Your bookshelf doesn’t have to serve only as a utility; it can become a centerpiece of creative design in your apartment with just a few tweaks. Here, we lay out some ideas to help get you started.
- Begin with the bookshelf itself. Is it covered in chipped paint or unfinished with cracked wood? If so, before you start arranging anything on its shelves, you might want to consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Or to make things even easier, simply sand down your bookshelf for a minimalist facelift.
- The first thing you’ll need once you’re ready to style your bookshelf is, of course, books! Since the goal is to create an eye-catching display, choose books that are intricately designed. Whether it is with embossed golden spines or beautiful cover art, pick the ones that are visually striking.
- Next, pair your books. You can arrange them by color: grouping muted blues with one another and arresting reds with dazzling oranges. Or, go for a more attention-grabbing effect by organizing your books in a rainbow-like array. Whichever you choose, the key is consistency. Everything on your shelves should serve a purpose of both function and form, and the tableau you’re creating doesn’t have to stop with just books.
- In addition to your thoughtfully arranged tomes, add some ornamental flare to your shelves by including matching chinoiserie vases or easy-to-care-for succulents. Similar to how you have your books arranged for a consistent look, make sure the non-literary items you include complement your books’ color scheme and add to your altogether theme. Try keeping it simple by using small or easy to move items; that way you can refresh your bookshelves’ look for each season.
- Finally, step back and enjoy the visual fruits of your labor. If your bookshelf still looks cluttered or uninspired, you can go back to the basics for a quick redesign. Group reds with reds and blues with blues; take off the dust covers from all of your books for a uniform look; make sure your tchotchkes complement your color scheme; and then try stepping back again to see how your revitalized bookshelf looks in your apartment.
Spending a little time curating your bookshelf can be the difference between walking home to a giant eyesore every day and enjoying the aesthetics of your Habitat Apartment unencumbered. If you’d like to see how your bookshelf would look in one of our pet-friendly apartment homes, give us a call or contact us today for a tour!