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How to perfectly arrange your shelves

Create a sensational space by getting creative with your bookshelves - by Andrea Black
  • 15 Apr 2019
How to perfectly arrange your shelves

Any kind of shelving can enhance a room, especially the built-in floor to ceiling variety, but too many books can overwhelm a space; you don’t always want a room to be a library. Get creative with your shelf space and create an entirely different mood by breaking up the rows of books with some simple objects.

 

A house plant

Whether it’s some succulents in a small pot or Devil’s Ivy flowing out of a planter, house plants can add to a room in more ways than one. Not only do they look great and bring colour and life to a room they’re also great natural air filters.

Getty Images
Getty Images

A Mirror

If you have shelves that are high and shallow, a mirror will work well and be a functional part of the room. A well-placed mirror can create the illusion of added space in a room and on the right shelf, a hung mirror will add style

Getty Images
Getty Images

Objets d’art

Shelves are a great place to display pottery and other art objects plus it can be a lot of fun finding interesting pieces for your collection. If you’re not up for poking around an op-shop or weekend market then have a browse at Ikea, Target or Kmart. All have interesting and stylish ornaments that won’t break the bank.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Scent Diffusers

Shelves are the perfect spot to put scent diffusers as you can place them high enough to have an immediate effect and out of the way so they won’t get knocked over. A simple reed diffuser in a glass container with a mix of water and essential oils will look stylish and bring a feeling of freshness to the room.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Photographs

Framed photographs can be an interesting addition to a shelf. Choose a frame that will fit in with the décor. Simple black, white or wood frames work best and frame with a border to really accent the photo.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Display books differently

Here’s an idea, take the books off the shelf and display on coffee or side tables. Laying a larger art, design or picture book flat, as if inviting someone to open it and have a look, is a great way to show off a prized coffee table book. It gives guests something to look at whilst you’re making tea and, if you have a few books, rotating them in this way will be great way for the whole family to appreciate some art, culture or design.

Andrea Black
Andrea Black
Travel, design and interiors writer Andrea Black embraces maximalism in the home, prefers mid-century modern style furniture and likes to hunt down vintage pieces. She specialises in travel relating to design, history, architecture and music. When visiting a city she will track down vintage vinyl record stores and bring home a local release.

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