How do you make your book shelves look good?
BEFOREIt is one of those places that seems to collect all kinds of items:
books, dvds, videos, knick knacks.
AFTERWhen you edit out a few things and determine what you really want to be there, if feels much better.
Take out a few of the books so that you have some negative space.
Lay some of your books on thier side, and add a few selected items: vase, candlesticks, bookends
You can even stand up a book or two and have the cover facing out. 
A few books standing up and a few laying down.
You can also add a picture frame or two, a statue and some kind of a natural element.And tadaa!!
Your book shelf is transformed.
I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for some great before and afters.
It looks great!
ReplyDeleteI cleaned out a bookshelf this morning too. They start out looking all pretty and arranged, and little by little, over the months, I keep adding another book or two... all of a sudden the shelves are overflowing! Yours looks lovely now. But what are we going to do with all the stuff we removed???
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the dilemma we ALL have with ALL of our stuff!
ReplyDeleteBut for those few weeks they look great don't they!
I am not a big fan of doing shelves. I do them all the time now that my daughter is not here to work with me anymore. (She lives in Italy right now!) I use to have her do all of them!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, a few things I have learned is that you should remove the dust covers to make it look nicer and also sorting your books by colors is fun. Putting the biggest darkest books on the bottom and working up to the lighter shades on top give the shelving the best balance and brings the eye up.
I love all the suggestions you have listed as well. If you design them well it is less likely you'll have hot spots where clutter collects constantly.
Looks so much better!!! I love all that you did to the room. It makes you want to look at the shelves, and all of the fun accent pieces that you have along with the books. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great ideas :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I so agree about the dust covers, it gives the space such a better feel -- a classic library feel, I think.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the stars you used as the "natural element." Using fake ivy plants on the top of cabinets and bookcases gets old (and dusty.)
ReplyDeleteRegarding what to do with the "stuff" removed:
1. You really need to be disiplined with books. It you don't reference them and won't read them again, pass them on or sell them to used book stores. Libraries are always looking for used books to sell at fund raisers. Help support this wonderful community resource.
2. Pictures can be stored in memory boxes or photo albums. They don't all need to be displayed.
Lindy -- Thank you so much for your suggestions. There is always someone who will want the books you are willing to pass on.
ReplyDeleteThanks!