styling a bookshelf like a pro

Decorating a bookshelf is very personal. It's the place where you display all your personal effects en masse. Here is a how to guide to decorate like a professional:

1. STRIKE A VISUAL BALANCE
A well curated bookshelf looks amazing and it helps to make a home a home. The secret to a great bookshelf is visual balance. Each shelf should look balanced visually with the same massing from end to end. If you have a large decorative object, you can place it in the middle or on the end. If placed on the end, make sure you add multiple objects or books on the other side so it looks balanced. 

2. BE FUNCTIONAL 
Items such candles, wine racks, plants etc. should be placed on shelves that are easily accessible and not require much bending or reaching. Items that rarely require touching should be placed on the bottom or top shelf. 

3. THE COLOUR BALANCE
Balance out colours in decorative items, books or plants throughout the bookshelf. Avoid placing all coloured items on one shelf and then all monochromatic items on another. 

4. CLUTTER FREE ZONE
There is a difference between curated and clutter. A bookcase should not be a catch all for all your storage items. There is a place for a lot of things and it might take a few attempts to find the right spots on the shelf. 

5. ORDER OF SIZE
This is step one in the process of decorating a bookcase. Lay everything out and start decorating with the biggest items first. Books should be the biggest item because they are probably the main reason you bought a bookcase.  Avoid completely filling the entire shelf with books. Make some space for decorative items on each shelf or allow for some bigger books to sit flat in a stack. Set all the big items on the shelf in a visually balanced matter and step back to see if it looks right. 

6. PERSONALISE WITH ART 
Whether it is memories of a holiday with family or a work of art from an up and coming artist, framed art/photos are highly recommended in a bookcase. Place larger prints in the back and smaller in the front for obvious reasons. You can also place small decorative items in the front of the frame. 

7. IT'S NOT A LIBRARY
Avoid placing books all standing up. Mix it up by having some lay flat. Try placing the larger books flat because it gives an opportunity to place a decorative item on top or to use them as a bookend. Also, alternate the sides of the bookcase for book placement so it looks visually balanced. Make sure a group of books is massed in a pyramid style if laying flat or largest to smallest if sitting upright. 

8. GO GREEN 
Plants are a natural decorative object for bookshelves. Select tropical plants that stay small or trailing for a cool effect. Place them in spots that are easy to water. Pick a nice pot to complete the look.