This is an updated family room shelves post for 2023. Our friend, Laura asked if Debbie and I would style her shelves. So, 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 before you start the decor.
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 the built-ins while Debbie and I organized.
Put all the accessories aside in one area.
2. Make the shelves more uniform in terms of spacing.
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 which gives them texture and warmth.
4. Layer canvas artwork at the back of the shelf.
5. Then display larger decorative elements like photos, plants, boxes, vases, sculptures, and ceramics.
We bought the realistic-looking faux succulents on our shopping excursion, as well as, the pretty bone inlay boxes.
6. Fill in with books on the family room shelves.
I like to take colorful, glossy book jackets off when necessary for a more muted, neutral, calmer look. Leave some “air” around things. You can stack some books and have others vertically.
7. Add smaller items like photos in coordinating frames and keepsakes.
Make sure your items are pulled forward and not pushed to the back. Keep small decorative items to a minimum to avoid clutter.
The day before we styled the built-in bookcases, we had a nice lunch in Laguna Beach with this view…
You may also like Easy Steps to Style Your Shelves and Blue and Gray Family Room Makeover.
Those are room shelving ideas for you to try in your own home.
Hi Mary Ann,
I love the look of the grasscloth. I am considering it on our dark wood shelves but would like to avoid applying it directly to the wood. Are you aware of a way to apply it to what I would call a false backing?
Such a beautiful room! I enjoy your blog very much Mary Ann.
Kathy
I’ve never done it but readers have suggested using foam core boards. Good luck!!
We are building a home & will have built ins on either side of fireplace. Should shelves be adjustable or non-adjustable? My husband doesn’t like seeing the pegs but I don’t want to commit to stationary shelves. Any opinion welcomed!
I don’t really like seeing pegs either. Try to keep them as uniform as possible. Decide what you want to display on some shelves like art to help you determine to space. Don’t make the mistake of lots of shelves not spaced too far apart.
Looks SO good. What a beautiful room too!
Are you back in OC ? I knew you wouldn’t last too long in Florida 😜. Let’s meet for a coffee when you have a chance.
Ha! Nope. Still happy in FL, Li. But I will be out in April. Mostly the desert but I would love to try to meet for coffee if I can figure it out,
Mary Ann this styling is just fabulous. It helps to have a gorgeous room and beautiful shelving as well!
These are great ideas! Beautiful room! And I LOVE the light fixture…where can I find it? It looks like bamboo.
What 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.
Surprisingly, 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!
Beautiful! 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!
Thanks, Cindy…and it’s the first room you see from the front door.
I’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
What 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.
You 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