How to Incorporate Art in Your Bookshelves
I read an interesting tidbit recently about how our bookshelves say a lot about us, but do we give them the time and attention they deserve when it comes to their aesthetic presentation?
Most of us know that art is a fundamental accessory for decorating our homes, especially our living spaces such as family rooms and bedrooms. But what about the more highly functional features of our homes that are designed for storage and other practical considerations? If you haven't attended to them lately, there are great ways to add visual appeal to some of these nooks and repositories.
From lighting to accessories to decorative objects, as we help you identify your taste in art, we're taking a closer look at bookshelves as a backdrop for interesting art. Read on for a handful of useful tips.
Keep It Simple Yet Sophisticated
You can stage art and accessories within your bookcases to create an interesting aesthetic, but choose your items wisely. While we don’t always advocate for subtlety when it comes to art, it’s easier for these small spaces to look chaotic if you aren’t careful and deliberate.
In addition to your favorite books, include a small-scale work of art (or two), and incorporate decorative items that are complementary in color and scale. It doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, but consider styling shelves in a way that doesn't feel like clutter.
Play With Color
Group books of similar color scheme together for visual interest and mix and match these types of patterns through the various rows of shelves. Using a bold artwork as a focal point for which other items play off and complement can be a great way to create a stunning display.
We’ve seen some great examples for which grouping books of similar color schemes together enhances visual interest. Mix and match these types of color patterns through the various rows of shelves to create a space that is a juxtaposition of practical and pleasing.
Mix Artwork With Decorative Objects
One of the easiest ways to create visual interest on bookshelves is to mix art with decorative objects instead of displaying books alone.
When you set out to decorate shelves, try combining:
- framed artwork,
- small sculptures,
- baskets,
- decorative boxes
- potted plants,
- candles,
- or favorite collected objects.
Layering different materials, shapes, and heights helps add texture and prevents shelves from feeling too flat or repetitive. Even a few potted plants can soften the look of bookshelves and make the entire living space feel warmer and more inviting.
If your shelves already contain a large number of books, artwork can help break up heavy rows and create a better sense of balance throughout the room.
Play With Book Arrangement and Layering
Bookshelves usually look more natural and visually appealing when everything is not perfectly lined up the same way.
For example, you can:
- arrange books vertically and horizontally,
- create small stacks,
- lean artwork behind objects,
- or place framed pieces in front of books for an extra layer of depth.
Some homeowners also mix large artwork with smaller decorative pieces to create a more collected and personal look. This approach helps decorate empty space while adding personality to the bookshelf without making it feel overcrowded.
If you prefer a cleaner or monochromatic look, keeping a more limited color palette can still create beauty while allowing artwork to stand out naturally.
Incorporate Texture and Dimension
Utilize a range of interesting items of different shapes, textures, and dimensions. Examples may include and textural items such as decorative wooden bowls or ceramic vases which may also serve as stylish storage.
Speaking of dimension, everything doesn’t have to be flush within the bookshelf. A very intriguing trend that we’ve seen in the last decade or so is to hang your art directly from the bookshelf. This is a cool way to make the art stand out against the backdrop of rows of books, but use caution and take steps to ensure the safety of your art.
Add a Personal Touch
As with any application of art within our homes, make it personal. Adorn your bookshelf with things that have meaning and reflect your personality.
This may include favorite books by beloved authors, mementos, and collectibles. Add in art that represents something meaningful in your life, such as a familiar landscape, pet portrait, or picture frames with photos of your favorite places.
Displaying favorite pieces throughout the house helps create a more personal and unique look.
Practical Considerations
If you're working with large shelves, just like any other art display, ensure you are hanging your art at eye level. Unlike other spaces that may require a deliberate process and placement to hang your art, you can easily lean a free-standing artwork on top of or within a bookshelf (making sure it can't take a tumble) or wedge smaller pieces in place among books and decorative accessories.
Create stylish storage
Don't forget the books! Call attention to your more treasured and interesting periodicals by displaying them prominently, utilizing them in horizontal stacks to display art and other treasured pieces. Vintage books add particular charm to your bookcase.
You can get really creative and hang art on the shelf directly, too!
Need more ideas for identifying the best artworks for your small spaces? You can shop new art weekly on UGallery’s website.
