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Have you heard of the term ‘Bookshelf Wealth’? It’s an interesting (and welcome) concept for book lovers everywhere. Bookshelf Wealth celebrates shelves loaded with well-loved books and collected treasures – not contrived vignettes of books-by-the-foot that are perfectly styled by color. So, how do you style your bookshelves in an attractive, homey manner when you have LOTS of books? Here are some bookshelf styling ideas that I’ve done over the years, and tips for how to do it yourself.
Vary Book Direction
….but NOT with backwards books! I’ve never understood that trend. Clearly those people don’t read much. For visual interest, stack groupings of books. This not only gives you a base for displaying mementos, stacked books also can serve as bookends.
Let Them Lean
Don’t worry about keeping your books perfectly upright – let them lean a bit. Not only is it visually attractive, it also makes your bookshelves seem approachable. You WANT to feel free to grab a book off the shelf and enjoy it!
Add Momentos
For approachable bookshelf styling, add keepsakes, photos, and family treasures. You’ll enjoy perusing your shelves with so many memories tucked in. These bookshelves have lots of books on them, but they are interspersed with family photos, collected treasures, and momentos. A few sets of bookends are a must for a well-curated bookshelf, but consider using art, momentos, or other books in place of them for added interest.
Add Collections
To really personalize your bookshelves, try adding your treasured collections to them. My kiddos went through a natural history phase, and loved seeing their rock collection displayed. Obviously, this is very tidy, and the bookshelf didn’t stay this way for long. They got so much joy adding bits and pieces of their collections to the shelf. And that made it pretty perfect in my book!
Green Makes It Pop
One of my favorite tricks for making a bookshelf ‘pop’ is to add touches of green throughout. Whether you add faux greenery or live plants, I would encourage you to bring some green into your decor. You’ll love the freshness and texture it adds.
Linger For A Spell
If you are lucky enough to have a dedicated ‘book room’, it’s easy to create a cozy reading place or gathering spot. Make it as comfortable as you can, and it will be the hottest real estate in your home!
A game table encourages people to gather together to visit, play, and even eat.
But even if you only have a simple bookshelf tucked in a corner, there are still ways to create a cozy reading spot. Find a corner of your home, and add a chair. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant – just a spot to relax and read. If you aren’t able to put a chair next to a window, consider a good reading light. If there’s room, a small table also gives you a place to put a beverage.
Bookshelf Styling That Fits You
Regardless of how large or small your book collection is, it’s so gratifying to see them arranged in an inviting way. Take stock of your momentos, collections, and family pieces to add a little personality into your bookshelves. You’ll not only enjoy them more, but you’ll also create a cozy home atmosphere. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Happy Nesting!
