Book-smart

A curated bookshelf will add soul and interest to any home interior. Here are some expert tips on how to customise swoon-worthy shelves.

Vary heights 

“Vary the heights of items on your shelves. This adds visual interest and makes your shelves look more dynamic. For example, add a series of taller vases and then add a lower more elongated box. Add things like cascade plants paired with an assortment of frames of varying sizes and heights.” – Kirsty Langley, director of Design Hatch

Mix it up

“Mix in different textures and materials. Adding a mix of wood, metal and glass items makes your shelves look more curated and polished. For example use a concrete pot for your plant and then don’t be afraid to use a polished marble box or some sleek glass vases.” – Kirsty Langley, director of Design Hatch

Add visual weight

“Keeping balance in mind, adding boxes, baskets and ceramics to the shelves does a lot to anchor your space by creating visual weight. Be sure to keep balance in mind, and think zig-zag. If you put something that has a lot of visual weight on the left side of the bottom shelf, add something of a similar visual weight to the right side of the shelf above it.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Introduce decoration

“When it comes to what makes a bookshelf ‘pop’, it’s all about the accessories. Natural elements such as indoor plants can really bring a bookshelf to life and make it a focal point in any room. Woven baskets and natural-toned metals add varying textures and shades to draw eyes towards your bookshelf.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Use books

“It seems obvious but many decorate bookshelves with too many ornaments and objects. Coffee table books in monochromatic colours not only make a bookshelf feel natural, but also make a statement with their visually beautiful covers and spines. I usually start styling a bookshelf with coffee table books and layer from there.

“You can mix up vertical and horizontal stacks to create height or interest. I also like to remove the sleeves of books to reveal the hardcovers. These are normally a solid colour and textured, which creates a cleaner look and feel.” – Loredana Morton, interior designer and owner of Loredana Morton Interiors

Pick a colour palette

“Your shelves will look cohesive when a colour story runs throughout. Sticking to one or two colours in various shades and repeating them will give your displays an intentional, pulled-together look. 

“Whatever colour palette you choose, it should be in line with the aesthetic of the rest of the room and your home. I personally prefer to use neutral colours and different textures and shapes to add interest.” – Loredana Morton, interior designer and owner of Loredana Morton Interiors

Featured images: Cielo