Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,500,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
How To Fill A Bookshelf With Class
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
A houzz reader recently contacted me with questions on how to fill her two custom bookshelves. Her husband, a book lover, wants the shelves filled with books. Yet this reader wonders if books lined up closely are too boring, and if a mix of books and other objects d'art will create more intimate appeal and reflection of their personalities.
In any experience I've had with books (including my own 1,000 book library), bookshelves are most classically and authentically used when filled with, yes, books. That is not to say that shelves can't be beautifully filled with sculptures, antique serving platters, and other beautiful collections. But if a bookshelf is used for books, the books should be the primary visual interest--books to be read and handled!--with smaller collections around them. Here are some specific hints for bookshelves, with some beautiful pictures and examples. Good luck!
FILL THE SHELVES WITH BOOKS. Shelves completely filled with books becomes a stunning central visual attraction. Order them by subject and even author--or color--and don't be afraid, once the shelves have filled traditionally, to stack vertically in the blank spaces.
BALANCE BOOKS WITH BLANK SPACE. If you want to incorporate beautiful items with books, considering dedicating some shelves to books, others to beautiful items, respecting the balance of fullness and visual quiet.
INTERSPERSE. Consider also distributing books throughout the shelves along with favorite items, creating variety throughout. Remember, however, that the balance must weigh heavily on the side of books, or the books will appear to be simply unused items meant solely to help fill shelves.
Good luck and happy reading/arranging.
In any experience I've had with books (including my own 1,000 book library), bookshelves are most classically and authentically used when filled with, yes, books. That is not to say that shelves can't be beautifully filled with sculptures, antique serving platters, and other beautiful collections. But if a bookshelf is used for books, the books should be the primary visual interest--books to be read and handled!--with smaller collections around them. Here are some specific hints for bookshelves, with some beautiful pictures and examples. Good luck!
FILL THE SHELVES WITH BOOKS. Shelves completely filled with books becomes a stunning central visual attraction. Order them by subject and even author--or color--and don't be afraid, once the shelves have filled traditionally, to stack vertically in the blank spaces.
BALANCE BOOKS WITH BLANK SPACE. If you want to incorporate beautiful items with books, considering dedicating some shelves to books, others to beautiful items, respecting the balance of fullness and visual quiet.
INTERSPERSE. Consider also distributing books throughout the shelves along with favorite items, creating variety throughout. Remember, however, that the balance must weigh heavily on the side of books, or the books will appear to be simply unused items meant solely to help fill shelves.
Good luck and happy reading/arranging.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
An elegant sitting room with books and sculptures lining the shelves--a balance between deliberate decor and accessible material.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Here, tall and open shelves allow for a variety of books and items mixed together in a more free flowing set up.
The solid shelving provides for a solid and literary background.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Heavily weighed on books, this shelving design gets just enough variety with one or two touches.
| Here, the aforementioned balance between fullness and blank space. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Here: a compromise. Only books on the shelves, but interesting art and decor surrounding the shelving.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Books fully lining the shelves, but in interesting varieties.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Much variety and blank space--but beware of a cluttered result. Sticking to white helps keep things smooth. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Another look at filled shelving.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A beautiful variety for an elegant and eclectic look.
| Other lined shelves, surrounded by a simple library/intellectual atmosphere. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
More lined shelves, remembering that small details like patterned rugs add to the look.
Comments
InterDesign Studio Cook books fill these floor to ceiling shelves as part of a kitchen area. 
3 years ago · Like
LC Home Staging & Redesign I love working with bookshelves. These above the desk shelves were filled with books only. I added original sculptures from the home owners art room, added a few of his Mom's paintings and family vacation photos. 
3 years ago · Like
The Welcome Home: Interior Design Solutions I love books and I have them in almost every room of my home. We searched for a long time to find the perfect shelves for the corner of our family room. It is opposite our front door and makes great use of an otherwise wasted space. 
3 years ago · Like
People who liked these photos also liked:
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
