7 Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Bookshelves

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Bookshelves are more than just functional storage spaces—they can also serve as a focal point in your home decor. A well-styled bookshelf can reflect your personality, interests, and taste. However, styling a bookshelf is an art that requires careful thought and planning. If done wrong, it can result in a cluttered and unappealing look.

In this article, we’ll delve into some common mistakes to avoid when styling bookshelves, helping you create a visually pleasing and organized space.

Staircase landing library features an azure blue fringe skirted table with potted plant and built in bookshelves. Home office features bold blue bookshelves with books organized by color lit by bronze picture lights and paint splatter accent pillows. Red scalloped slipcovered dining chairs sit around a brown wooden dining table lit by a vintage lantern hung from a gray painted ceiling and placed on a wide plank wood floor in front of gray bookshelves built into a gray wall. A wall of built-in bookshelves is fixed to the side of a white slipcovered sofa placed on a gray and green rug at a reclaimed wood coffee table complemented with rustic wooden stools. Living space features a brown leather couch on a tan jute rug, an asymmetrical coffee table and an arched niche bookshelf. Placed on a blue lattice rug, blue boucle chairs complemented with a round glass and hammered brass accent table sit in front of blue built-in bookshelves with brass trim. The bookshelves are mounted against a wall clad in French hand painted wallpaper and flank blue double doors with glass panels. Brown leather flap accent chairs topped with blue pillows sit on a blue stripe jute rug on either side of a round wooden accent table. Gray wallpaper accents the back of an arched built-in bookcase mounted over white cabinets.

1. Neglecting Balance and Symmetry

One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to maintain balance and symmetry. If one side of the shelf is overloaded while the other is sparse, it creates an unbalanced look that can be jarring to the eye.

Staircase landing library features an azure blue fringe skirted table with potted plant and built in bookshelves.
Photo Credit: Mark D Sikes

Aim for a harmonious arrangement by distributing items evenly. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be perfectly symmetrical, but there should be a sense of balance. For example, if you have a stack of books on one side, you can place a plant or a decorative item of similar height on the other side.

2. Overcrowding the Shelves

While showcasing all your beloved knick-knacks and books might be tempting, overcrowding the shelves can make the space look cluttered and chaotic. Less is often more when it comes to styling bookshelves.

Living space features a brown leather couch on a tan jute rug, an asymmetrical coffee table and an arched niche bookshelf.
Photo Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design

Try to leave some breathing room between items to create a more open and airy feel. You can rotate your displays seasonally or whenever you feel like a change, ensuring that your bookshelves always look fresh and inviting.

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3. Ignoring Color Coordination

Another mistake to avoid is ignoring color coordination. A well-coordinated color scheme can tie everything together and make your bookshelf look cohesive. Consider the colors of your books and decorative items and try to arrange them in a way that creates a pleasing visual flow.

Home office features bold blue bookshelves with books organized by color lit by bronze picture lights and paint splatter accent pillows.
Photo Credit: Emily Del Bello Interiors

You can group items by color or create a gradient effect from one end to the other. Adding pops of color through accessories like vases or picture frames can also enhance the overall look.

4. Forgetting to Vary Heights and Textures

Monotony can be a bookshelf’s worst enemy. Forgetting to vary the heights and textures of the items can result in a flat and uninteresting display. Mix up the heights by stacking books horizontally and vertically, and use a variety of textures like ceramic, glass, and wood to add depth and interest. This will create a dynamic and engaging look that draws the eye and keeps things visually stimulating.

Red scalloped slipcovered dining chairs sit around a brown wooden dining table lit by a vintage lantern hung from a gray painted ceiling and placed on a wide plank wood floor in front of gray bookshelves built into a gray wall.
Photo Credit: Amber Interiors

5. Not Incorporating Personal Touches

Bookshelves are a great opportunity to showcase your personality, but not incorporating personal touches can make the display feel impersonal and staged. Include items that have special meaning to you, such as family photos, travel souvenirs, or artwork.

A wall of built-in bookshelves is fixed to the side of a white slipcovered sofa placed on a gray and green rug at a reclaimed wood coffee table complemented with rustic wooden stools.
Photo Credit: Kate Lester Interiors

These personal touches can make your bookshelf not only a decorative element but also a reflection of who you are.

6. Overlooking Functionality

In the quest for aesthetic perfection, don’t overlook the functionality of your bookshelf. It’s important to remember that bookshelves are primarily for storing books and other items.

Brown leather flap accent chairs topped with blue pillows sit on a blue stripe jute rug on either side of a round wooden accent table. Gray wallpaper accents the back of an arched built-in bookcase mounted over white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Leona

Make sure that the items you display are easily accessible and that the shelf remains practical for everyday use. Avoid placing heavy items on higher shelves where they might be difficult to reach or cause instability.

7. Neglecting to Refresh the Look

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is neglecting to refresh the look of your bookshelf. Over time, shelves can become stagnant and dusty. Make it a habit to clean and rearrange items regularly to keep the display looking fresh and appealing.

Placed on a blue lattice rug, blue boucle chairs complemented with a round glass and hammered brass accent table sit in front of blue built-in bookshelves with brass trim. The bookshelves are mounted against a wall clad in French hand painted wallpaper and flank blue double doors with glass panels.
Photo Credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors

This can also be a great opportunity to introduce new items or switch things up according to seasons or holidays.

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By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn your bookshelves into a stylish and functional feature that enhances your living space. With a bit of planning and creativity, your bookshelves can become a true reflection of your personal style and interests.

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Posted By : Holly Antoine

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