How To Decorate Shelves & Bookcases: 7 Simple Steps

Follow along as I decorate my shelves for summer using 7 simple steps!

Do you ever wonder how to get a new look with your shelf or bookcase decor each season? Today I’m breaking down how to decorate shelves & bookcases for summer (or any other season) in 7 simple steps.

I’m also linking all of my den decor at the bottom of the post!

how to decorate shelves & bookcases for summer-

step 1:

The first thing I always do when styling my shelves, is take everything off. It really helps to start with a blank canvas. Even though you may know a piece is staying, I still like to take everything off, clean the shelves, and start fresh.

At this point I also like to make piles of like-items. For instance, for summer, I pulled out my summer art prints, books in lighter colors, vases & decor in softer colors, family photos taken in the summer, etc. I then put them in piles. All the books together, faux greenery together, etc.

step 2:

Next, I style my books. As you can see from the photo above, I like to lay them vertically, horizontally, left, right & even binding side out. Vary them throughout each shelf.

step 3:

Step 3 of how to style shelves and bookcases- I like to place artwork and family photos. As you can see from above, the shelves really start to come alive already at step 3!

For summer, I picked a variety of artwork in the shades of mostly neutrals, earth tones & blush.

I like to vary the size, material & type of frame, as well as how the frame is placed. On top of a stack of books, leaning against the wall, or using the frame’s stand.

step 4:

Step 4 is all about filling in the shelves with bigger items. At this point I sprinkle large vases & pots throughout. With a shelf this size, each shelf doesn’t need a large item. I only placed one on about half of the shelves.

Another tip- think about the height of the single shelf when you start to place objects. If there is a book laying horizontally, a taller vase opposite it will look nice, because it will balance that out.

Keep in mind that some of these will get fresh or faux greenery and/or flowers for additional height, and some will remain empty.

step 5:

After placing larger pots and vases, I next bring in smaller sized vases. I love to use them as bookends, stacked on top of a couple of books, or placed in front of a taller object. Again, some will be filled and some will stay empty.

step 6:

Next step is filling the vases & pots! For most of the year I use faux greenery, because my thumb isn’t even a faded shade of green.

During the summer months, I do bring in fresh cut flowers for my vases, which I love.

If you look at the vases and pots above, several were left empty. It is again all about balance. Place a few, step back and look, and place a few more if you think the shelf needs it.

how to decorate shelves and bookcases step 7:

The last thing you will do is place remaining decorative objects. Think wood beads, candles, small boxes or baskets, etc.

If you look at the photo above, it is almost identical to the prior one taken right before I added additional objects. I only placed 4 items at the end- a wood chain, ceramic box, small wicker box & a candle.

If you are interested in how we turned IKEA Billy Bookcases into the custom bookshelves above, you can read all about it in this blog post- IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack – Wall Of Built-ins.

Other Related Posts:

8 Items To Use For Easy Shelf Styling

55 Of My Favorite Shelf Decor Finds

Stock Tank Pool DIY Tutorial

You can find sources for my home here- Shop My Home

how to style shelves and bookcases: my den decor