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At least 75% of the items on a bookcase should be books. For a library feel, only display books in your bookcase. Display hardback books only. Consider removing the paper jackets from your books (unless they are collectibles).
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A bookcase must be functional as well as beautiful. You can organize your books by type, subject matter, author, or whatever makes sense to you, but do not organize your bookcase by color because it looks too contrived and you might have a hard time finding a particular book.
- If you have a bookcase that is very bare and you are not a big reader, consider buying hardback books in bulk to compliment your decor. Your local library will usually sell extra copies of books at a very low price, you can buy books at a used book store, or you can get books at yard sales. Remove the paper jackets off the hardback books to see the color of their spine to make sure the color does not conflict with your room's color scheme. Books that are a bit distressed and look like they have been read many times add character and charm to a bookcase. If you have a dark bookcase, a majority of lighter colored books look best. If you have a light bookcase, a majority of darker colored books look best.
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If you plan on using decorative bookends, use substantial bookends, not little ones. A stack of smaller books turned on end works well as bookends. A heavy statue or a small clock can also be used as bookends.
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Leave about 10% of empty space in your bookcase. A completely filled and decorated bookcase does not allow room for new books.
- If you have too many books for your bookcase, you can decorate with them stacked on end tables, you can get more bookcases, or you can start using a wireless reading device instead of buying new books, such as the Kindle.
| How to Professionally Decorate a Bookcase |
 photo courtesy of pepo www.sxc.hu/photo/1179698 A bookcase can be a beautiful focal point in a room if properly arranged and showcased. See the steps below for decorating your bookcase like a professional.
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