Bookshelf Styling | Under $50 Facelift

March 4, 2019

We’ve been in our house for almost two years and I am slowly checking off my decorating list. The bookshelves were at the top of my list when we moved in and needed a facelift. There are two sets of shelves flanking the fireplace and when we moved in they were stained dark. The contrast between the bookshelf and wall was so stark and a real eyesore. They needed to flow with the wall and be brightened up.

Before…

After…

I had the bookshelves painted in my go-to white, Benjamin Moore Simply White and it made such a difference. Here’s a picture from Christmas with the shelves white and fully decorated.

After Christmas I looked at the bookshelves and felt like they were still a little flat. They needed more color so I thought about painting the back wall a bold color. I also considered wallpaper and looked at a few bold patterns but everything seemed to fight with the accessories and my floral ottomans. Then I considered a textured wallpaper and grasscloth was the perfect solution. It added just the right amount of color and texture to the shelves to bring them to life.

I lined the back of each bookshelf with this peel-n-stick navy poplin texture wallpaper (affiliate link). Because it’s peel-and-stick, it can easily be removed when the mood strikes and I want to change the look. And a single roll was only $45.

The wallpaper resembles a tweed fabric and has a really nice texture. I also like how the subtle pattern and color enhance all of my blue and white accessories.

It took me and Mr. Confetti about an hour to install the paper and then I starting accessorizing.

I removed one shelf on each side to open up the area and allow more space for my accessories to shine. Then I strategically placed the decor until I had it just right. Accessorizing bookshelves is one of my favorite things to do but it can take a little finesse until you get the perfect flow.

The Best Rooms Always Have Something To Say About The People Who Live In Them. ~ David Hicks

I’m really happy with how the bookshelves look now. The only other changes I’m planning to make is to switch out the picture frames and replace the clock. It feels good to cross that project off the list.

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If your bookshelves need a facelift here are my styling tips to help you create a beautiful bookshelf display.

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If you need some new books to add to your bookshelf, check out my latest round-up of new design & entertaining books.

If you have freestanding bookcases, here are tips on styling the tops of bookshelves.

Design Chat: Accessorizing Bookshelves and adding the finishing touches

February 14, 2017

I received an email from one of my blog reader, Megan who was looking for help with the wall decor and accessorizing the built-in bookshelves in her family room. The bookshelves and the walls have been empty for 3 years and Megan doesn’t know where to start with a decorating plan. She is also struggling with the sofa, which she’s not a fan of but others in the family are.

Here’s a look at Megan’s family room…

And here’s my design vision for Megan’s room…

THE COLOR PALETTE

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The tan sofa, beige walls and white built-in shelves create a neutral color foundation for the room. The area rug has different tones of red, browns and green in it so that should be the jumping off point for accessorizing the rest of the room.

The expanse of white shelving surrounding the TV needs a major pop of personality. Beyond getting the right mix of accessories, I recommend that Megan either paint the backs of the bookshelves in an accent color or cover the backs with a grass cloth wallpaper. Wallpaper would achieve two things–1) color and 2) visual texture which would really enhance the space.

When painting the backs of bookshelves, I usually recommend that you go a shade or two light or darker than your wall color.

ACCESSORIZING

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When it comes to decorating bookshelves, the items you decorate with are just as important as how you arrange them. Here are a few tips on accessorizing bookshelves and a graphic with accessory groupings that always work.

Create depth ‘top to bottom’ and ‘front to back’. Arrange items so the pieces are not at the same level or position of the shelf. Your accessories should feel layered and not uniform.
Vary the size, scale and shape of your accessories. Decorate with a variety of items to create visually interesting arrangements. And also keep in mind that if your shelves are adjustable you can create wider openings which will allow for larger decorative pieces.
Create balance from shelf to shelf and side to side. As you arrange items, step back to make sure the overall look of each shelf and each side of the fireplace feels balanced.

For more bookcase decorating tips, read my post 5 Ways To Style Your Bookcase.

WALL DECOR & SOFA STYLING

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Wall decor is one of the most important elements of accessorizing a room. In many cases your wall decor will serve as the focal point for the room. In Megan’s room, the wall decor will provide a dominate impact statement within the room so it needs to be dynamic.

I recommend a large piece of artwork flanked by starburst mirrors for the most visible wall in the family room. A piece of art will add color and draw you in to the room. Mirrors will add a graphic detail and enhance the light coming in from the opposite window.

To enhance the sofa, Megan should add accent pillows and a small-scale bent arm floor lamp at the end of the sectional providing much-needed task lighting.

FUNCTIONAL DECOR

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The other decorative items I’d recommend is a console table behind the sofa, an accent chair near the built-ins and curtain panels for the windows.

A console table will visually extend the partial wall behind the sofa and create an additional surface for a lamp and accessories.

The accent chair will provide additional seating and create a more balance space, filling the now empty corner.

Curtain panels will add softness and another pattern element within the room.

THE LOOK

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Unique accessories and colorful wall decor is all that is needed to bring Megan’s room to life.

Filing the Nook–Decorating Around Your Fireplace

May 5, 2016

DECORATING YOUR FIREPLACE NOOK

Elements of Style

You’ve seen them, those little nooks that sit next to a fireplace and sometimes hold built-in shelving. I’m a big fan of built-in shelving but sometimes builders skimp on the cost and effort of putting them in so a homeowner is left with an empty nook space to fill.

When Ikea came on the scene, bloggers and design enthusiast starting creating custom looking shelving with Billy Bookcases gave them the look of built-in but with a tremendous cost savings.

Laura Ramsey Furniture & Interior Design

Now, if you’re not a DIYer and you don’t want to go to the expense of hiring someone to build bookcases, there are some creative alternatives to filling those nooks that flank your fireplace.

♦ CREATE AN AREA TO SIT AND LOUNGE

I love window seats and this just might be the next best thing, a comfy upholstered banquet. What’s also great about this design option is the wall space that you’d have to hang a beautiful mirror or piece of artwork.

Roses and Rust

♦ ADD FLOATING SHELVES

Floating shelves will afford you the same function as a built-in bookcase but are much easier to install and they have a more organic feel to them. Using reclaimed wood for the shelves is also a great way to add charm to your decor. Ikea has lots of affordable floating shelf options but this one and this one are my favorites.

Blackband Design

♦ CREATE A WORKSPACE IN THE NOOK

Creating a desk or workspace within the nook is a great way to make this area functional. I love the idea of a wall unit that can be closed up and concealed when not in use, enhancing the visual appeal.

Better Homes and Gardens

♦ FILL THE NOOK WITH TABLES & DECOR

You can always fill the nook area with a piece of accent furniture like a demo-lune table, cabinet or console table. This look works great if you style is traditional and you like symmetry in your decor.

Better Homes and Gardens

♦ ANCHOR THE AREA WITH FREE-STANDING BOOKCASES

Free standing bookcases are always an option and provide great flexibility if you like to change-up your decor from time to time. This bookcase/cabinet combo is a great option and I love this glass front option.

Decor Pad

♦ HANG SOME ARTWORK

If wall space is limited in the room where you fireplace is, you might want to leave the nook area free of furniture and use the wall space to hang a collection of artwork.

Country Living

♦ ACCESSORIZE THE NOOK WITH FURNITURE & DECOR

My favorite approach to decorating the nook is to make a creative statement with a combination of furniture, art and decorative accessories.

Prepaganda

If you have bookshelves next to your fireplace or will be adding some to your decor, here are a few styling tips to keep in mind…

♥ Paint the back of your bookshelves to add a color pop and visual interest. Depending on the accessories you use, they might also pop better against a colorful backdrop.

♥ Use an eclectic mix of accessories for visual interest and to add personality to the room.

♥ Create visual depth by placing item front and back along each shelf and use items of different heights to create depth top to bottom.

♥ Arrange books vertically and horizontally to create movement for the eye to follow within the overall arrangement.

image via Dimples and Tangles

The fun part of decorating is to make the most of the space you have and putting your own spin on your decor.

Happy Decorating!

Create depth ‘top to bottom’ and ‘front to back’. Arrange items so the pieces are not at the same level or position of the shelf. Your accessories should feel layered and not uniform.

Vary the size, scale and shape of your accessories. Decorate with a variety of items to create visually interesting arrangements. And also keep in mind that if your shelves are adjustable you can create wider openings which will allow for larger decorative pieces.

Create balance from shelf to shelf and side to side. As you arrange items, step back to make sure the overall look of each shelf and each side of the fireplace feels balanced.