Tips for Styling a Bookcase - Jenna Kate at Home

Hi there! I hope you’re having a great start to your week and that you aren’t too tired if you stayed up watching the Superbowl last night! We went over to a friend’s house and indulged in some yummy food while the toddlers ran around the house. It was fun! But boy, am I tired this morning. I’m not used to doing anything on a Sunday evening so I think that’s why I’m extra tired today!

Anyway, over the weekend I finally got around the styling the bookcases in our built-ins. I basically shopped our house (and all the bins we still haven’t unpacked!) and found items that I thought would look pretty, or that have special meaning to us.

I know people tend to be intimidated by styling bookcases. I have a technique that I use that seems to work for me. Basically, I start with a bunch of hardback books and place those on the shelves, alternating the side and whether they are stacked vertically or horizontally on top of each other.

If you want to face the book spines out, group the books by color to keep the look cohesive.

If like me you are displaying your collection of Harry Potter books, it might be best to turn the spines in :-)

Then, I fill in with pretty things. Play around, place some of the books at an angle, and eventually you’ll get a look you love.

The picture below is probably the most accurate representation of the paint color (Sherwin Williams Serious Gray) inside the bookcases. It photographs quite blue, and certainly has a dark blue undertone, but looks dark gray most of the day.

The strip around the fireplace hearth is a baby bumper by the way. Keepin’ it real as always ;-)

Don’t forget to pin for later!

Today I’m working on making a (faux) reclaimed wood frame, which is part of my inspiration board. It’s looking good so far so I’m excited to share the finished product with you!

Missed some of the work on the White House? Catch up on everything that’s happened so far: