On the shelf
THE SECRET TO BEAUTIFULLY STYLED BOOKSHELVES

 A beautiful arrangement of accessories on a shelf is an easy, elegant way to embrace trends and to keep your interiors up to date. On top of that, the best thing about them is that they don’t have to be permanent features in your room as you can change them around depending on the season or occasion. The secret to beautifully styled bookshelves is you need to treat it like a mini interior design project—in other words, you have to be selective!

Translating one’s vision into reality takes a bit of practice. Start with neutral tones, like warm whites, beiges, and grays and then be disciplined about your use of accent color. If used well, color can lead the eye through the arrangement, almost like you are telling a story.

When it comes to arranging objects, think about size and visual weight. Too many small items will look cluttered whereas grouping items into pairs or groups of threes, like two vases or three pots, tricks the eye into seeing the pairing as a whole. Repeat pairings throughout the space and add oversized elements for a bold touch. While strict symmetry can be too traditional, it is important to bear in mind that designing with similar visual weights creates a feeling of balance. In addition, remember that you must leave some space between your pieces. A shelf is often spoiled by too much treasure clutter, so be firm with yourself and remember—less is more.

Adding very simple items will always result in something incredibly stylish. We love to use reflective glass and crystal pieces, as this allows you to play with light, creating a very vibrant shelf design. Don’t be afraid to stack books on their sides and mix-and-match with ornaments, plants, baskets, and textiles. One thing we love to do is use shelves to display smaller artworks—just lean them casually either framed or unframed. Old books and parchment paper wrapped in string, as well as photographs and pieces you’ve picked up along the way, can add a personal touch. 

All of these principles relate and refer to each other and when they’re all in place, you’re golden. Keep moving things around, keep practicing, and keep noticing and you will discover your own personal style and that you are completely capable of styling your own bookcase.

The Quiet Moose Showroom boasts a beautiful range of hand-curated product selection chock full of inspiring goods and accessories. Our design team is on hand to offer advice and answer any questions you may have. Come visit us!