HOW TO CURATE AND ARRANGE BEAUTIFUL BOOKSHELVES
Beautifully curated and artfully displayed bookshelves add a compelling visual to any room. Shelves add an interesting dimension with books and objects that draw the eye to them for a closer look. Bookshelves can hold stacks of your favorite books, collectibles, or photos of friends and family in a well laid out mix of the items you choose to display.
Beautifully curated and artfully displayed bookshelves add a compelling visual to any room. Shelves add an interesting dimension with books and objects that draw the eye to them for a closer look. Bookshelves can hold stacks of your favorite books, collectibles, or photos of friends and family in a well laid out mix of the items you choose to display.
Bookshelves also add a critical layer of interior furnishings that add storage and can be the “art” in the room. They may tell the story of what is important to their owner, whether it is artifacts picked up from travel or books that define one’s past and personality.
Arranging a bookshelf effectively involves a combination of aesthetics, organization, and functionality. Here's a guide on how to arrange a visually appealing bookshelf.
Grouping: Group similar items together. For books, group them by genre, size, or color. This creates a sense of organization and makes the shelf visually appealing. Choose books with attractive covers that are in good condition.
Balance: Achieve balance by distributing items evenly across the shelves. Avoid overcrowding one section while leaving another sparse. Be mindful of the visual weight of a shelf so that the balance is evenly disbursed.
Mix Heights and Orientation: Vary the heights and orientation both horizontal and vertical of items on the shelf. This prevents monotony and adds visual interest. Pedestals of books can be created. Some pedestals should be composed only of books while others can be stacks of 3-4 books with an object on top of them.
Create Focal Points: Designate certain areas of the bookshelf as focal points by showcasing standout items or arranging them in a visually striking manner. This draws the eye and anchors the overall display.
Incorporate Decorative Objects: Intersperse books with decorative objects such as vases, sculptures, or framed photos. This adds personality to the shelf and breaks up the monotony of books.
Consider Symmetry and Asymmetry: Achieve a balanced look by arranging items symmetrically on some shelves and asymmetrically on others. This creates a visually dynamic display.
Play with Color: Arrange books and decorative items to create a visually pleasing color scheme. You can group books by color or intersperse colorful objects throughout the shelf.
Leave Breathing Room: Avoid overcrowding the shelf. Leave some empty space to give the display room to breathe and prevent it from looking cluttered.
Personalize: Infuse the shelf with your personality by displaying items that hold sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies with things you have collected.
Step Back and Adjust: Once you've arranged the items, step back and assess the overall look. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Display Collections: Showcase your collections or collectibles on the bookshelf to personalize the space and spark conversation. Whether it's vintage cameras, figurines, or antique books, displaying collections adds character to the shelf.
Add Texture: Introduce texture to the bookshelf by incorporating items with varying textures such as woven baskets, ceramic vases, or wooden sculptures. This adds tactile interest and warmth to the display.
When you think you are satisfied with the layout and design of your bookshelves, take a moment to evaluate the above criteria, do a final tweak of your items, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired aesthetic. Often it is trial and error to achieve the best look. By incorporating these ideas and techniques, you can elevate the design of your bookshelf and create a visually stunning focal point in your space.
If you’re looking to design classic and timeless spaces infused with a chic modern vibe, reach out to Atchison Architectural Interiors. Jean Atchison is a Chicago Luxury Interior Designer. Our team merges classic and contemporary elements to create fresh, sophisticated looks. All our interiors are elegantly balanced, carefully edited, and current, with a thoughtful mix of furnishings, textures, finishes, and objects.
If you would like to learn more about our interior design process, please click here or call (773) 404-5533. You can also view our portfolio by clicking here.
