KNOW-HOW

Bookshelves are primarily used to store books. They are also used to showcase artwork, photos, collectibles, souvenirs and to store paperbacks, and small items. Take a look at the following tips and tricks, to make your bookshelves more stylish and interesting.

• Break up rows of books with art objects, like statues, photos and small paintings. Remember that these objects also act as bookends.

• Do not put art and accessories, like vases and photo-frames on every nook. It is better to select a few decorative items and place them in prominent areas.

• Avoid austere symmetry to favor loose symmetry or balanced asymmetry. Try to place items of-center and to mix small and large objects together. However, the overal composition should be balanced.

• Alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically.

• Use photo-frames as bookends, or stack a few books horizontally.

• If you need extra storage space, or if you have many small items, such as toys, bottles, paperbacks etc, add storage boxes and baskets. You can also put labels on the baskets so items are easy to find.

• Lay pieces of art or photo frames behind shorter books. If you have deep shelves you can play with layers, for example, you can lean plates and paintings behind small sculptures
• Arrange top and bottom shelves in opposite ways.