How to style your Bookshelves:: Porche & Co. Tips & Tricks

We always have SO much fun sharing our design “How Tos” with you all! We love sharing all of our tried and true tricks that we use in our client’s homes for you to take back into your own homes. Last week, we shared all of our favorite tricks when styling coffee tables! You can read that post here. Today, we're excited to share tips for styling bookshelves! We get asked about bookshelf styling maybe more than any other topic. In our opinion, you either LOVE it or you HATE it. But our goal here at Porche & Co. is to ensure that everyone loves it after reading this article. Styling shelves can seem like a daunting task, but we have a few simple design rules that make it much easier than it seems…your shelves will look professionally styled in NO time!

When beginning to style your shelves, keep in mind the rule of three. Groups of threes are very pleasing to the eye, so try to create little vignettes and groupings in threes (ex. three vases of varying heights or a vase with a book and an object a top). We also like to stick to neutral color tones while adding pops of color with faux plants and greenery to keep the shelves bright and full of neutral texture and dimension.

Below, we have linked some of our favorite decor items that we like to have on hand when decorating bookshelves. This includes items like: books, vases and bowls, artwork, faux greenery, baskets, and decor objects. When selecting these items, it’s important to take measurements of your shelves to ensure you select items that will fit well on your bookshelves. It will also help you choose items to scale. We suggest having a large pile of your favorite decor objects (& lots of books) on hand before you start! If you already have things on your shelves but aren’t loving them, go ahead and pull off everything- yes everything. Set aside items you love and want to use with your new styling and then add some new pieces to the mix before you re-style!

These are the bookshelves in our newly finished Design Studio! We are having so much fun styling and setting up the studio! Be sure to follow along on Instagram: @theporcheplace for all of the behind the scenes.

Tip 1: Use Books

Books are great to stack on your shelves as a simple way to add functional height and dimension. If you are needing additional height on top of the books, try a picture frame or decor piece (beads, links, a knot object etc) laid across the top book! We also love to stack pots/vases on top of books to add dimension & varying heights.

Tip 2: Decorative Objects

Decorative Objects will add additional dimension & layers. Choose objects of varying heights to create depth and interest. Candles, smaller frames & beads will provide loads of added texture and dimension.

Tip 3: Faux Greenery

We love adding realistic faux greenery to shelves. These create such a nice warm focal point in the room and on the shelves. We are firm believers that greenery and florals always help create an inviting and welcoming feel in a space!

Tip 4: Frames & Artwork

Add pictures frames and artwork to you shelves. Adding some frames allows you to display some of your own photos which adds a nice personal touch. We also love layered artwork. Grab some of your favorite framed prints or paintings to layer behind items throughout the shelves. This will create a nice solid backdrop behind the items and a cohesive focal point.

Tip 5: Vases & Bowls

We love mixing in vases and bowls when styling bookshelves! These are such nice soft focal points that can easily add texture, color and dimension to your arrangement. Don’t be afraid to keep styling until it looks right. Try layering items and shifting around until it is aesthetically pleasing to your eye. Some of our favorite bowls and vases to layer in are below! Pro-tip:: try draping bone or glass beads over the side of a vase or bowl for added dimension.

Another tip to keep in mind is to use diagonals in your shelves (pictured below). Imagine creating a Z like pattern within your shelves and groupings. This helps the eye know where to travel which creates cohesiveness and natural interest at the same time. On the bottom shelves, we love placing similar baskets for grounded balance and symmetry. This gives the eye a resting place and also adds warmth & function to your shelves! On the top shelves, try adding more balance with two faux plants to create an additional resting place for the eye or a larger singular decor item to create a focal point on the top.

Be sure to “Follow Us” to stay up to date on everything Porche and Co. & The Porche Place!

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Do you love what we did with this space? Do some rooms or spaces in your house need some designer help but you aren't sure how to get started?

Check out our various Packages through the link below & let's get started designing your dream room(s) today!

Follow these 3 easy steps to get started today:
1. Select the E-Design package from that best works for your design needs
2. Complete the short Client Design Questionnaire on each space
3. Sit back and watch your dream home come to life!

You will have direct access to Emily through messenger throughout the whole process.

Multiple revisions are included with each package to ensure you are completely happy with the end result!

Take me to E-Design land!