Where To Start When Styling A Large Built-In Bookshelf For Better Organization
Has your dream built-in bookshelf turned into more of a nightmare? The timeless architectural feature is on many homeowners' wish lists, but styling such a large organizational focal point will test any DIY designer's skills in the art of balancing form and function. However, as with most aspects of design, there is a science to an artful built-in bookshelf display.
While trendy hacks like arranging your books by color will organize and style any bookshelf for an aesthetically pleasing look, getting the physical layout of the shelves just right requires a more strategic approach. Bookshelves that are chock-full of books are difficult to style, and adding in some purely decorative elements can make all the difference between a beautiful and functional built-in and an overstuffed eyesore. To design a cohesive built-in that provides stunning storage, the key is to start from the bottom and work your way up. Grounding the bottom of the built-in with larger and/or heavier objects will instantly make the entire unit feel more intentional. Heavy reference books, large baskets, and even extra blankets make great additions to the bottom shelves. You can experiment with different configurations of sizes and textures throughout the rest of the shelves, but anchoring the bottom of your built-in with those larger items is an essential component to styling decor on a bookshelf.
Organizing from the ground up infuses intentionality in your built-in design
Keep the big picture of your built-in bookshelf in mind as you narrow in on each individual space. One helpful preliminary step is to group all your books and decor items based on how you want (and need) to display them, then arranging the lower shelves first based on size and functionality. For example, if you have kids, using the lower shelves to store their books and knick-knacks will keep your built-ins organized and functional for everyone in the family. As you work your way up, consider what makes the most sense on each shelf while also keeping the cohesive balance of the whole unit in mind. You'll likely want any photos around eye level, along with the books you are most likely to pull off the shelf regularly. Live plants need to be positioned for adequate sun exposure, and candles must be properly placed for safety. Beyond that, playing around with the configuration can largely be based on your preferences and what looks — and feels — right to you.
If you have a lot of books to store, get creative with their presentation. One idea is to double the storage space on your bookshelf using an IKEA spice rack by stacking books on top of the upside-down rack against the back of the built-in, then adding a row of books in front of it to instantly create a two-tiered effect. You could line your bottom shelves this way to anchor your built-in with your book collection, while adding a few two-tiered shelves sporadically throughout the built-in will add storage, depth, and interest to the unit.