Written by Julie Holiday
Sponsored by: Goodwill Industries of Akron
When I came across a pair of gorgeous gold and glass bookshelves at the Brunswick location of Goodwill, I knew I had to put down my convertible top and claim those babies. My husband and I recently visited a very high-end furniture store and while we left empty-handed, I walked away with several ideas to be on the lookout for when I next shopped at Goodwill. This pair of shelves has such a high-end feel and I am so excited to bring you this month's blog on how to style bookshelves!
Here are my tips:
1. Use Zig Zag Method
The zigzag method is a fantastic technique employed by designers to bring harmony and balance to your bookshelves. By strategically placing items in a zigzag pattern, you can ensure that the visual weight of your decorations is evenly distributed across the shelves. This not only creates a pleasing aesthetic but also helps to avoid any sense of clutter or imbalance.
2. Stack books both vertically and horizontally
Arranging books both horizontally and vertically on your bookshelf is essential for creating visual interest and maximizing space. By stacking books horizontally, you can break up the monotony of vertical lines, adding texture and dimension to your display. This technique also creates platforms for showcasing decorative items such as framed photos, plants, or sculptures. This dynamic combination of stacking methods not only enhances the overall appearance of your bookshelf but also reflects your personal style and interests, making it a focal point in any room.
3. Add plenty of greenery
Integrating greenery and plants into your bookshelf styling infuses the space with life, warmth, and a touch of nature. Whether it's a small potted plant nestled between book stacks or a cascading vine draping gracefully over the edges, incorporating greenery adds freshness and vitality to your display. Not only do plants visually enhance the aesthetics of your bookshelf, but they also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of tranquility and well-being in the room. From vibrant succulents to leafy ferns, the choice of plant species can further complement the overall decor scheme and reflect your personal style. With careful placement and maintenance, these living elements transform your bookshelf into a dynamic and inviting focal point that harmonizes literature with the natural world.
4. Keep it Simple
When styling your bookshelf, simplicity, and open space can be powerful design choices that elevate the overall look and feel of the display. Embracing minimalism allows the books to take center stage, emphasizing their importance and beauty without distraction. By leaving ample open space between book stacks and decorative elements, you create a sense of visual balance and breathing room, preventing the shelves from feeling cluttered or overwhelming. This approach not only enhances the readability and accessibility of your collection but also lends a sense of sophistication and refinement to the arrangement. With a selection of key pieces and a commitment to open space, your bookshelf becomes a serene and inviting showcase for literature and design alike.
5. Stack Books According to Size
Stacking books on your bookshelf according to size, with the largest volumes at the bottom, is a practical and visually appealing strategy for organizing your collection. Placing larger books at the base provides a stable foundation, ensuring structural integrity and preventing smaller books from toppling over. This arrangement also creates a sense of visual hierarchy, with larger tomes anchoring the display and smaller books gradually ascending, adding visual interest. Additionally, arranging books by size facilitates easy browsing and retrieval, as it allows you to quickly locate specific titles without disrupting the entire arrangement. By adhering to this simple yet effective principle of book stacking, you can create a harmonious and functional bookshelf that showcases your collection with style and efficiency.
6. Get creative with bookends
Using creative alternatives for bookends can add a personalized touch and elevate the design of your bookshelf. Painting small figurines gold and repurposing them as bookends is a brilliant idea that infuses charm and character into the display. Another tip for enhancing the design is to mix and match different materials and textures for bookends, such as marble, wood, or even decorative rocks. Experimenting with unexpected objects like vintage vases, architectural pieces, or geometric sculptures can also lend a distinctive flair to your bookshelf styling. By thinking outside the box and embracing imaginative solutions, you can transform ordinary bookends into eye-catching accents that reflect your personality and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your bookshelf.
In conclusion,
Styling your bookshelf is an opportunity to infuse your space with creativity, personality, and functionality. By incorporating a combination of stacking methods, integrating greenery, keeping it simple with open space, and getting inventive with bookends, you can create a visually stunning display that reflects your unique style and enhances the ambiance of the room.
Check out the Brunswick, Ohio Goodwill today!
Laurel Square Shopping Center
Address: 1733 Pearl Rd #101, Brunswick, OH 44212
