 'dead' space and still being sparse. This was done by Emily Henderson as well...... this is getting embarrassing already. I have an undying love for her that you all need to read about. I thought I got it out of my system with that post dedicated to her, but apparently not.


Fail-Proof Objects for Styling
There are some things that can be used anywhere and with any placement that will always add interest and style.

On top of these gorgeous nesting tables is a candle holder from CB2. I've purchased two of them and they're amazing. Their size is nice and big and feel very substantial. I change them around and move them constantly. I've split them up and use the bigger flower for keys and sunglasses by the front door. Find it here http://www.cb2.com/2-piece-dahlia-candleholder-set/f7897

This is an elephant tealight holder from Nate Berkus's line at Target. I have gone to Target every time he comes out with new designs (I'm not afraid to admit it) and it only gets better. This is really cute for layering, you can place it on top of a stack of books or grouped with a vase of flowers. Find it here http://www.target.com/p/nate-berkus-trade-elephant-tealight-holder/-/A-14578470#prodSlot=medium_1_13

Another piece from Nate's line for Target. This is great because it's a good shape and it can used in so many ways. You can stack them up on top of each other or you can separate them and use them as bookends. Click here http://www.target.com/p/nate-berkus-decorative-oversized-nut-figural-gold/-/A-14440338#prodSlot=medium_1_37 

I love these Carla Peters vases from West Elm. They're good for styling because they look good with or without flowers. You can leave them empty and the design and shape will still add so much to what you're styling. Find them here http://www.westelm.com/shop/accessories-pillows/vases-botanicals/?cm_type=gnav

Don't underestimate the power of pretty boxes. Traditionally they're used for jewelry but tv remotes fit inside just fine and add some glamor to your coffee table or side table. I use little boxes all the time to hide miscellaneous things from around the house. It works for me and not my husband because he can never find anything. I understand where he's coming from but they're just so pretty :)
Click here  http://www.westelm.com/products/brushstroke-jewelry-box-d1850/?pkey=cjewelry-box-storage&cm_src=jewelry-box-storage||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

These are paperweight glass knots that come in all different colors and are truly perfect for styling. They can be put anywhere, on top or in front, and add something sculptural. I love them all and want them all but I am literally running out of room in my apartment. Click here  http://www.westelm.com/shop/accessories-pillows/decorative-objects/?cm_type=gnav

This is a great book about styling and knowing your personal style. It's a good read and it's a good addition for your bookshelf. Find it here http://www.amazon.com/Decorate-Workshop-Design-Style-Creative/dp/1452110646/ref=pd_sim_b_10


So when styling your bookshelf have in mind that to keep things interesting you need to be aware to use different colors and shapes throughout the shelves. And don't rush, it's fine to wait and do the process over a period of time and create a more collected feeling rather than buying out the whole accessories department in Target. Trust me, I've been there and you just feel shame.