HIGH Five: 5 Tips for Decorating the tops of Bookcases and Armoires

When it comes to decorating bookcase shelves and the inside of armoires you can find lots of great tips and examples on how to get the best look on design blogs, in magazines and on Pinterest.  When it comes to decorating the tops of bookcase and armoires it’s harder to find tips and design ideas on what to do with this space.  After working on several armoire and bookcase projects lately, I decided to compile a list of 5 Tips For Decorating the Tops of Bookcases & Armoires.  These are my tried-and-true techniques for making the most of the space up high.

 1.  CREATE A VIGNETTE

Think of the top of a bookcase or armoire as you would a tabletop surface and create a vignette that tells a story and has a point of view.  Display items that relate in color, style or theme or use this area to display a collection of pieces.  Just a you would a tabletop surface, use items of different heights and widths to create dimension with in the display.

source

source

2. LAYER FROM THE WALL OUT

While it is ok to display items solely on the top surface of your bookcase or armoire, hanging (or leaning) a decorative piece on the wall will draw the eye in and the piece will serve as a frame for the items positioned in front of it.  The wall space above a bookcase or armoire is idea for  large piece of art, decorative platter, basket or  even a mirror.

source

source

3.  USE CIRCLES FOR CONTRAST

Decorating with circular items is a great way to break up the visual bulkiness of a heavy rectangular bookcase or armoire.  Clocks, round containers, bowls and decorative objects in round or oval shapes will make your top vignette more dynamic and interesting.

source

source

4.  ADD A LITTLE T.L.C.

T for Texture, L for Length and C for Color!  Items with texture are a great way to add visual interest into your display.

  Baskets, greenery, metal and wood are all good textures to display with.

Creating a display that fills the length of your bookcase or armoire top is ideal versus placing items just in the center of the unit.  The entire impact of the unit will be greater if the display fills the space side to side.

Adding color up high is always a good idea for creating impact.  Pick a color from other elements in the room and carry that to the top of your unit.  Flowers, artwork and pottery pieces can add color and substance.

source

source

5.  BE BOLD

Don’t go skimpy with the accessories you place up high.  Opt for bulkier, larger and more substantial pieces that will stand out and create visual impact.

source

source

source

source

If you’ve been challenged with what to do on the tops of built-in bookcase, free-standing armoires or even kitchen cabinets, these tips will help you accessorize those spaces like a pro.

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.