How to Decorate a Bookshelf

Bookshelves showcasing great literary works can enhance any decor. Organize books, photos and memorabilia on bookshelves in a way that reflects your taste and style. Here's how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Arrange books by subject matter. This is mostly for your own convenience, but can also be noticeable to a true book lover.

2. Find your most attractively bound books and place them in the middle sections of your shelves. Start on opposites sides with books on every other shelf with a bookend at the end.

3. Save shelf space for family photos. Group photos of kids near children's books for a nice touch.

4. Store folded quilts on a lower shelf to make the area seem cozy. Use basket storage that fits into lower shelves for baby books and small toys.

5. Use indirect lighting either from above the shelves or inside the shelves.

6. Place keepsakes in front of books that aren't used very often or alternate book shelves with figurines or other small artwork.

7. Decorate the inside back panels of shelves. Paint them with the same color as the surrounding wall or a contrasting color. You also can use a mirrored tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for book shelf units that can be configured in a variety of ways. Use glass doors with a few of your shelves to give them a finished look.
• Add trim pieces to the outside and front edges of shelves to give plain, inexpensive shelves a modern look.
• Books and bookshelves are really about personality. Look for items around the house that are unique to your family and include those as a part of bookshelf decor.