How to Arrange a Bookshelf – 10 Tips for Creating a Beautiful Bookshelf

This may seem like a silly idea for a post.  I mean, how hard can it be to arrange a bookshelf?  Admittedly, it’s not rocket science, but there is an art to creating an aesthetically-pleasing bookshelf display.

Note: I’m not an expert.  Far from it, actually.  I’m just sharing what worked best for me when arranging our bookshelf.  I haven’t mastered arranging books by color and displaying cute knick-knacks that coordinate perfectly with each other.  This is decorating for the common (wo)man, people.  

10 Tips for Creating a Beautiful Bookshelf

1. When you arrange a bookshelf, include a mix of books, decorations, knick-knacks, and other items you’d like on display.  Don’t limit yourself to books.

2. Add frames and pictures for a sentimental touch.  Pick your favorite frames and your favorite pictures to include in the display.

(The picture on the left is from our honeymoon and the one on the right is one of our engagement pictures.  We’ve changed a bit since then, but I still love these pictures.)

3. Pictures are great, but also try to think beyond the frames (my take on “thinking outside the box”).  Ideas include: artwork, candles, plants, vases, figurines, and decorative bowls or plates.  I didn’t have access to all of these, but some of my favorite “extras” I displayed are the “Love” sign that Kevin made, the “Kevin & Beth” tile that was a wedding gift, and the photo book that holds all of the pictures we had from the photo booth at our wedding.

4.  Start with the large items.  Place them where you’d like, spacing them out along the shelves.  Tip: Triangles are pleasing to the eye, so if you’re looking for placement ideas, try to create a visual triangle with your decorations.

5.  Use odd numbers of similar items.  Not sure why, but an odd number of items is more pleasing than an even number.  My mason jars were put together in a group of three because of this.

6.  Put your favorite pieces at eye level, as they are most likely to be seen.

7.  Vary the size and texture of your accent items to create visual interest.

8.  Fill the empty spaces in with books after you have an arrangement that you like.  Vary the orientation of books. Place some books horizontal and others vertical.  Create stacks with the same sized books and stacks that look like a pyramid with larger books on the bottom.

9.  Use books as a shelf to stack decorative items on top of.  I think the pyramid book stacks look nice with a decoration on top.

10.  Evaluate your arrangement and rearrange if necessary.  (It took me several rounds of arranging to find the look that I liked.)

Arranging and styling a bookshelf in your home is a great way of adding some personality and interest to your decoration.  If you’re going to use a bookshelf in your home, why not make it functional and beautiful?

If you’re looking for more organization or household hacks, be sure to check out: How to Unshrink a Shirt and this DIY Mug Organizer.