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While the term shelfie may have been thrown around the internet since 2014, as far as we’re concerned, the trend has officially been given timeless status. (Who can resist the artful placement of books, plants, and knick-knacks when they’re lined up like that on a sleek bookshelf?) But the latest inspiration rooms we love put a *little* more emphasis on the bookshelf’s original purpose— that is, to store books.
Bookshelves For Living Room Ideas
Whether you’re a voracious reader who spends half your monthly budget at your local indie bookstore, or just someone who likes to browse through a few select periodicals, there’s no denying that a pair of beautiful bookshelves in the living room creates a sublime, well— designated air in your space. And with fall in full swing, we can’t think of anything cozier than curling up in your personal home library with a cup of coffee and your favorite read.
National “clean Out Your Bookshelf” Day
Luckily, whether you have built-ins or just a few IKEA KALLAX, these designs will fill you with the confidence you need to make your living room bookshelves stand out. (Just don’t be surprised if these shelves inspire you to pick up a little more reading material—don’t say we didn’t warn you.)
Rule breakers, rejoice: this cleverly designed shelf shows that there’s no reason to stay within the confines. Displaying a huge piece of art in the center of the shelves creates a playful, eye-catching effect that we love.
Guilty of watching too much Beauty and the Beast as kids, but there’s something simply dreamy about the escalator in a library. It adds a certain charm and works well if you have higher shelves with novels that are out of your reach. Pick up a refurbished piece to add vintage style to your shelves.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to wall-mounted TVs: one suggests making the TV as inconspicuous as possible through various forms of camouflage…but we favor the opposite approach. Frame your TV with shelves to make it the center of the family.
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Put it down low. We like the optical illusion of “expanding” a few low shelves by covering the wall above with the same color paint. Not only does it add a whimsical touch to standard floating shelves, it also lets you play with proportions – and add lighting directly above your favorite titles.
Designer Olga Nyman. Adding fun prints and colors can easily show off your home library. You can add wallpaper to the entire back of the shelf or choose specific ones to add interest and intrigue.
Give your favorite book (and several hundred of its best friends) the star treatment it deserves. Try adding gallery-style lamps placed directly above the shelves to draw attention to your collection. Nothing but the best for a literary masterpiece, right?
It’s possibly the coolest way to draw attention upward that we’ve ever seen. A long, narrow space of books lined up in the upper third of the room’s walls brings a personal touch to this cozy den. Adding line art above just adds a creative edge to your art display.
Living Room Fireplace And Bookcase Styling
More magazine readers? We hear you. This minimal ledge system creates the perfect place to display all your favorite glitters (and replace them whenever the latest numbers arrive).
Floating shelves aren’t just for the kitchen. Opt for an airy feel by installing them in your living room – they perfectly balance heavier architectural elements. As a bonus, installing floating shelves creates a stunning illusion that displays properly without being blocked by furniture.
If you don’t have a lot of space or want to keep things low-key, we understand. The perfect option is to get a vintage or mid-century modern bookshelf and dedicate certain sections to your books. You don’t have to sacrifice your love of literature because of space limitations.
If you really want your home library to shine, you shouldn’t just focus on the shelves. Try to organize the books by color. The rainbow trend is eye-catching and creates an artistic masterpiece in itself.
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Another way to highlight your favorite novels is to use booksellers. However, what you use is entirely up to you and it’s a great way to show your individuality. Any heavy wardrobe, vintage decor, or even a house plant will do.
Don’t just make a statement with your books – make an entrance. Add bookshelves or shelves around the door leading into your living room to create a frame effect. If you want to create the impression of a larger space, combine walls and shelves to create a cohesive look.
There are many ways to display your book collection. Experimenting with color and symmetry is an easy way to make sure your bookshelves are neat and elegant, but don’t steal from what you’re really trying to display. In the living room shown here, the blue bookshelves are already a strong focal point. However, careful attention to detail regarding the shelves and the placement of items on each creates a balanced and refined aesthetic.
Instead of using wooden pine packed in racks, opt for a modern metal version. Simple silver shelves fit easily into the wall and do not take up too much space. This is perfect if you have wallpaper or paint color that you don’t want to cover up with traditional bookshelves.
Stylish Shelving And Bookcases
No need to limit your collection – take up an entire wall if you have to! Turning your book collection into an accent wall is an amazing conversation starter, displaying all your books so you’re never too far away from a great read. You can also keep a sofa nearby to create a cozy reading spot.
While there’s no shame in lining every inch of space with books, sometimes you may prefer a more minimal option. If you have a carefully selected selection of books you want to display, try putting just one or two on each shelf to let them shine. You can also put them horizontally and stack them on top of each other, because you will have extra space – an unusual arrangement will surely attract people’s attention.
Not ready for a completely dark library? Opt to paint just the back wall of each shelf to add color to match all your favorite knick-knacks. If your shelves are white or a lighter shade, the contrasts will add some drama to your collection.
Sometimes we have an uneven space or layout that we just can’t avoid, so make the most of it. Build your bookcase or install your shelves in a way that incorporates the architecture, as the living room shown here has done, with shelves placed on a slightly raised wall. The dimensional effect was worth the extra effort.
How To Style Your Bookcase
If your goal is to make a unique impression, look no further. Instead of showing the spines on your books, turn them around and show them the other way around. If your walls and bookshelf are dark, it’s even better, thanks to the contrast of the light pages with the furniture. Who doesn’t love a little mystery, right?
Who knew built-ins could stand out so much? A splash of trendy royal purple turns these shelves into something really special. A bright bookcase paired with an orange couch really grabs your attention and creates a fun atmosphere to discuss your favorite chapters with others.
If you don’t want to stick with the concept of straight racks, we completely understand. Adding corner inserts to a standard built-in bookcase adds an edgy architectural element that we love. In addition, it creates opportunities for more playful styles.
For those who prefer a more eclectic style, don’t limit yourself to traditional shelving options. Shelves that are completely hidden under your books create a beautiful floating look and can serve as a place to display other decorative items. Take it a step further and use non-standard items as a place to display your books – we’re a big fan of how many old school desks have been used on this wall.
Tips And Tricks For Styling Bookshelves In Small Spaces
Working with windows and placing bookshelves can be tricky, but not impossible. Opting for smaller bookshelves makes a great impression without blocking natural light. If you have a fireplace, like the living room shown here, smaller bookshelves can also create a streamlined look that looks nice and cohesive.
Lacy is a contributing editor with 4 years of experience writing and researching home decorating trends, techniques and helpful tips.