How Can You Turn Your Bookshelves Into A Design Feature?

Most of us will have book shelves in our homes, but have you ever considered how you can turn them into part of the interior design of your room? 

The best part is, there is no right or wrong way to style a bookcase – you simply have to consider what works well for you and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Perhaps best of all, this is a very affordable way to revamp your space, particularly if you already have a bookcase and associated books!

One of the first tips is to consider adding items that aren’t books to your shelves. You might want to have a striking ornament on a shelf, or even lean a small painting against the spines you’re showcasing. 

The advantage of mixing up your bookcase with books and other items is that it adds texture and interesting focal points – something I love as an interior designer in Notting Hill. 

Another top tip is not to try and make your bookshelves look perfect. In fact, tapping into a more haphazard approach might put you bang on trend – specifically with the concept of bookshelf wealth. 

This has grown in popularity in the last year and speaks to the idea that you have collected what you have on your shelves – both books and other trinkets – over many years. The idea is to showcase your personality and make the space feel more lived in. 

Of course, this isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer to have more minimalist shelves and that works too. If you decide you’d rather leave space and “breathing room” around your books, consider having an interesting accent colour on the wall behind the shelves. Or, if it’s a solid bookcase you could use a striking wallpaper attached to the furniture to create the same effect.

So, take a look at your bookshelves in a new light. What do they say about you, and could you make a few simple changes to turn them from storage into a design feature in their own right?

ades to come.