Whether you have a new bookshelf to fill up or are just tired of looking at your own, we all need to arrange a bookshelf from time to time. And while achieving a perfectly arranged and decorated bookshelf may seem like it requires an advanced knowledge of interior design principles and impeccable taste, it’s not so difficult that us average Joes (or Jills!) can’t handle it!
To help simplify the process, today I’ll be breaking down the process of how to arrange a bookshelf into 9 “steps” of a sort. (You don’t have to do all of them if you don’t want, so I’m leaving them more as a list of tips than a step-by-step how-to.) These simple strategies will help you create a functional bookshelf that looks great and enhances the look of the whole room.
9 Helpful Tips For Arranging A Bookshelf
1. Start With A Clean Slate
You’ll make your own life a lot easier if you start with a clean, empty bookshelf. So if you just purchased a bookshelf, you’re probably already done with this step!
If you’re “redoing” an existing bookshelf, remove all the books, decor, and anything else on the shelves. If there are items there that belong elsewhere, return them to their designated spot, and give the shelves a good cleaning with a damp rag. Now you’re ready for a fresh start.
2. “Edit” The Contents
When I say “edit your shelves,” that’s just a polite way of saying “have some self-control!” 😉 The books and other items on your bookshelves should mean a lot to you personally, so it’s not worth it to cling to your college textbooks because you think they make you look like a smartypants. If a book has served you well, but it’s time to part with it, go ahead and start a donation pile.
3. Add A Basket Or Two
If you have a few random items in your collection that don’t exactly have a home, consider putting one or two decorative baskets on the bottom shelf of the bookcase. Baskets are a great way to corral smaller items without cluttering up the overall look of a bookcase.
4. Make A Statement
If you want to spruce up the look of the actual bookshelf, consider lining the back of it with a fun wallpaper or painting it with a bold color. It’s an easy way to add plenty of personality to your shelves, as long as it coordinates with the rest of the room.
5. Arrange Your Books
Next, you’ll replace the books you chose to keep back on the shelves. As far as how to go about arranging them, here are a few options you can choose from:
Option 1 – By Size
The first option is to arrange your books by size, starting with larger books on the lower shelves, while smaller books are grouped on the upper shelves. Not only does this keep the bookcase sturdy by having the heavier books at the bottom, but it looks tidy too.
Option 2 – By Color
If you’re all about the aesthetics, consider sorting all your books into piles according to their dominant color, then arranging the colors into smaller sections on the various shelves. It’s a fun way to liven up a more minimal room, or great for kids’ rooms too.
Option 3 – By Type
If you have a variety of different types of books in your collection, sorting by type may make it easier to find the one you’re looking for later on. You could group novels in one spot, cookbooks in another, and so on. Putting books in the proper locations will make you feel like you’re operating your own mini library!
Other Options
Other ways to arrange your books on your shelves include by alphabetical order, by book type (hardcovers, paperbacks, etc.), by degree of emotional significance, and so on. There are a lot of ways to arrange your books, and there’s no real wrong way to do it. As long as it suits your needs, anything goes!
6. Mix Rows And Stacks
Interior designers recommend mixing up how you arrange your books to add visual interest to your bookshelf, with some arranged vertically in rows and some arranged horizontally in stacks. One rule of thumb suggests having 70% of your books shelved vertically and the remaining 30% placed in stacks, and using the stacks as platforms to highlight accessories.
7. Add Decorative Items
Once your books are in place, you can add in some decorative items like framed photos, small plants, souvenirs from trips, and natural rocks or crystals. Bookends are great for adding visual interest, and they’re functional too.
Keep playing around with your arrangement until you’re happy with it, and be sure to keep color and texture in mind as you go. And don’t forget about seasonal elements either—having a spot for a rotating seasonal item can keep things interesting.
8. Use The Power Of Three
If you get stuck while you’re adding decorative items, never underestimate the power of group of threes. You could create a grouping of three vases of different heights, or three geodes of different styles. Arrange them in clusters, and don’t be afraid to stagger or overlap them, even if it means part of one object won’t be as visible.
9. Stick To The “Two-Thirds Rule”
How much is too much when it comes to decorating a bookcase? One rule of thumb is the “two-thirds rule,” which states that only two-thirds of the real estate of each shelf should be taken up by books. This leaves empty spaces you can either use for a decorative object, or keep empty to avoid making things look too busy.
Do you have any tips or tricks for arranging a bookshelf?