The Principles of Bookshelf Design

Bookshelves are a versatile and functional aspect of apartment décor that are often overlooked in terms of design. Shelving and bookcases are made to hold books, but they are also great storage solutions for pots, pans, photos, and other functional or decorative items. Even if you plan to use your bookshelves purely for storage purposes, arranging books and other items in an aesthetically-pleasing manner will turn your bookcase into a hardworking piece of art.

Arranging Books

When it comes to arranging books on your bookshelf, there are as many methods as there are stylistic preferences. For an ordered and organized look, start by placing the tallest volumes against one side of your bookshelf and work your way down the shelf in descending size. You can add a little style by starting at opposite ends of the bookcase on alternating shelves. If you prefer a mismatched look, intersperse books of varying sizes, styles, and colors for a more playful and whimsical bookshelf design. You can also mix up your shelving style by laying some books horizontally or leaning books at an angle to fill up extra space. Other arrangements include grouping books by color, title, subject, or style.

Adding Other Items

Bookshelves can be used to store items other than books for organizational and decorative purposes. Placing these items at the ends of your shelves can help to keep books in check while breaking up the visual monotony of your bookcase. Bookshelves provide a great setting for you to store items you want readily visible or accessible, as objects will be easily seen on open shelving. They are extremely popular in the kitchen, where you can store pots, pans, and other cooking implements that don’t stack easily inside your cabinets. You can also use bookshelves as a place to create small—or large—visual vignettes for solely decorative purposes, setting out knickknacks, photos, and other souvenirs. Small baskets or jars placed on the shelves can contain and organize loose items such as change, keys, and other small household goods.

Extra Flair

If you’re looking for a way to really make your bookshelves pop, consider adding color or lighting to create a visual display that immediately catches the eye. Paint the back of your bookcase a contrasting color to highlight this piece and make it stand out against your wall. Alternatively, you can paint the shelves themselves a bright, eye-catching color for a similar but more muted effect. Rope lighting is an excellent way to improve the look of your bookshelf and the area in which it sits—run lighting along the top edge of your bookshelf for a dazzling effect. Small spot lighting can also be placed on or above your bookshelf for a visual accent that brightens your room.

Vida Hollywood encourages you to get creative and completely personalize your studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment in Hollywood, CA. Our floor plans are designed to give you plenty of space, while the wide variety of features and amenities will make you feel like a star. Click through our website for additional information on square footage, lease rates, amenities, and local hotspots near our Los Angeles apartments for rent.