Accessorize Your Bookcase

 

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to refresh your room is by revamping your bookcase.  Whether you are working with built-in units or free standing furniture, you can create a fresh focal point with just a few changes.

 

Got Books?

 

• Too many books.  If you have row after row of vertical books with stacks on top of those, you have too many and need to cull.  As we continually think in terms of re-use, re-purpose and re-cycle, donate the extra books to a charitable organization or contact an assisted living facility to see if they would like some additions for their in-house library.

• Not enough books.  Acquire additional inexpensive books by shopping an attic sale or two.  Good hard back books are usually 25 cents to a dollar at most sales.  Or…If you’re short on time and need a quick book “fix”, drop by the local Dollar store.  All hard back books are a $1.00.

• Paper back books.  Do not use these in your bookcases – they do not make good displays and give a cluttered appearance.

 

Display your books

 

• To jacket or not to jacket.  Leaving the book jacket – or, dust cover – on the book is optional and mainly a matter of personal taste.

• Use your books to create layers and varying heights.

• For a summer “cottage look” re-cover your books with white paper.

 

A Bookcase is not just for books.

• Artwork.  Celebrate the seasons by the addition of artwork.  Add small pieces of artwork on easels.  If the shelves are adjustable, remove 1 or 2 shelves and either hang a large piece of artwork or lean it against the back of the cabinet to create a striking focal point.  As the seasons change, change the artwork.
   

• Family photos.  Use lighter color frames with various textures.
   

• Greenery & Florals.  Depending on your current décor, add blues, yellows, oranges and greens for a fresh spring appearance.  Change the florals to coordinate with the seasons.
   

• Candlesticks.  Do NOT use candles in a bookcase.  But, use unique candle sticks as sculptural additions to create “motion” and height in your design.
   

• Lighting.  Add a small lamp for additional ambient lighting as well as for highlighting your books and accessories.

 

No cluttering allowed. 

 

Keep your shelves clean and uncluttered.  A “busy” bookcase throws off the balance and harmony of a room.

 

 

While re-using and re-purposing your existing books and accessories, add some “oomph” to tie everything together.  And, as always, there is only one place to shop for all your home décor:  BLACK LION!