5 Tips for How to Arrange a Bookshelf

Did you buy or build a house with built-ins? Or do you have a great furniture piece with open shelving? If you want an elegant modern focal point, here are five tips for how to arrange a bookshelf:

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Less is more when it comes to curating elegant modern bookshelves. Books can be placed vertically or horizontally, and should be sorted by size from largest to smallest. Keep the text on the spines facing the same direction. Fill in with large accessories or group similar items to create a significant collection.

2. PICK A THEME: Do you love travel or art? Fashion or home design? A great way to unify your bookshelves is to select book titles based on your interest and pastimes. Then add a limited number of framed photographs and mementos from your adventures for the look of a well-lived life. Repeating shapes, materials and colors is also an excellent way to unify accessories.

3. SYMMETRY = BALANCE: Heavier books and accessories should be placed on or near the bottom shelf. As you work upward, group like items together in a pyramid shape, with the largest item towards the center of the composition. Smaller pyramids should be found within a larger, overall pyramid shape. Group smaller items in sets of 3, 5 or 7.

4. ADD COLOR WITH PAINT OR PAPER: A great way to tie together your bookshelves and room decor is by painting or papering the back of your built-in or furniture piece. Choose an  accent color or wallpaper in a sophisticated print, fabric or singular color shade. Then carry the color throughout the room with coordinating accessories. Be as subtle or as bold as you like!

5. KNOW WHEN TO STOP: Creating a beautiful vignette is a matter of adding and taking away until you achieve balance. It is better to have fewer, choice accessories and stacks of beautiful books than to cram in every nic nac and book title in your home. Limiting items to your favorite things is a sure way to create a striking focal point for your home or office.