To style your bookcase, start with the books first! Place groups of books on each shelf, varying the placement between traditional vertical rows and horizontal stacks. Be sure to leave open spaces for decorative items. Next, place larger pieces like artwork, vases or plants. Fill in remaining areas with smaller pieces like candles, figurines or mementos, again leaving a few open spaces this time to avoid cluttering the shelves. Give the top of the bookshelf some love with a few statement pieces that are larger in scale to add height.

When selecting your decorations, choose items from a complementary color palette, mixing in metallics and natural materials. You can also group your books and décor items by color for extra style points!

Bookshelves can go in just about any room and there are SO many spots where you can put them! Possibly the only placement rule is to not block a window with a tall bookshelf. You’ll also want to avoid putting a bookshelf right next to a door, so the entryway doesn’t feel cramped. Beyond that, an empty corner is always a good spot, and I have corner bookcases just for that purpose.

In the living room, placing two bookshelves on either side of an entertainment center or fireplace is a nice option for creating a focal point you can style. In the kitchen, put a bookshelf along any empty wall for additional storage or add a low bookshelf at the end of an island to display your cookbooks.

For your office shelving, place a bookcase near your desk to provide easy access to supplies and reference materials. In the bedroom, a bookshelf and an armchair in a corner can create a cozy reading nook.

Absolutely! Bookcases in a dining room add a touch of elegance to your dining ambiance. If you have the space, a full wall of bookshelves can turn your dining room into a combo library that really makes a statement. For an open floor plan, adding an open bookshelf is great for distinguishing the space from the living room or kitchen. Choose a wide bookcase for this, or place two bookcases side by side to create a division.

Securing your bookshelf to the wall is an important safety step, especially when there are children in the home or if you live in an earthquake-prone area.

To secure your bookcase, first find a wall stud to serve as your anchor point. Mark a spot on the wall where the stud is at the height of the top of your bookcase.

For a wooden bookshelf, you’ll want to secure a brace to the thicker solid top of the shelf rather than the back which is typically thinner. For a metal bookshelf with open sides, you’ll still want to secure the shelf near the top, but you’ll need to use a metal or heavy-duty plastic strap looped around the frame and then attached to a bracket. Once the bracket is attached to the shelf, drill it into the wall.

Many of my bookcases come with an anti-tip kit, or you can purchase one separately at any hardware store.