| A space encompassed by bookshelves can be one of the most inviting areas of the home. It shows off collections of books as they are added to, edited, and rearranged. When it comes to designing shelves and arranging books and accessories, approach your bookshelves the way you'd decorate a room: Consider a sense of scale, contrasts in pattern, a rich mix of textures, and a balance of horizontal and vertical lines.
Here are five points to consider:
1. BE CONSISTENT
Creating consistency can be the key to an organized and structured bookshelf. Lining up books by
height from tallest to shortest will help to create a fluid look. Group
together books that are similar in color tone or texture, such as antique leather-bound books. 2. ESTABLISH CONTRASTS
Accessories with a metallic finish
or round shapes often add just the right amount of contrast that helps create a clean look. Also, the height and shape of the objects displayed should differ from the height of a given row of books. 3. BALANCE HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL
Harmonious arrangements give equal importance to horizontal and vertical visual lines. Relieve the repetitive verticality of row upon row of books by laying a few on their sides. This will have the added bonus of making the titles easier to read
and create smaller raised areas on which to place objects. 4. WORK IN LAYERS
When bookshelves take up a wall, you can add visual interest by hanging art from the front of the shelves. The artwork may be small and scaled down to the size of shelves or oversize and scaled to the proportions of the room. Lining the back of the shelves with fabric, wallpaper, or a contrasting paint adds depth and interest and integrates the shelves with other elements in the room. 5. START SMALL, BUT THINK BIG
When getting started with any arrangement, it helps to envision the overall effect. Start by arranging one shelf located at eye level or just above a chair rail, and continue outward from there. Always remember to step back to make sure the whole arrangement is working together. Source:
José Solis Betancourt
1739 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
202/659-8734 |
