How to Make a Bookshelf Visually Appealing

Is your bookshelf overrun with clutter? At a loss as to how you can make it look interesting in your home? Use these steps to help you make your bookshelf not only appealing but interesting as well!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books
• Trinkets
• Pictures
• Any other items you'd like to display

1. Start with an empty book case and have your books/trinkets/etc. laid out on a nearby table or the floor.

2. 

   On the first shelf you complete, add books as you would normally (with the binding facing out). About half way through, set a book on its side. You can then add a few more books on top of that. Make sure the bottom book is larger or the same size as those on top.

3. Complete the shelf with more books in the "normal" binding-out way. Depending on the length of your shelf you may have many or just a few.

4. Once you have your books in place you can add some of your trinkets and pictures. Add something you wish to have as the "focal point" of the shelf on top of the books that are on their sides. This can be a candle, statue, box, photo, etc. Anything you wish to display.

5. 

   Finish the shelf by adding any of your smaller trinkets into the corners. If you like you can create a theme with your shelf. For example, a shelf with only trinkets and pictures from your trip to Paris.

6. 

   Complete the remainder of your shelves using the same idea. Make sure to change your structure up a bit so every shelf doesn't look the same!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember: Be creative! Don't be afraid to try new things. You'll know if they aren't visually stimulating.
• Souvenirs & photos from a favorite vacation, family photos, small family heirlooms, all will work wonderfully on your bookshelf.
• If you pick things of interest they can be a great conversation starter the next time you have guests over.
• If you have pets or children that might break or choke on a trinket, just beware and make sure you put it out of reach.