More book shelves than books

ryangeftmangold · 2025-01-07T13:51:15+00:00

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like a lot of apartments in NYC, our family’s home has a lot of clutter. 2025 goals of making a dent in things… starting with our large built-in bookcase. Planning to purge this weekend… which is good in terms of de-cluttering but bad in making it even more obvious that we have more bookshelves than books. Curious to know what others have done with their empty bookshelves to add to the aesthetics of their space. Thanks in advance.

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Comments

heyjudith

You could take some of those extra objects, like the photos, and give them their own shelf - vary the heights by placing a couple of books underneath, or something else that would make an interesting pedestal. Do you have enough light for a trailing plant or two? Look around your place for items that are meaningful to you and consider moving them onto the shelves. Spread your books out; take 1/3 to 1/2 the books on a shelf and put some one one side of one shelf and the others on the other side of another shelf. Not every space has to have something in it! Play with a shelf or two at a time until you come up with a pleasing arrangement. Check out "shelf styling" on Pinterest for ideas. Good luck in your decluttering, I need to do that as well.

DanielaAraya

Oh this is such a fun built-in shelving situation — I'm jealous! When it comes to shelves like this, I actually think less is more when styling. The fact that you are working with less can work to your advantage here! Use sculptural pieces, pitches, vases, or framed photos/artwork to fill some spaces. You could also find baskets that fit in the shelves to hide some of the less appealing things you need on your bookcase. You want to balance something that is useful (not just for aesthetics) with something that is not too overwhelming for the eye. And of course, add your personality wherever possible! I like a mix of styling like this:

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You can browse through some other inspiration here ☺️

ChristyLW

I love Daniela's photos above and I was going to suggest the same approach. Styling your books with accessories, mixing up stacks and standing groups. Here are my favorite shelves. I love that you have a whole wall to work with!