I have a kazillion books and never have your problem! But, here is some reading material to give you some ideas: How to style shevles

Start collecting books! :)

I actually got rid of most mismatched books and put them in the enclosed cabinets on the bottom. The books created a messy look since an average sized book looks too small on these shelves and most books are of different color.

The link from gustaviatex looks helpful. Definitely add some books, and it's good to leave about 1/3 of the shelf space empty.

Can you remove one of the shelves from each side, just to vary the heights of the items displayed?

I think the secret is to not have as many smaller items, to add books creatively and use of repetition. It's not an easy process and can take a lot of time to achieve a consistency yet interesting look. Note below, the use of blank space, groupings and combinations used.

Great advice from decoenthusiaste regarding removing items that are too small.

Doesn't matter if your books match in size and color -- they're books you held onto for the content, presumably, so they should be worth seeing for that reason. Get some out and use the closed portions for really messy stuff like electronics and games.

Agree with acm. My bookcases are filled with books that I find worth keeping (I finally managed to weed through and donate the rest), interspersed with framed photos and a few other keepsakes. I am not really a fan of "styling" a bookshelf just for the sake of the look - take what you have, collections or keepsakes or books, and arrange them in an attractive manner. I would never not have my books out because they are "messy" looking. It makes me happy to see them every day.

We then use closed portion for chargers, games, papers, etc.

Would you be open to painting/covering the back side of the bookcases a color? I assume the shelves are removable and you could put some of that temporary wall covering on the back side if you didn't want to paint. It would add interest and keep the objects from looking lost on the space.

Hmm - what to place on bookshelves ... Of course, start with your favourite books (even children's books); however, with the style of your room, I think larger coloured pottery pieces would look really great - consistent with the colours in your home.

Hi there! Perhaps finding a theme for the decor to pull together the look would help? For example, gold accents, geometric decorations, house plants? Some larger objects such as tall vases or wide bowls balanced with some smaller pieces may help as well. Hoping the photos below will provide you with some helpful inspiration!

Good luck!

-ATGStores Team

www.atgstores.com