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Bookshelf Styling

arrowsandbow9 • Mar 18, 2021

Bookshelf Styling

This bookshelf is a hot topic!
Either you loved my tip for turning the books backwards or you hated it with vengeance. I say to each their own, and these styling tips will help if you want to keep your books forward facing or want to turn them around (gasp!) to show the pages.
I love the neutral look of the pages of the books showing. It adds such a great whimsy when some of the pages are yellowing and I think it showcases each book nicely but with some edge, you know?

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Here are three tips I have found helpful when styling a bookshelf:

Character. Add Character! Things that are unique to your family or something that symbolizes something unique in the space, bring it in. Usually bookshelves are some sort of focal point so it should symbolize you and the rest of your home. You wouldn’t have a bunch of small trinkets in a super modern home, right?
Get creative! I made a fun visual design in our book stacks and it was simple but looks so cool! It draws the eye in different directions and it’s almost like you are always seeing something new. So think outside the box...pull unexpected pieces from your home and channel your inner creative!
Don’t overthink it - the best part about this is nothing is permanent so you can adjust daily if you like, style it different with holidays or seasons and or take away / add on a whim!
Paint! Tired of your old 1980's oak bookshelves? I have to admit, I almost ripped these out when we first moved in! Can't believe it! But instead I simply updated them with paint. I used Ben Moore Black Top in satin (one of my go to blacks). I first used a Kilz primer and then two coats of the black. I used a small roller so I could have a nice smooth finish.