Simple Tips for Styling a Bookcase in Edmonton, AB
How to Decorate a Bookcase That Demands Attention
A bookcase is not merely for books anymore. Bookshelves can hold photos, knickknacks, plants, artwork, sculptures, and so much more, making them the focal point of just about any room. Bookcases provide a soothing backdrop, allowing people to add a personalised touch to their living room, home office, or bedroom. Decorating a bookcase may sound fairly straightforward, but many homeowners tend to overcomplicate it. If you could use simple tips for styling a bookcase, Edmonton’s furniture experts at Mobler Furniture have you covered. With our advice, you’ll have a stylish bookshelf to make you the envy of your guests in practically no time!
First, Consider the Placement of Your Bookcase
Before styling a bookcase, think about its placement inside your home. Do you want the bookcase to blend into the background or be the star of the room? Do you prefer a standalone bookcase, or would you like to make it appear as if you have built-in bookshelves by incorporating multiple bookcases? Will your bookcase benefit from being to the side of your TV, or would it feel more at home next to the fireplace? What size of bookcase interests you? Are you looking for a bookcase at eye level or a more customised height? You should answer these questions first. Consider visiting Mobler Furniture’s showroom to see individual furniture displays for inspiration before committing to your new design.
Think About the Purpose and Style of Your Bookcase
Will you be using your bookcase to display your personal library or decorative mementos? Do you consider a bookshelf as extra storage space or a blank canvas to express your personality? Determining the bookcase’s purpose will often dictate the chosen style and size. At Mobler Furniture, we carry a wide variety of bookcases to suit anyone’s style. Whether you prefer the look of a classic wood bookcase or a slim geometric design that looks more like a contemporary art museum piece, we would be happy to help you select the perfect bookcases for your home.
Set the Scale and Tone With Larger Items on the Shelves
How you approach designing a bookcase is entirely up to you, but we would suggest focusing on the larger items on your shelves first. Styling a bookshelf is all about setting the scale and tone of your layout and then adding other decorative items as you go. Framed pieces of artwork or family photos could be placed in the back of the shelves, with smaller decorative knickknacks in the front to create more visual interest. One cautionary piece of advice: don’t overstuff your shelves. The best bookshelf designs leave some white space, so they don’t overwhelm you with clutter. When you put too many objects on the shelves, it becomes impossible for someone to appreciate it all.
Cohesive Colour Designs Draw the Eye in a Pleasing Way
Although you might be decorating your bookcase with an eclectic mix of items, try to find a dominant colour scheme that can be repeated throughout your design. It doesn’t have to be a bright, bold colour. You can go with a neutral or muted colour scheme to create a soothing presence with your bookshelf. It really goes back to whether your bookcase is trying to blend into the background or be the room’s focal point. Grouping books and other objects by colour or complementary colours usually works best.
Try to Mix It Up With Your Books for More Visual Interest
There’s no rule that states all books must be placed on your bookshelves the same way. While most people tend to arrange books in a horizontal row, you can stack them however you want. Stacking some horizontally and some vertically helps keep things interesting. Consider making small book piles with photos or other objects placed between them. You can group books by colour, size, subject matter, author, or alphabetical title order. The sky’s the limit!
Decorate With Items That Have Meaning to You and Your Family
One of the best ways to personalise your bookcase is by adding family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, and other keepsakes that have special meaning. Incorporating items with stories behind them ensures plenty of ice-breakers the next time you have company. From woven baskets to hourglasses, just about anything could be considered a decorative accent. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match different styles. You might be amazed at how well everything comes together on your bookshelves.
Layer Items in Stacks With Varying Heights and Depths
The world would be a duller place if everyone were the same height. Variety is the spice of life, especially on a bookshelf. Don’t be afraid to layer items on your shelves with varying heights and depths. Try putting a picture frame on top of a pile of books or a plant on top of a trinket box. The human eye is drawn to design variations, and it will make the space feel more enjoyable overall. Have fun with it!
Add Stylish Greenery for Improved Indoor Air Quality
You don’t have to have a green thumb to appreciate a bit of greenery inside your home. Consider adding a few small potted plants on your bookshelves. Not only does foliage look stylish in colourful vases or planters, but you’ll also improve your indoor air quality in the process. Plants have a calming effect, making them perfect for your living room, home office, or bedroom bookshelves. Studies have shown having plants around can actually help you reduce your blood pressure and stress levels.
Consider Bright or Metallic Accents on Your Bookcase
For those looking for ways to add a vibrant pop of colour to their bookshelf, metallic accents add an element of brilliance. Consider trinkets or objects d’art made of brass, rose gold, copper, or gold. You can’t ever go wrong when you add a little bling to your bookcase. Don’t worry about your bookcase looking “busy” with metallic accents. At the end of the day, decorating bookcases is all about adding elements that make you happy. Take a step back and admire your bookcase as a whole. If it isn’t perfect, edit your design scheme until it’s something that you can proudly display in your home.
Have Questions About Styling a Bookcase? Contact Us!
Since 1993, Mobler Furniture has specialised in modern furniture designs at affordable prices. Visit our Edmonton showroom to see what we have in store with our new arrivals and sale items. From bookcases to artwork and accent lighting, we have everything you need to create your dream home. Contact our experienced team today with any questions or concerns about styling a bookcase!
