How to Elevate Items on Bookcase Shelves

Elevate accessories in your bookcase by placing them on stacks of books.

The most eye-catching bookcase arrangements include more than just books. Pick up a decorating magazine, and you'll see artwork, collectibles, photographs and accessories decorating bookcase shelves. Some interior decorators even have designated flat or hourly rates just for dealing with bookcases. Get a professionally decorated look by layering items from back to front and by using a mix of highs and lows. That doesn't mean you have to buy new accessories in the right sizes. You just need to elevate your own treasures to the proper heights.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric- or paper-covered boxes
• Decorative accessories
• Framed artwork or photographs
• Tabletop easels
• Plate, platter or bowl
• Plate stands
• Tabletop display case
• Pedestals or bases
• Railroad ties (optional)
• Glossy black or white paint (optional)
• Hammer
• Nails
• Picture hangers

Instructions

1. Elevate medium-sized single objects -- or groups of three to five small, like objects -- by placing them on a horizontal stack of books. Stacks books of roughly the same size, or use graduated book sizes with the smallest on top. Turn the book spines to the front of the bookcase. Substitute a stack of two to three graduated boxes covered with decorative paper or fabric to add some color and pattern to the display.

2. Lean paintings, sketches, photographs and other framed works on tabletop easels to raise their display height. Prop plates and platters on leggy plate stands for the same effect; you can even buy deep stands that hold decorative bowls on their sides.

3. Group small collections or curiosities -- such as pillboxes, pens, broaches or medals -- inside a tiered tabletop display case, and place it directly on one of the shelves. Select from open or glass-fronted cases made of metal or wood. Choose a finish and material that contrasts with your bookcase. Try painted wood or antiqued metal for dark stained-wood bookcases or distressed natural pine in a shiny white bookcase.

4. Raise special objects -- such as a piece of sculpture or a big cluster of natural coral -- to a prominent height by placing them atop tabletop pedestals or bases. They come in metal, stained or painted wood, stone or clear acrylic and in numerous shapes and heights. Choose one that complements your special object without drawing the focus from it. Make your own pedestals or bases by sawing railroad ties to the desired heights, and then painting them with glossy black or white paint.

5. Hang small paintings, wall pockets and other objects with hangers directly on the bookcase walls, back or side, depending on your arrangement. Glue picture hangers to the backs of non-fragile objects that don't already have them attached.

Tips & Warnings

• While decorative accessories and artwork enhance bookcases, you still need to include plenty of books. Ideally, fill 65 to 75 percent of your bookcase shelves with them.

References

• "Domicilium Decoratus"; Kelly Wearstler, et al.; 2006
• "The Decoration of Houses"; Alexandra Stoddard; 1999

Resources

• "House Beautiful"; The Bookcase; Elizabeth Mayhew