I was just in Newport Beach to celebrate my friend, Laura’s birthday with her. She asked if Debbie and I would (as a birthday gift) style her family room shelves. So, after a nice breakfast, we shopped for some larger pieces like boxes and succulents (which look less cluttered than lots of little things). Then we got to work! I forgot to take before photos but quickly shot some when we were finished.
Here are the seven steps to decorate bookshelves…
1. Empty all the shelves
No one ever feels like doing this as it’s a lot of work…but it’s really important to get it right. In this case, the birthday girl was aerobically clearing shelves while Debbie and I organized.
2. Make the shelves more uniform
Most of Laura’s shelves were pretty uniform so that saved some time.
3. Paint or wallpaper the backs of the shelves (optional).
In our case, they were already wallpapered with seagrass.
4. Layer art at the back of shelves.
5. Then display larger pieces like photos, plants, boxes.
We bought the realistic looking faux succulents on our shopping excursion, as well as, the pretty bone inlay boxes.
6. Fill in with books.
I like to take colorful, glossy book jackets off when necessary for a more muted, calmer look. Leave some “air” around things.
7. Make sure your items are pulled forward and not pushed to the back.
The day before we did the bookcases, we had a nice lunch in Laguna Beach with this view…
Happy birthday, sweet Laura!
My mom and I are in L.A. to visit my daughter, Alie. Should have our adventures on my Instagram stories.
You may also like Easy Steps to Style Your Shelves and Blue and Gray Family Room Makeover.
Come back on Thursday for some unique party platter ideas with some favorite bloggers…pinnable ideas for the holidays!
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
September 10, 2018 at 8:59 amYou are so right about clearing all the shelves. Whenever I try to rearrange my shelves without clearing them, I never get very far! Love the grasscloth backing. I have been thinking of adding that to mine as well. I love how you arranged everything for your friend. It’s such a pretty room!
Shelley
taste of France says
September 10, 2018 at 9:48 amWhat a wonderful birthday present. Certainly enjoyable for you, and probably a great relief for your friend, having it done so well.
I like the seagrass.
I have seen shelves with the books pushed back, but it’s to put photos or objects in front of the books. It looks OK if you have a serious library wall of books. The books perform almost like wallpaper.
Ron Carrier says
September 10, 2018 at 10:07 amI’m glad I used a lot of this info. when I styled my shelves last month (though I like to use lots of my collectibles).
Did you see my shelves recently?
My first attempt: https://www.uptownacorn.com/2018/08/the-acorn-cottage-sunroom-shelves.html
cindy hattersley says
September 10, 2018 at 1:19 pmBeautiful! It is so important that those shelves be styled beautifully since they are in such a prominent spot. Just the right amount of styling…not over or understyled…perfection!
Mary Ann says
September 11, 2018 at 8:25 amThanks, Cindy…and it’s the first room you see from the front door.
home before dark says
September 11, 2018 at 6:27 amWhat a lovely birthday gift. The nice thing about pulling books (and other stuff) forward: less dust to dust. Have you won Chief back yet? This back and forth must make it hard for the little guy.
Mary Ann says
September 11, 2018 at 8:24 amSurprisingly, Chief adapts really well moving around in our family. It helps that he has a bed in each spot and lots of love, walks and treats!
Diane M Paulsen says
September 15, 2018 at 8:00 amThese are great ideas! Beautiful room! And I LOVE the light fixture…where can I find it? It looks like bamboo.