Arranging and Decorating Bookcases

When decorating your home, one of the most functional pieces of furniture you can add to a room are bookcases with multiple bookcase shelves. The problem with furniture bookcases is that they are overlooked as a decorative element in the room and become a collection point for all sorts of books, magazines and files. The result is clutter and an unsightly mess of objects. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, arranging and decorating bookcases and organizing them properly can add interest and character and still be functional.

Most modern bookcases are wall mounted bookcases made from hardwood such as cherry, birch or mahogany. Wall mounted bookcases that cover a full wall and run from the floor to the ceiling. Such wall mounted book cases or built in book cases can be decorated in a variety of different ways to give the overall room the accent of a well loved den or library in your home.

Here are some arranging and decorating tips you can use to decorate and organize your bookcase shelves so that they become a decorated focus in the room, instead of clutter.

1. Remove all the books and other items from all the bookcase shelves. This may be a chore, but in order for you to be successful in getting your book shelves to a professional decorated status you need to start with a clean slate.

2. As you are emptying the shelves get rid of the old stuff that no longer has any value, especially old magazines and knick knacks. Never discard a book regardless of how old it may be. They are often treasures that have been forgotten.

3. Organize your books into several stacks, sorted by size.

4. Starting with the bottom shelf and arrange the largest heaviest items either by subject or author. This is also a good spot for magazines and woven baskets. The point here is that the heaviest items should be placed on the the lower shelves.

5. Arrange all the smaller books, not by size, but by either authors name or subject across the full length of shelves. If you run them just by size alone you will probably have a lot of difficulty locating a book when you want it.

6. If you don’t have enough books to fill the entire bookcase select at least one or two shelves to leave blank of books. Place some items that you truly enjoy such as, framed picture, a statuette, model car or ship, a small plant, or a small lamp. Use any item of interest that you enjoy. Don’t clutter the shelves with these items. Place two or three items on each shelf, balance the space.

7. For all loose items such as photographs, papers, or files place these items in decorative containers. There are all kinds of magazine holders, boxes, baskets and file boxes that can be used to hold these loose items and look great on a bookcase.

8. If a shelf is not full of books place a decorative object to fill the remaining space. Use bookends if necessary to contain the books on a partially filled shelf.

9. One of the most neglected areas of a bookcase is the top shelf. Don't leave it bare. Place a floral arrangement in the top center or if you have a lot of family framed pictures arrange by size starting at mid point across the shelf. A set of really nice small lamps placed on either side of the arrangement is a perfect way to add some mood lighting to the room.

Kid bookcases can be arranged in a similar matter as adult bookcases. The problem with children’s bookcases is that we fail to get rid of child books as the child grows older. The result is a cluttered mess that has no useful purpose any longer. Make an effort to weed out old books that the children have out grown by donating them to a charitable organization or store them away in the attic.

Never store books in a damp basement because they will absorb moisture and deteriorate very quickly. Arranging and decorating bookcases is one of those tasks that can be either an ongoing decorating chore or adventure for most homeowners. With a little planning a well decorated bookcase can add style to a room.

Refinishing Wood Bookcase Shelves