Sharing how to style built-in bookcases!
We have a set of tall built-ins in a small hall nook. They sit at the top of the stairs, opposite the stairs to our playroom. These shelves are part of the charm of our home, so I wanted to give them some attention and make them look intentional.
You can glimpse the built-ins from the entry, so they needed to be styled nicely. They’re also outside our kids’ rooms, which meant I had to accept that they wouldn’t stay perfect. I also wanted to leave a few shelves for the kids to display and use—otherwise they’d just rearrange everything the moment I turned my back.
A How-To: Styling Built-In Bookshelves
When we moved in last winter, I unpacked a box of books and frames, set them on the shelves, and meant to return later to finish styling. My mom suggested adding greenery to brighten the space, and that inspired a full refresh of the bookcases.
Step-by-Step: How to Style Built-In Bookcases
1. Start with an empty shelf
Remove everything first. Don’t try to rearrange in place—start with a blank slate so you can see what each shelf needs.
2. Use books, but sparingly
You don’t need to line every shelf with books. Instead, arrange books in small stacks—groups of 3, 5, or 7 work well—or stand them vertically and organize by color for visual interest.
Remove dust jackets if the underlying spines are nicer. If many spines are very dark and visually heavy, turn some books around so the pages face outward. This balances form and function while keeping things practical.
Try a stack of five books with a frame leaning next to them and a few books propped on the other side—that combination often looks polished. A small stack topped with an interesting object is always a good touch. If one shelf is heavy with books, avoid placing another book-heavy shelf directly below; balance is key.
3. Skip tiny knickknacks
Small objects can read as clutter. When you shop the house for pieces to style the shelves, choose fewer, larger items rather than many tiny trinkets. One significant object usually looks far better than a cluster of small items.
4. Group items thoughtfully
Group objects together rather than placing single medium-sized items alone. Groups of three or five look balanced; a stack of books can count as one item. Varying heights create visual interest—slip a frame behind a few smaller objects for depth.
Use sentimental items, favorite photos, or art in frames from around the house. Add a new piece or two if you want to refresh the look.
5. Embrace negative space
Less is more. After you style a shelf, step back and remove a few pieces—often it looks better with more breathing room. An object centered on a shelf with nothing else around it can be a striking choice.
6. If you live with kids, give them a shelf
These shelves are far from perfect—we live here with four kids, two of whom are toddlers. Baskets are lifesavers: they look tidy on the shelf and let you quickly scoop toys or loose items into them. Aim for “good enough” on the kids’ shelves rather than perfection.
Kids tend to pull out a handful of books and leave many scattered, so keep their area practical. Even if their piles aren’t perfectly arranged, having a dedicated space helps contain the chaos.
I’m much happier passing these shelves now that they feel styled and useful.
I hope these tips help you style your built-in bookcases. Don’t be afraid to rearrange—mixing things up is part of the process. There’s no single right way, just guidelines to help you create a look you love. Happy styling!
You might also like:
