Small-Space Decorating: How to Create an Eye-Catching Bookshelf

Small space decorating can be a challenge, that’s why it’s important to add unique touches to your apartment where ever possible. Bookshelves are a great way to make small rooms visually pleasing. If you purchase one that is shallow and sits close to the wall, you don’t have to worry about it projecting too far into the room and taking up too much space. From there, all you have to do is accessorize the shelf in a way that is eye-catching. Consider some of these tips as you create a bookshelf that serves as a focal point.

Contrast the Items You Place

While a bookshelf can certainly function as what its name implies-a place to hold books-there’s nothing awe-inspiring about limiting your shelf to that purpose. When was the last time a shelf of books caught your attention? Instead, look at your shelf as being more of a decorative piece than a functional piece. While your bookshelf can certainly still store some of your belongings, if you think about it and place them strategically the shelf can take on dual functions.

In any kind of design, incorporating contrast is important. Don’t just limit yourself to types of objects. Think about all different kinds of contrast: size, shape, color, texture and silhouette. Place a couple of picture frames of various sizes on one of the shelves. Then, in between and in front of the frames you can place smaller candles in contrasting colors and sizes. Then, on the next shelf, you may want to choose to incorporate some function (by placing some of your books on it), but using an interesting vase as a bookend. Keep in mind that it’s generally uninteresting to display your books lined up like you’d see them on a library shelf. For a more unique look, pile some of them horizontally and leave others lined vertically. Place an object, like a frame or a collectible you’d like to display, on top of the horizontally stacked books.

Don’t Overdo It

It’s easy to go overboard as you begin putting together your eye-catching bookshelf. By the time you find a place on the shelf for all of the cool things you want to display, the shelf may end up looking crowded. As important as incorporating contrast is using restraint. As the saying goes, “Less is more.” Don’t try to squeeze every framed picture you own onto the shelf. Instead, choose several that look nice clustered together and place them on one shelf. Don’t stack every book you own on the shelf, either. Place a few of your favorite titles next to your candle or frame and put the rest in a drawer. Allowing for open space around items will draw more attention to them.

As you begin designing your shelf, start by selecting the items you think you’d like to display. Make sure there are one or two eye-catching pieces in the mix. Play around with your combinations until you find something that looks well-considered and aesthetically pleasing.

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Rachael Weiner: I’m a communications professional for a non-profit, which financially necessitates my status as an apartment dweller. Constantly “on-the-go,” I’ve resided in five different apartments across the United States over the past five years. Roommate issues, budgeting, organizing and handling problem neighbors are my specialty.