Many readers have asked for straightforward bookcase-styling tips and tricks. There are countless ways to arrange shelves, but the goal is always the same: create a balanced, visually pleasing display that feels relaxed rather than contrived. There’s no rigid formula—experiment, step back often, and adjust until the composition feels right.
This is the bookcase in our sunroom (it’s an exact match to the green bookcase in our living room shown below). We used a wicker basket to counterbalance folded blankets on the opposite side of the lower shelf, and kept the color palette to whites, tans, and blues so the whole arrangement reads cohesive.
Follow these practical steps when styling a bookcase, a wall of built-ins, or open shelving in your home:
1. Clear everything off to start fresh. It’s tempting to tweak what’s already there, but a total reset gives you a clean foundation. Removing items prevents you from endlessly fine-tuning and makes it easier to build a deliberate arrangement.
2. Place the largest items first. Large objects—stacks of hardcovers, rectangular wicker baskets, or sizable art pieces—establish the visual weight of the shelves. Arrange them in a staggered, seemingly random pattern rather than a rigid zig-zag. The aim is balance without perfect symmetry. If mismatched book spines bother you, consider covering them with craft paper for a unified, catalog-like look—optional, but effective.
3. Add medium-sized pieces next. Fill gaps with planters, vases, or wooden boxes. These pieces help bridge the space between big anchors and small accents. We usually recommend limiting framed photos, since mismatched frames can feel cluttered; textured items like baskets, books, plants, and ceramic vessels tend to read as purposeful and decorative.
4. Finish with the smallest accents. Introduce a few small objects—three glass votives, a shell ball, or a piece of faux coral—to add detail and personality. Resist the urge to scatter many small trinkets; too many little items quickly look cluttered. If the shelf feels busy, swap several small objects for one larger piece and reassess.
5. Consider color and material throughout. Step back and look for items that jar the palette—one bright red vase can dominate a neutral scheme and should be moved or balanced. Grouping like objects can create impact (for example, three glass candlesticks together), but try to repeat a similar color, size, or texture elsewhere on the bookcase to maintain overall balance. A consistent color palette makes decisions easier and produces a cohesive result.
6. Avoid repeating identical elements vertically. Try not to place the same combination directly above or below itself. For instance, if a stack of books topped with a votive appears on one shelf, shift the next similar grouping to the opposite side or a different shelf so the eye moves across the unit rather than down a predictable column.
7. Step back frequently and edit. Review the overall composition for balance, color, and scale. Move larger pieces between shelves if the bottom feels heavy and the top sparse. Remove items if areas look crowded, or add a single object to fill a visual hole. If everything looks too symmetric, deliberately shift or remove an item to create an off-kilter, effortless feel. Achieving that casual effect can take time—work carefully, then act like it happened by chance.
What about you? Share your favorite bookshelf styling tips or a picture of a shelf you’re proud of. Inspiration and practical ideas from others are always welcome.
For a well-executed example of a styled bookcase that balances repetition and variety in a relaxed way, check out the one recently featured on Apartment Therapy.