Bookcases are for books right? Or so I used to think. A good bookcase display can hold not only books, but a variety of items including collectables, artwork, natural items, trophies, and photos. I try to have numerous bookshelves to display not only my large collection of books (via being an English major) but also decorative items as well.
Like a gallery wall you need to play around a bit with your bookshelf display until you get the right visual balance with the space.
Here are some tips I use:
1) Arrange books in stacks both horizontally and vertically.
This breaks up the space visually. You can also stack pictures and collectables on the horizontal pile of books.
2) Display collections of similar books, or arrange books around similar color hues.
Currently I'm collecting Penguin Hardcover Classics illustrated by Coraline Bickford-Smith. The similar cloth binding adds continuity to the bookshelf display.
3) Add artwork and family photos to personalize the space.
I added a framed etching my old college roommate made of a ballerina. The oversize square frame adds height to the space.
On the top shelf I went with a similar wedding theme for the photos. I displayed an old photo of my husband's great-grandparents who gave us my wedding ring, and then close-up of the ring itself. The figurines are wedding toppers from our cake.
4) Add texture and natural elements.
I displayed some flower vases from Anthropologie to add color and texture to the space. I also used an agate slice to rest on a stack of books laid horizontally. You can add other natural elements to bring the outside in. Other natural elements I have included on other bookshelves around my house include a large conch shell and a polished stone I found in Alaska.
5) Display collectables
I included two running trophies for sentimental value. The hubs and I both won a small 5K run we did (he won for the men, and I won for the women). I like to arrange the trophies on the bookshelf so it looks like I'm winning the race!
These tips help me to balence out the bookshelf space, and include a varity of items, to keep it colorful, personal and interesting. Let me know if you have any other tips.
Anne with an E