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Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

Eye Candy: 20 Well-Styled Bookshelves

in Lifestyle on 09/17/13

Last week I shared with you how we turned our dining room into our home office. 
It really was one of the best decisions we have ever made for our home!
I also mentioned that I struggled with styling the bookshelves that are in there. 
How do you combine beauty and function?
In our case, these bookshelves are one of the first things you see when you walk in our house. 
I recently spent some time studying well-styled bookshelves for ideas, 
so I thought I’d share some eye candy with you for inspiration!
A few key things I learned:
1. De-clutter. Less is More!
2. Add Various Heights for Interest
3. Layer Objects
4. Books should be treated as accessories
5. Use baskets for storage for not-so-pretty items
6. Think with themes and collections to give unity to the look

Hope you enjoy!

Kristin @ Bliss at Home
source
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Cassie @ Hi Sugarplum!
Better Homes & Garden
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source

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La Dolce Vita

Emily Clark

Emily Clark

Ballard Designs

Ballard Designs

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So Much Better With Age

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Sharing with:
DIY Show Off, I Should be Mopping the Floor, Suburbs Mama, Rain on a Tin Roof, Between Naps on the Porch, 
Keeping it Simple, Savvy Southern Style, Huckelberry Love, Home Stories A-Z, Turquoise Home, Gingerly Made

Related posts:

No Mudroom? No Problem! Our Makeshift Mudroom Dining Room Turned Home Office Details Tips for Creating Space in Your Home {Before & After} Our Kitchen Backsplash

14 Comments

« No Mudroom? No Problem! Our Makeshift Mudroom
{Shopping} Ballard Designs Outlet »

Comments

  1. Katie Clooney says

    Sep. 18, 2013 at 12:52 am

    Great post! I am in the process of moving and have spent the past week de-cluttering my bookcases. they look a lot better! Your blog is darling.

    Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Sep. 19, 2013 at 3:09 am

      Thanks Katie! I hope your move goes great!

      Reply
  2. Debbie J. says

    Sep. 20, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    Loved all the examples you gave. We want to do the same thing; however, we do not have bookcases currently in there and I want to get the best look for the least money. Do you have any ideas? Some of the least expensive I have seen are from Ikea. I am on a really tight budget. Love your blog.

    Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Sep. 25, 2013 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Debbie! Have you checked Craigslist? We have found some great stuff, and sometimes just a coat of paint can make all the difference. Good luck and keep me posted!

      Reply
  3. Abby says

    Sep. 23, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Great pictures! I love bookcases and have them all over my house. I'm afraid I break the rules though, as I love books dearly so they are all mostly filled with books. Maybe I just need more bookcases to spread them out a bit! =)

    Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Sep. 25, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks Abby! I don't think there are any rules, and if you use the bookshelves with books, that is great! I think there are some great ways to make them look good. I love the idea of color coordinating, or stacking different ways. Happy reading! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jamie-So Much Better With Age says

    Sep. 26, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    Wow, what a great round-up! Sharing on my FB page today! Thanks for including mine. Although it certainly doesn't stack up to the rest!
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

    Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Oct. 1, 2013 at 8:48 pm

      I love your shelves! The perfect balance of accessories and simplicity! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    • Laura @ Top This Top That says

      Oct. 3, 2013 at 9:38 pm

      what a great collection of well styled book shelves

      Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Oct. 4, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks Laura!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    Oct. 3, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    Hi Heather! Stumbled on your blog from Rhoda's link party, and started looking through all of your posts. So surprised to see my bookshelves here. What an honor to be included in such a fabulous round-up…thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Heather Metzler says

      Oct. 4, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      I love your shelves. I actually used them as my inspiration for removing a shelf and adding some taller items. Happy weekend!

      Reply
  6. Divena Lachana says

    Oct. 11, 2013 at 5:35 am

    Wow, what a great collection, I love your shelves! furniture company UK

    Reply
  7. Marlene says

    Nov. 8, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    I wish I had a book case in my sun room….was promised 10 years ago..but alas hubby had not built it yet! I would certainly have fun decorating it~!

    Marlene

    Reply

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