Bookcases.....They're Not Just About Books...
Sound familiar??
When addressing this piece of furniture, yes, I did say furniture, let's
first ask ourselves a few questions. "Do I really like the way my
bookcase looks in it's present condition?, and, "what is my bookcase
telling visitors about me?"
If you answered "No, everything looks cluttered and in disarray," and,
"I am embarrassed for anyone to notice as it is now", then let's think
about how we can turn these negatives into a positive.
Clear out the bookcases and determine just what you want to keep.
Consider hard cover books only, and store the rest. Once you have
"weeded out", you will have a much better look at the shelves as a
whole, and it will be much easier to determine what else you can add to
the mix. Remember, you want a balanced arrangement regardless of what
you decide to showcase.
Look around the house and see what other small items you love. Display a
favorite collection, colored glass items, anything that reflects your
style and personality. Remember... there is no right or wrong. If you
love it, show it!
Keep in mind the colors and feel of the room where the bookcase is
located. If some books you have chosen have nice jackets, by all means
showcase them...they are now works of Art!
Look for items with a central theme. For instance, colored glass in one
color, a collection that matches in color. Small vases, small pictures,
figurines, miniature boxes, baskets, live plants..your options are
endless!
Stagger your look, and mix for visual interest. Add collectables to a
stack of books. Look for items that match in color to books with a nice
jacket or cover.
Create "peaks and valleys" in you display. Everything the same height is
boring to the eye.
Books do not have to be placed side by side..BORING. Have fun with it,
graduate a stack of books, lay some on their sides, stack some at an
angle. If space permits, place a small item atop for interest.
If you have books and collectables from a favorite vacation...add a
small picture to remind you of a wonderful time.
Create spaces for the eye to rest, if you are lean in you options,
remember, less is better.
The pictures below will show you that a bookcase is not just for
books...
Do you recognize some of the techniques we mentioned?
Lois Brant of Impressive Interiors
www.impressiveinteriorsstyling.com
lois@impressiveinteriorsstyling.com
Read another interior decorating article...
TO COLOR OR NOT? THAT IS THE QUESTION
Imagine living your life in black and white. Perhaps you'd see some
shades of gray. But a gray rose? A black apple? A white snowman? OK,
that one works, but you get my point.
