Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Styling your bookcase is more than just stuffing it with books. Bookshelves can showcase your family’s accomplishments and personal style. “The selection process is the trickiest and most time-consuming step,” says interior designer Tina Wolff, “but once you have everything, set it out on the dining room table and start placing it on the bookshelf.” A mix of objects—tall and short, big and small, light and dark—is ideal, suggests Wolff: “Don’t be afraid to mix old and new.”
Step 1: Start With the Books
“Find your old books and use them up front or in the background,” says Wolff. “You can use them to add height, dimension, and color. Vary your book placement. Stack them, flip them, or cover them. Books are your foundation.”
Step 2: Accessorize
“Start with items you already own,” she says. “You don’t have to spend a fortune to create something beautiful.”
Step 3: Include a Lamp
Light is necessary for reading, plus you’ll want a fixture to illuminate treasures and mementos. “Make sure that there’s an outlet near your bookcase,” says Wolff, “and a hole in the bookshelf for the cord.”
Step 4: Add Flowers
Most designers agree that fresh or artificial flowers are essential. Wolff likes to choose something seasonal to match the color or theme of the bookcase. “Trader Joe’s usually has a good selection,” she notes.
Step 5: Use Mementos
The bookshelf is a special place to display pictures, gifts, and family keepsakes. Wolff added the letter K to this piece to represent her daughter’s first name. She also recommends framing a painting that your child has drawn to make the piece more personal.
Step 6: Change and Rearrange
“Don’t be afraid to move things around,” Wolff says. “Something that you have in your master bedroom may go well on your bookshelf, and vice versa. It’s also an easy way to update your space without cluttering it with new items.”
▸ Connect: Wolff Interiors, 222 S. Central, 314-974-7023
