Express Yo' Shelf: 3 Ways to Style Your Bookshelf

Styling a set of shelves seems so effortless until you’re faced with a blank canvas. Remain calm! Are you a minimalist, a bookworm or maybe a collector of trinkets and treasures? The styled shelf of your dreams is all about the theme. Pick one that’s right for you, and start your styled-shelf journey today.

The Bookworm

Styling books of all shapes, sizes and colors may seem like an unattainable feat. However, it's a lot easier than it seems. Start by grouping books based on color. Separate the colors on different shelves, and style the books both vertically and horizontally. Place potted plants and other accessories on the horizontal stacks and as bookends for the vertical books. Just like that, the picturesque “bookworm” shelf has been achieved.

The Minimalist

Maybe minimalism is more your speed, and anything more is considered clutter. Arrange items in sets of threes, and space them out accordingly. Turn any vertical or horizontal stack of books around to achieve a uniform look. Fill in the gaps with objects residing within a single color palette, but avoid over accessorizing in order to maintain the perfect minimalist look.

The Collector

Much like the minimalist shelf, this style starts with sets of large anchor elements such as stacked books, globes and larger plants. Working from bottom to top, add items of varying sizes to each shelf using unique, found items as bookends. Be sure to leave space to later add to the collection and stylishly fill in all the nooks and crannies.