How to Decorate Bookshelves

Posted on July 12, 2012

Have you ever walked into someone’s home or business and wondered what were they thinking when they decorated their bookshelves?  A well-decorated shelf is like the perfect icing on the perfect cake.  These are some things we like to consider when decorating our bookshelves:

  • Set your shelves at different heights so it doesn’t look too uniform.  Remove a shelf entirely if needed.
  • Use several pieces of greenery, but be sure not to overuse the greenery (always try and place the greenery on different shelves.  If you have a bookshelf with corresponding sides then try not to use greenery on both shelves that are at the same level or on a shelf that is above or below the shelf that has greenery already.
  • Use family pictures in frames.  5X7 and 8X10 work the best.
  • Use books.  I love using old looking leather-bound books the best.  I have found these at garage sales and library sales.  It is a good idea to not put them all on one shelf.  Place them in groups of 3-5 in all different varieties.  Stand them on their ends, lay them down etc.
  • Use fabric if you can.  Choose one with a complimenting color to your décor and scrunch it up under some books or a picture.  This adds a perfect pop of color.
  • Don’t be afraid to lay things on their sides.  You can do this with metal and wooden candle holders, decorative boxes or chests and baskets. This is what we did at one of our model homes in Carrington Lakes.
  •  If you want a warm and cozy feeling then use warm tones when choosing your décor.  If you want a clean look, then use the cool tones with straight edges.  Mixing the two can look nice too, but I would be careful when doing so.

Similar Posts

A room with a couch and a table in Norman, Oklahoma

How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your New Home

Published on August 20, 2025
Understanding Flooring Options in Home Design One of the most exciting parts about designing your own new home is choosing all the details, like fixtures and flooring. Particularly if you have not designed a home in a while, however, some of the flooring options available to you may surprise you. New developments in technology and […]
Read More
A person sitting on a couch holding a tablet in OKC

How to Plan for Future Home Expansions and Modifications

Published on August 14, 2025
Planning Ahead for Home Modifications When you invest in a home, it should be a place where you can comfortably live for many years. Since situations change as life goes on, however, many families find that they outgrow their house, or it ceases to meet their needs. Carefully planning ahead for home expansions and modifications […]
Read More
A person in a wheelchair in a bathroom in OKC

Designing for Accessibility: Key Considerations

Published on August 8, 2025
Since the implementation of the ADA, you have probably noticed more accessible features in corporate buildings. Elevator access, wheelchair ramps, and handicap restroom stalls are all examples of accessible spaces in commercial environments. But what does accessibility mean when you are designing your home? The key to designing for accessibility in a home environment is […]
Read More

Ready to Take a Tour of One of Our Custom Built Homes?

Contact Form - RED
crossmenu