Styling My Bookcases


Our 1850's home includes a 1970's addition.  Complete with wood paneled walls and low ceilings.  We enjoy this area and use it often.  The first thing we did when we bought the house was paint the room - it pretty much looked like a bowling alley the first time we saw it - long and narrow and dark.  

The french doors along the back wall have a bookcase on each side.  Here is my 'winter' arrangement which took me ten minutes, tops.



Nothing fancy.  I had to force myself to remove most of the books.  We have way too many books.   What you are seeing is what remains after I purged the shelves.






Here is the same corner with a reading chair in front......


Do you see the brown wooden box near the small lamp?   That is a shadow box I filled with items we found in the backyard.  Every time we dig in the yard or plant something, we run across remnants of pottery and glass.  Lots of broken dishes.  


A few items we do not recognize, but looked interesting.  I am sure this is a million dollar collection. (Ha! - we WISH we would run across something valuable!)



Here are a few of my quick "tricks" when it comes to arranging bookshelves.

1) Use a mixture.  I like to mix Books - Something Earthy - Framed Photographs - Art  - Something Shiny.   This particular time I included white footed dishes.  



2) Place items diagonally across from each other as you go from shelf to shelf, so that the photos are not arranged atop one another, or the books are all along the left, etc.   



3) Group like items together.


4) Avoid an excess of trinkets, collectibles, and doohickeys....


(photo not mine)



Now, if I can just keep them dusted.  

Enjoy your day!


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Comments

Rustown Mom said…
I like the clock hanging in the middle (: I really need to get rid of some of the VHS tapes clogging our shelves...
it looks very pulled together and nicely done. I agree...the clock with the dark wood being centered is a nice touch too.
Love the red chair!

I meant to say: My favorite point of interest, was the box of 'finds' from your property!
Very interesting. :)
Lindsey said…
Love your shelves! What great storage and character! :)
Tricia said…
Great post! I need to redecorate the built-ins in my living room, and these are great tips. Love the shadow box with your "archeological finds"!
Allison said…
The bookcases look much better. I have an L shaped hallway that is lined in bookcases - lots of books mixed with things. It was one of the first places I finished when we moved in our new home.

I hope you'll come see My Daughter's Master Bath Redo! #83 at Met Monday.

Allison
Atticmag
Unknown said…
This looks lovely! I have so much fun styling shelves. The shadow box with found pottery pieces is my favourite!
Emily said…
YAY MOM you finally took the books down :)
We love books at our house too. I posted about our book stacks. I love that you have found old pottery in your yard. The only thing I have ever found is a pair of kids scissors. Have a great week, Laura
Your bookshelves look fabulous! I'll have to practice some of your tips... but my favorite idea you shared was your shadowbox full of treasures from your place! What a great way to share and show them!

~Chris

PS came over from Creative Cain Cabin party.
Dawn said…
Love the new look and you have some great tips. I really like the deer head print:) Thanks for sharing at the Cabin!
Melanie said…
Visiting from your link on Brenda's blog...love your bookcases! Thanks for the tips on how to rearrange them. Great advice!
Unknown said…
Great tips for styling bookcases! Thanks for sharing them at my party.
Have a great week.
Leslie
House on the Way
Rob Jones said…
Where are my books?! Please put them back.
Rob Jones said…
Where are my books?! Please put them back.
Trush, I really need this tutorial. Bookcases are the hardest for me to decorate!!! Your tutorial is so easy to follow. I'll try this!!!
Thanks for stopping by and joining TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS and sharing your great decorating tips!
Betty Marie's said…
I had to laugh when I read your post from Emily because, he was something my daughter would say to me! They just do not understand, right? I love the way you design your bookcase and do love the little treasures you find, to me, that is what makes a house a home.
BettyMarie
PJH Designs said…
Wonderful tips! I can definitely use these and I love the box of found things. Thanks so much for sharing at Transformed Tuesday.
Hugs,
Peggy~PJH Designs
Anonymous said…
Found your feature at Brenda's Cozy Little House. I have now gone and tweaked my built-ins, they're not quite there yet but I have, at last, got the idea and will be working on them some more.

Thanks for the help,

Mary