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How-To Style A Bookcase.

Updated: Jun 18, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Styling Your Very Own Pinterest Worthy Bookcase.


Have you ever seen those beautiful bookcases on Pinterest or hgtv and wonder how they decorate them so perfectly? Well, it's a lot easier than you think. With a proper plan and vision, you too can create a beautiful bookcase. Luckily, we created this step-by-step guide to help you do just that.


Keep your eyes peeled for a downloadable freebie, your Pinterest worthy bookcase awaits!

girl looking up at a styled bookcase

So, you want to style a bookcase?


Follow these steps and you're one step closer to impressing your family and friends with your great design skills. Don't worry, this guide can be a secret, we'll let you take alllll the credit.




 

Step #1: Research Your Design Style.


Say it with me "Pinterest is my best friend". Before continuing to read this guide open a new tab, go to Pinterest, and create a bookcase vision board.


Use terms like "modern bookcase inspo" and "bookcase decor inspo" to start finding bookcase designs you like. The more you save to your board, the better your pin suggestions will be. Your overall vision and plan will make or break your end result, so be sure to do your due diligence.



*Also remember to take before pictures to keep track of your progress.


Step #2: Plan It Out.


Now that you have the vision It’s time to create a plan.


What purpose will it serve?

If you're an avid reader with a collection of books that you need to display, it's a good idea to plan out ways your books can work for you. Play with different ways to position your books. Try alternating between horizontal OR vertical, lying flat OR leaning diagonally, between book ends OR by themselves.


If you're designing a bookcase as a room statement keep the number of books to a minimum. Fill your bookcase with neutral-colored books, minimal decor items, plants, and small statement sculptures.



Step #3: Clean & Organize.


Now that you have a plan in place, the manual labor begins. Unless you're obsessed with organizing this will probably be your least favorite step but it's soooo necessary.


Start by removing all items from your bookshelf and grouping them into categories. Group your books by color and items by height or size.


If you're starting with an empty bookcase.......... LUCKY YOU. Skip to Step 4.




Step #4: Download Our Ultimate Bookshelf Checklist


There are many options to consider when deciding how to style your bookshelf. Before you start purchasing items, download our Ultimate Bookshelf Checklist to ensure you've explored all styling possibilities. Use this checklist to create your shopping list and cross out the items that don't align with your vision.


The Ultimate Bookshelf Checklist
.pdf
Download PDF • 34KB


Step #5: Shop for the Essentials


Now time for the exciting part, shopping!! By now you already have a vision, a plan in place, and a shopping checklist, so this step should be a breeze. While shopping, order from stores that convey the style you'd like to achieve so your final bookcase design is cohesive.


Below are some of our favorite stores to shop from when choosing decorative objects.


Decorative Objects & Books:



Step #6: Styling Your Bookshelf.


For the final step it's important to remember that styling isn't one size fits all. Have fun rearranging your books and decorative objects until you've made your vision come to life. Subtle changes can make the biggest difference in the best way. Use your Pinterest board as a reference but when all else fails trust your gut, YOU GOT THIS!



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