When decorating shelves, the largest pieces should be placed in the center, where they will take up the most space and make the greatest visual impact. Second-tier pieces should be tucked away or out of sight. Then, arrange similar items in a diagonal pattern, creating a visual tableau that encourages viewers to take in the whole shelf. It is important to place your favorite items at eye level, and to keep frequently used items readily accessible.
Arrange books in odd numbers
When decorating shelves, one of the key design principles is to arrange books in odd numbers. This creates a visual balance between the odd and even numbers on the shelf and creates a dynamic display. You can also use odd number bookshelves to showcase decorative items, such as vases. The goal is to create a natural focal point in the room.
When styling shelves, it’s important to remember that they take up a lot of space, making them the focus of a room. This is why it’s important to arrange books in odd numbers to create a balanced look and avoid clutter. You can achieve this by taking a step back and assessing your shelf’s overall layout.
One great way to create this look is to group books by their size. If possible, stack books in odd numbers, with the largest books at the top and the smallest at the bottom. It’s also important to make sure that each shelf has a unique feel. Depending on the style of your bookcase, you can place accessories at the top and bottom of the books.
Another way to create a unique look is to arrange books in different color groups. This way, you can create blocks of colour or neutral space. Adding plants or vases can also add interest. You can also display books without dust jackets, which will let you admire their beautiful hardcovers. If you have a large collection of books, you can also add a decorative layer of books topped with a ceramic animal or paper weight to create a layered look. Also, it is important to remember that odd number books tend to look more attractive.
Although it’s a good idea to group books by genre, it doesn’t produce an attractive display. It also doesn’t look very welcoming. Aside from this, books aren’t always the most practical way to decorate a bookshelf. Depending on what you’re after, you can use the rule of thirds to balance the shelves and use objects below them to center the objects. Some homeowners choose to keep new books on their shelves, which is perfectly fine. Some others are avid readers and consider them collectors’ items.
Avoid grouping items of the same height
When decorating shelves, it’s best to avoid grouping items of the same height. If you don’t want to make your shelves look crowded, mix up metals and add some color. Mixing silver and gold objects can create a unique look. Another trick is to group items in odd numbers. It creates a sense of balance and completion. Grouping even-numbered items will make the decoration look dated and too uniform. Adding a fifth item to a shelf can help the decoration feel finished.
Another decorating trick is to group objects in sets of three or five. Odd numbers make a space look best, and it’s also nice to use a mix of vertical and horizontal objects. If you do want to group items of the same height, make sure they’re different shapes and sizes. Three or four of the same item on a shelf can display your collection but will look uniform.
Another tip for styling shelves is to keep them odd-numbered. For instance, when grouping books, consider using odd-numbered groupings. For example, grouping three books together with bookends is more visually pleasing than three books arranged in perfect symmetry. When using odd-numbered groupings, you can add plants and decorative items.
Another way to avoid grouping items of the same height is to use layers. The main idea is to create visual interest on the shelves by arranging taller items at the back and smaller items in front. You can even use breadboards or open frames at the back. In addition, you should layer smaller items with larger ones. This way, you will be able to tell which items are in the right positions.
Display art and plants on shelves
When decorating a shelf, you can display both art and plants. You can display a single piece of art on the shelf, but a grouping of several pieces of art is more striking. Plants have a natural sculptural quality that can replace or complement the artwork. They complement any decorating style and are sure to capture attention.
Create a unique look
When decorating shelves, there are several ways to achieve an eye-catching look. One way is to incorporate a lot of natural textures. Using items like woven baskets or wooden accessories will add visual interest to the space. While other options include shiny, glass and metal items. To create a layered look, you can mix and match items.
When decorating your shelves, choose items that you love and are in a style that represents you. This way, you won’t end up with a boring, generic collection of items. Also, avoid using too many pieces in a single area. Instead, create an eclectic mix of items and display them in a unique way.
Another way to give your shelves a fun look is to add pops of color. If your room has neutral walls, opt for a contrasting color and use a bookcase in the opposite color. For example, if you have red books on one shelf, you can choose a bright yellow bookcase on the other.
While bookshelves are often used as storage for books, they can also be attractive displays for other items. Instead of placing books on them, mix greenery, objects, and other decorative elements. Some homeowners also choose to add lighted elements to their shelves to create a focal point. This will draw the eye and add more interest to dark parts of the room.
