Styling modern bookshelves is becoming nothing less than an art. In a world where everybody has become a tastemaker (thanks to design blogs, wink), our homes need to be photo shoot ready - that means it’s time to ditch the college paperbacks that line your laminate big box shelves.
Grown up, stylish living room bookshelves can be a chic reflection of your style and can serve many functions.
Whether your modern bookshelves are built-in or freestanding, think of them as an opportunity to express your style and personality.
If you are a minimalist at heart, why not create pure white book-jackets so everything looks uniform? More bohemian? Style books both vertically and horizontally.
Adding decorative objects also is key. Cute objects and bookends will create visual interest.
Functionality and lighting are not to be overlooked when styling your bookshelves. Sometimes shelves also need to double as a bar or serving space in small rooms, so creating a deeper shelf at counter height could really come in handy.
When it comes to lighting your bookshelves, I love the new trend of mounting picture lights either on the wall above a built in bookcase or mounting one on the upper trim molding. It’s a design style borrowed from classic English libraries of the past.
If you don’t have the ability to mount a light, try clip on lights or a modern floor lamp that can both function as reading light and spot light for highlighting the objects on your bookshelves.
1. The modern White Gooseneck Clip Light is perfect for renters or designers on a budget.
2. Mount the very traditional-looking Hudson Valley Merrick Bronze Picture Light on the wall above your bookshelves for an English library look.
3. The reclaimed wood and metal Irondale Helena Bookcase is designed perfectly to feature books and decorative objects.
4. The multi-functional Trac Tree Brushed Steel 3-Light Floor Lamp allows you to illuminate shelves while also offering great task and reading light.
5. I love the Retro Collection Light Natural Wood Shelves with Cabinet for small spaces that need shelf, display and bar space all in one.
6. You can’t go wrong with a classic bookcase like the Zuo Mission Bay 6-Level Distressed Natural Shelves.
Photos: Rue Magazine.