Ever wondered about the art of styling bookcases? In our view, less is more. 

1.     Start with a blank canvas.

Clear all contents to create a fresh start. Consider a color theme if you have enough items and it makes sense for the space (as in this blue and white beach house living area). Otherwise, gather all your favorite books (hard cover is preferred for visible spaces) and start placing them in vertical and horizontal stacks (don’t repeat the same set up on adjoining shelves) with space around them so the vignettes can breathe.

2.     Insert special objects

Choose one to three per shelf depending on scale, remembering that less is more and we don’t want the shelves to feel cramped or cluttered. Make it a mixture of stand-alone objects and book stack toppers.

3.     Take a step back to review your efforts. 

Then edit for balance and breathing room where necessary. Lastly, enjoy the fruits of your labor!