I have a set of bookshelves (several, if I’m honest) that never seem to look put together. Over time, they become a hodge podge of books, pictures frames, and whatever random toys my son puts up on them (I hate to blame the young and defenseless, but there it is). Looking for ways over the weekend to fix this dilemma, I discovered several tricks and tips for adding a bit of cohesiveness and style…and hopefully a bit of function, too.
Tip 1: Add some interest. I love these petite white brackets I found via an Anthropologie sale a few months ago…
Here is a link to some other Anthro brackets…aren’t they lovely? Even better, they are removable (more on that later….)….
Tip 2 (aka: why didn’t I think of this sooner?): hang stuff inside your shelves.
applique tutorial via little pink house
here’s her shop, too
Hanging pictures, hoops, etc. inside your shelves adds interest while making your shelf design look more deliberate. These hooks, too, are removable thanks to some fabulous 3M Command Strips I recently purchased (link has coupons). Target has a huge section devoted to these little wonders…and seeing as how I didn’t want to put lots of holes in our shelves, and I change up my decor fairly frequently, these were a must.
Tip 3: Add cohesiveness with like items.
A couple of months ago, I found the above mercury glass-like votives at Target. I also own a fair amount of milk glass pieces. Scattered about the shelves (or placed together as a group) allows me to show off my pretties while adding cohesiveness.
What are your tips for organizing your bookshelves? Do you lean towards making them more pretty? More practical? Would love to know.
Your hoop looks fantastic, Linda! I LOVE the colors!
Hanging things…ahhh, great idea!
~Kim
Your shelves look so clean and organized…I love the brackets from Anthro. I have a ton of books so that is what takes up the most space on my shelves. I arrange them vertically and horizontally for interest and then I can display pieces on the horizontal books.
I needed your tips, especially about cohesiveness. Thanks!
XO,
Jane
I love your ideas. Sorry to say my bookshelves house books, nothing but books. I'm practical with storage cubes, etc., so I can get more use out of them. Maybe one day when my last one (who's in 3rd grade) graduates I'll be able to decorate my shelves like yours!
I just found your blog and Etsy shop! I love your creations of petestal plates, and your blog. Hugs, Carol Mae