Nine Tips for Decorating Bookcases

Decorating bookcases can seem like an arduous task. So many books and so little time! Follow these easy 9 tips to help you achieve redecorating success.

Tip #1: Empty the Shelves 

Give yourself a fresh perspective by removing everything from the shelves at the start. Leave them empty for a day or two to help hit the reset button. You’ll have lots of creative freedom to move shelves when putting things back. While the shelves are clear, it may be a good time to clean, paint, and organize.

Tip #2: Take Off Old Book Jackets

Book covers are meant to protect books from dust and damage. If the jackets on your collection are tattered and frayed, it’s time to store or toss them out. They’ve done their job, now it’s time to enjoy the set in a new way.

Tip #3: Think Outside the Book

Not enough books to fill the case? Use decor items to fill in the gaps. I use my china cabinet bookcase to show off my books and crystals. You could keep a piggy bank or money bowl on the shelf to draw in good fortune. Decor also makes great bookends when needed.

Tip #4: Have a Theme

Group books together by common genre or author. You could also use a color theme and group light or dark colored books.

Tip #5: Have a Talking Point  

Do you have a collection you’d like to show off? Or are you a maker of things? Whatever it is that’s unique to you, make it a focal point on a set of shelves that are in the center of a room. You’ll enjoy taking pride in it, and your guests will enjoy hearing you talk about it.

Tip #6: Display a Few Book Covers

Book covers that are beautifully illustrated don’t have to be tucked in with the rest. Let them shine, especially if the cover makes you happy. This trick can also be used to hide books that clash with your theme.

Tip #7: Go Horizontal

Wide books can be stacked to save vertical space. Adjust the shelves to give your bookcase an interesting look. This is useful for technical books and photo albums that are wider than novels.

Tip #8: Give Life to your Shelves

As long as your bookcase gets enough light, a houseplant will be an excellent addition. Plants bring a little nature indoors and help clean the air.

Tip #9: Utilize Negative Space

Don’t feel the need to fill every nook and cranny. Leave some open space to help the good stuff stand out.

Notes on 9 Tips for Decorating Bookcases 

To truly help with redecorating, start with a blank canvas. For bookshelves, remove everything; let it sit empty for a few days to help push the reset button. Get organized, have books in one place, and decor in another. Group those piles by color or genre. When putting things back on the shelves, get creative by displaying book covers, or by removing them. Use negative space to help the good stuff stand out. This makes everything cleaner and brighter.

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