How to Artfully Display Bookcases

Bookcases aren't just for books.

In a multipurpose home, the bookcase isn't just for books. When outfitted with the right items, it becomes the room's focal point. In addition to allowing you to display some cool and rare books, it can also be a place where you show off a hobby, place family photos and display a myriad of collectible items. Jazz up a plain bookshelf with paint, artwork or other decorative items to create a memorable centerpiece for your home.

Things You'll Need

• Paint and accessories
• Decorative accessories and collectibles
• Framed photos
• Globe
• Shadowboxes
• Knick knacks
• Entertainment center items

Instructions

1. Paint the bookcases a bright color to match your decor if it lends itself to painted furniture. For example, shabby chic and country styles embrace painted furniture. In addition to adding an overall coat of paint, you can use your paint as well to stencil designs on the bookcases.

2. Sit books on top of an unusual item. For example, if you've collected an old typewriter or two, place the typewriter on one of the tall shelves and stack a few books with interesting spines on top.

3. Gather your old black and white family photos. Put them in antique frames and situate them in between stacks of books. Cluster the photos in groups of three or five---visually this is more interesting. Place the tallest photo in the back. Stagger the other photos in front of the tall one from tallest to the smallest.

4. Bring the world to your home by placing a small decorative globe on the shelves. Fancy world globes come in a number of styles from the antique map type to the kind that is made from precious stones.

5. Take advantage of the variety offered by shadowboxes. You can put together a shadowbox for display in your bookcases, and if the box is deep enough, you can stand it up in the bookshelf as opposed to hanging it up. These boxes can reflect your love of books, travels to the sea or a hobby like stamp collecting. To tie it into the decor of the bookcase, stack three or four books and place the shadowbox on top of it.

6. Collect knick knacks that reflect your personal decorating style and display them on your bookcases. For example, if you love African art, collect African masks and prop them up on plate holders or hang them by a string on the shelves themselves.

7. Make your bookcase your entertainment center. Place your TV and DVD/ VCR player on one of the center shelves. Position a stereo and speakers in another one of the taller shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've opted to display some of your photos on your bookshelves, select a couple of different frame styles. It will make each frame stand out more.

• If you plan on displaying fragile items on the shelves, store them out of the reach of children and animals that may be within grasp of these items if they stand on the lower shelves.

References

• Style at Home: 15 Ways to Show off your Collection
• Apartment Therapy: Stylish Ways to Display Your Book Collection
• Home Museum: Shadowboxes and Display Cabinets

Resources

• House Beautiful: Flip for Decorating: The Bookcase
• Southern Living: Southern Decor for Spring
• Home Decorating Made Easy: Decorating a Dual Function Home Office