Bookshelf Styling 101
In the ever continuing evolution of my home office, the most recent additions to the space are these two bookshelves from the North Avenue Collection from The Brick. I've already shared my love for this line before and I actually have the console table from this collection in my front entry so it's safe to say, I'm very much in love with these pieces! (Side note: they're also crazy affordable which is amazing!)
I really like that the shelves now add a bit of wood and warmth to my office as I plan to add more of those touches as the decorating continues. With these two new bookshelves came the opportunity to completely re-style this area in my office so I thought it would make for the perfect time to talk about a few bookshelf styling tips.
Shelving units allow for so much flexibility to add personality and change up your decor. Really, design rules are made to be broken so I'm not usually one to suggest adhering too closely to any "rules" of sorts but if you find yourself stuck on how to style a shelving unit in your home, there are a few great guidelines you can follow to make yourself appear like a styling pro (even if you aren't!)
ROOM DETAILS: Desk // Chair // 2x Shelves // Misc Accessories (did you know that each Brick location receives different accessories weekly?!)
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Tip #1: Arrange Books Both Horizontally & Vertically
Don't get too focussed on keeping your book styling the same throughout the shelves. Things get a lot more interesting when you mix vertical and horizontal groupings of books so get stacking, layering and styling away with books of all sizes and colors. Pro tip: Take the cover off of your hard cover books for a cleaner look (the covers underneath are usually much simpler than the sometimes overly busy front covers).
Tip #2: Vary the Scale of Your Accessories
Scale is so important in bookshelf styling. Make sure you have pieces of varying heights and dimensions for added visual interest. Pair a tall slim piece next to a wider shorter one. Or place a stack of books next to a low dish. Add levels to the shelves to look like a styling pro!
Tip #3: Layer in Artwork
Bookshelves aren't just for books ya know! Lean a large scale piece of artwork, place a small photo or canvas amongst a grouping or add a treasured family photo to the decor mix. These personal touches go a long way when it comes to styling the perfect #shelfie ;)
Tip #4: Texture, Texture, Texture!
As always with decorating, layering in different textures is the key to achieving a sophisticated looking design. Place a hard glass vase next to a softer natural plant or a rope basket. Varying the textures keeps things interesting and makes it look like you've accumulated special pieces over time. This is why books and artwork and plants are so great to layer in with vases or other hard objects.
