Depressingly empty shelving? Fill your bookcase by considering these 16 decorating ideas
Bookshelves (bookcases) are essential elements in our homes, serving the dual purposes of storing our books and also for displaying plants and other decorative items, memorabilia, and photographs. In fact, bookcases often become the focus of the room they are in.
So, if you are looking for inspiration for arranging the empty shelves of your new bookcase, we suggest the following 16 decorative ideas to draw inspiration from:
1. Glass bookcases
Add glass doors to your bookcase to display your precious designer ceramics or your collection of glassware. Whatever precious and fragile objects you need to protect (but also display(, the bookcase will be a safe spot.
2. Artfully arranged light points
Highlight your book collection or decorative ornaments with strategically placed lights inside, around, and above your bookcase. It's a practical and quick way to turn it into the focal point of the room.
3. Miscellaneous
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Transform your bookcases into a mix of books, decorative ornaments, and green plants for a guaranteed wow effect. There are many items in your home that can contribute to decorating your bookcase: perfume diffusers, small statues, ornaments, decorative bookends, indoor plant pots, as well as wall art and photo frames.
4. Decorative borders
Many books have covers which are decorated to the point of being works of art. Highlight them by displaying them on your shelves; they will create a beautiful decoration.
5. Less is more
Choose only a few items and dedicate each section of your bookcase to one or two elements at a time. This way, all your objects will be highlighted, and the effect will be less chaotic. For an even more neutral and timeless look, opt for decorative elements in predominantly neutral colors.
6. Decorations on top
If you want to dedicate your bookcase primarily to your book collection but still want to incorporate decorations, the best solution is to display your decorative elements on the top of the bookcase. They will draw the eye upward and make the overall arrangement look more harmonious.
7. Highlighted background
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Highlight the back wall of your bookcase by painting it in a color that contrasts with the rest of the structure, perhaps picking up the color of an accent wall or furniture fabrics.
8. Decorative paintings
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And what if, instead of hanging your favorite paintings on the walls, you hung them on the bookcase, in front of your books? They will be a perfect addition to give personality to the shelves.
9. Seasonal decorations
Frame your television within a bookcase that changes with the seasons: themed decorative elements will never bore you and will add dynamism to your room.
10. Geometric displays
Arrange your books geometrically (by size, for example) and then add movement by breaking this patterned "harmony" with shelves filled with small sculptures, paintings, and green plants.
11. Tone on tone
Reinforce and emphasize the color of the backing wall with a bookcase that can accommodate books and decorations side by side.
12. A wall of books
A very tall, white bookshelf that reaches up to the ceiling, enlivened by the colors of books, artwork at the top, and plants. Highlight everything with the right lighting solution; it will become the true focal point of the room.
13. Minimalist bookcase
A metal structure and a few tastefully chosen class decorations make the perfect bookcase in the minimalist style.
14. Play with ornaments and accessories
Large baskets to contain and conceal what you don't want to display as a central element, and an exhibition of your most beautiful accessories, will be a stunning look.
15. Different styles and eras
Blend different styles and epochs on your bookcase, making the ordinary extraordinary. Add vintage items alongside rustic, ethnic, and modern details; the effect will be an incredible harmony.
16. Rustic bookcase
Restore an old bookcase, dress it in the neutral and natural colors, and decorate it with rustic elements for a perfect addition to your country-style decor.
How have you decorated your bookcase?
