A bookcase can be a beautiful focal point in a room as long as it is properly arranged and showcased instead of books thrown randomly on shelves.
Here are some tips and tricks for decorating your bookcase like a professional.
photo courtesy of okchomeseller flickr.com/photos/okchomeseller/8016616654/
Mostly Books
Since bookcases hold books, at least 75% of the items on a bookcase should be books, else your bookcase is actually a display cabinet (which is not necessarily a bad thing).
For a library feel, only display books in your bookcase.
Display hardback books only.
Consider removing the paper jackets from your books to expose their beautiful spines (unless they are collectibles).
Don't Organize By Color
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.
Don't Turn Books Backward
Many TV shows will show books in a bookcase turned backwards with the spine towards the back of the bookcase or recovered in a plain cover without any markings on it.
The reason why this is done on TV shows is because of trademark and copyright issues.
Do not do this in real life. You need to be able to locate books.
You Can Buy Books in Bulk
If you have a bookcase that is very bare and you are not a big reader, consider buying hardback books in bulk to complement 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 estate 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 since the paper jacket and book spine are often very different colors.
Books that are a bit distressed and look like they have been read many times add character and charm to a bookcase.
Vintage and antique books tend to be bound in a fabric cover instead of a leather or faux leather cover. Older fabric covers tend to have a lot of texture and add interest and warmth to a room.
If you have a dark bookcase, a majority of lighter colored books look best since they will contrast against the dark background.
If you have a light bookcase, a majority of darker colored books look best.
Bookends
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.
A Little Free Space
Leave about 10% of empty space in your bookcase, if possible.
A completely filled and decorated bookcase does not allow room for new books.
If you are an avid reader, you might have more books than your bookcase will hold.
Books as Decor
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.
