The Right Way to Add a Bookshelf to Your Space

Want a surefire way to add a touch of your personality to your space? Think about including a bookshelf – it’s a great and attractive way to expand the scope of your room, change its character, and fill it with things you love. And with the bookshelf, you don’t have to limit yourself to just books. You can fill it with all sorts of things you hold dear. But before we get ahead of ourselves, and before anyone dives onto craigslist looking for a free bookshelf, one thing is certain. Adding a bookshelf is a deceptively tricky project – if you want to do it right. This DIY guide gives you tips on how best to add a bookshelf to your home so you can make sure that it will add depth and character.

Choose A Bookshelf That Works With Your Space

Caramelized Currant Shelf by Greenington

The first thing to do is decide which bookshelf will work best in your space. Here are some things to consider – recessed bookshelves can be added to odd corners of your room simply by adding a few shelves. That concept may work best if you have limited free space. Traditional wood cases can be found at flea markets and antique shops – just be sure to try to match the wood color with any preexisting decor you have. And also make sure you get something that is going to hold up and can keep all your books. If you want to get really traditional, think about a bookcase with display windows, allowing you to show off your collection. More modern bookshelves include whimsical designs that reflect your personality and decor. Others, like those offered by Ikea, are more practical. But a stylish bookcase can be a boon, while rather simple ones can start to seam like a burden. I chose a metal one that can fold up, making it that much easier to move. So in other words, think about your priorities.

Put Together Your Collection of Books

All bamboo leaning shelf by Greenington

Well it’s a bookcase, right? Best to start with your books. And if you have a lot of books like I do, now is the time to start planning. Do you want them to have an order? Be separated into subject sections? Leave space for new finds? Also consider that an overstuffed bookshelf can easily tip over. You may have to secure it to the wall. This is a simple enough project, and don’t forget it. You really don’t want your bookshelf tipping over, for obvious reasons.

Interested in creating more visual space and separation? Vary the horizontal and vertical direction of the books spines. And you can also create the illusion of more space by varying book sizes and colors so they don’t turn into huge blocks on your shelves. If your plan is to use the shelves as primarily decorative, feel emboldened to leave lots of empty space for the next step. This can be a fun project – now you have to be more selective about which books you pick. Take it as an opportunity to make a statement.

Add Sculpture, Ceramics, and Artwork

Bamboo Bookshelf by Greenington

Our recommendation? Leave some space so you can fill out the bookshelf with artwork. This allows you to create variety and interest and stops the bookshelf from just being a huge depository of books (although this is O.K. too). You don’t have to just use art and sculpture either. Ceramics is another great item, especially if you have a friend who makes custom bowls or vases – or your own creations, if you have the talent. That’s art too, right? Whatever you use, the point is your choices reflect your personal vision. The bookshelf at its best gathers together all the energy of your personality into one functional display. And art plus books creates depth, drawing you deeper into the bookcase. Color and form will break up the monotony of your books. Don’t go overboard though. You’ll achieve more with less, and give space to the objects in the final step. Which leads us to…

Finish off with personal items

Magnolia Bookshelf by Greenington

If you thought putting your books and art out on display was personal, this next step will surely challenge you. Find a few key places to put really personal items. Important letters or nick knacks – its hard to say exactly what will work what but you’ll know it as soon as you think of it. The point isn’t to put something out that will leave you feeling vulnerable. The point is to create a unity to the display by putting something distinctly you. And really, one or two well placed items is probably enough. But don’t restrain yourself either – let your impulses reign. And be attentive to color and form. Find a way to balance a consistent color palette with items that reflect your nature.