A couple of weeks ago, I shared my bookcase makeover, and while the exterior work was a task in itself, the real challenge came when it was time to accessorize them.
Since these bookcases are in our family room, I decided to fill them with personal items, but to also mix in accessories that I liked and of course, books. Alot of people feel strongly about only displaying books that they’ve actually read. I like to use mainly old books in great colors. So, have I read all of the books on my shelves? I have three small kids. What do you think? :)
I think the key to good bookcase styling is the same as accessorizing the rest of your home: keep it simple. While bookshelves can be a nice place to display collections, I like to choose fewer, larger pieces to mix in with books and photos, rather then cramming lots of “things” into a small space.
Of course, the real secret to bookcase styling is to try, try again! Here’s what my first attempt looked like:
I also added a large silver tray amid the black & white photographs on the top, just to break up the straight lines and to add height.
.JPG)
My dad recently gave me one of his old paint-by-numbers; I like the color that it adds:
.JPG)
Love your bookshelves Emily! You have styled them just right :)
I am about to paint the built-ins in our bedroom and am considering dark blue and also like the grass cloth Sara Tuttle used to line book shelves in her portfolio. Decisions…
Love those bookshelves and GREAT job on the accessories! I esp. love the paint by number – sweet!!
Love the dark blue contrast with the white!! So chic!!
What paint did you use for your pineapple. I have several things I’m thinking of giving a make over! I love how your book shelves turned out!
Your bookshelves look fantastic. I love the combination of personal pieces, books and photos! Thanks for sharing.
What a great job you did! I loved your “drop cloth” and think you can never have too many cans of white spray paint around the house. haha
Hope your having a great day! xoxo
The styling is perfect. Totally love the painted back trick :)
Marija
Oh, my goodness… I just did a post this morning about finally styling my bookshelves. Thanks for the inspiration!
P.S. I loved your post a while back when you featured your readers bookshelf re-do’s! Awesome!
-ME
Wow! It looks gorgeous Emily. I love the way you styled it. It came together so well!
It looks great, Emily! I’m wondering if any of those accessories were Goodwill finds…
Love the bookcases and styling and that you painted the pineapple white. It looks fantastic! I just bought a huge gold framed bulletin board – so one can of white spray paint later and it was a gorgeous matte white just what I wanted….
Looks pretty good, I must say, I like it! And your pineapple makeover is amazing, you can tell it feels much better about its shiney white self now!
It takes a real talent to make bookcases look like this- I need to take some lessons from you, mine are in need of major help for sure!
Love the way it turned out! Hmm.. that image of your spray painting session makes me what to paint something:)
I think you did a fabulous job, its not easy to make it look so perfect, but you make it look effortless!
Looks great! I love the blue on the back of the shelving (I also love how it turned out on your fireplace)!
Emily, this looks great. Don’t you love the way a white accessory “jumps” off of a colored background?
So glad I found this– I’ve got a massive (6 feet long!) bookshelf to fill and style. I love your fresh white accessories– I have the cousin of your cute little partridge– mine used to be brown, and he looks so cute in white!
This looks great! What is the name of the dark blue color you used? I am thinking of painting my bookshelves the same color. Thanks!
bookcase styling is not as easy as it looks, and you’re right–you have to keep at it until you get it right. love what you’ve done.
you nailed it! the whole space looks not only professionally designed but professionally photographed. bravo!
You are quite the book case master! Adore that white pineapple as well! Really, all so great!
Nice, I like the redo better too! Can’t believe you have 3 small kids and got it down, you inspire!
Suzanne
New Follower from sostinkingcute.blogspot.com
You did such a great job styling your bookshelves. I love the blue contrast as well as the pops of white.
Also, the detailing on the both doors is fab!!
The best comment “finished for now.” That’s the beauty of bookcases. “For now.”
Emily, I love your bookcases! They are so fantastic. I loved how you took us through your thought process! Thanks for such an inspiring post!
I also struggle with accessorizing bookshelves for some strange reason, so this was perfect post! I love your style!
Looks great! I really love the white pineapple — spray paint does amazing things, doesn’t it?
This tutorial could be in a magazine – great job!
Your bookshelves look amazing! Nice work. I love the blue you used on the back, and on the walls across the room (if I remember it correctly). I included those images in a navy room round up I did on my blog about a week ago. I just posted my own bookshelf redo yesterday: http://livinglivelier.blogspot.com
Great work!
Deb
thanks for this post! i think i need to paint the backs of mine! i sent you an email with all the info you needed for my ad! thanks so much emily!
I meant to put this with my original comment and forgot: your styling of the shelves is what makes them! Fabulous job! And oh – do I love me some spray paint! I will be using this post as a guide in the very near future.