I've styled many
bookshelves in the past and it's one of my favorite things to do. When I found this vintage faux bamboo desk, chair and shelf, I knew it it had to have a fun and modern vibe. I want to share some of the guidelines I follow. Below is a collage of the shelves.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcs0cs_ajbfyfwN-aVaASIaXhx_Iw_pJXKfzwjuVfRz3vEHINiq93fGKkT8KsYZEe0JpPyePyBZ5JlVZXKvXa3IMY3pTwDK7xyWNjLGCfNCCxOM1jLfVxAnZ_3McadC97JyRIA3b-KRio/s640/collage+faux+bambooBLACKKW.jpg) |
COLLAGE OF STYLED VINTAGE FAUX BAMBOO BOOKSHELVES |
STYLING GUIDELINES
Assemble like items. You can see that I'm using "desk" related items.
I have some pens sprinkled around and in containers, books of course, and bookends. If you look on the right you'll see a ribboned bag with oversized paperclips too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7DlqivEyplFNux9RF6tCcEEkYZvLw56ZlDEwK0HwYsohUL4eHmbi-R7P391r2_WJR-wAR_UgE750zVaepBnuU9_V45onvO3f_uwCAtHbJy6zpHE-keeb5xJXLwow-fXY0C0IEy7W-3A/s640/DSC_0045KWWW+%25281%2529.jpg) |
FAUX BAMBOO DESK STYLED WITH METALLICS |
Add interest with unique objects. I used some wooden tassels as bookends, added a vintage ram sculpture, and some books with interesting covers. Remember: Books can be vertical, facing out, or stacked horizontally.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYj10D19S-1EkdFmbTKp7jx642lrVrG2wBVACNQovDV-mrv6CaFaX5WYx4paI20wTUmIaXW-slMPaKZshHlmjcASA9D-hmk-PJsTE_Qw1HCIVsaHBxzANRTCfzmMHrMouy3925Poj8tQ/s640/DSC_0147KWW.jpg) |
BOOKS FACING OUT AND STACKED AND WOODEN TASSEL BOOKENDS |
Repetition is another important element. For these shelves, besides repeating desk items, you'll see the color gold, or metallics throughout. There are metallic sacks/baskets on almost every shelf, and a grouping of gold journals. I even draped a metallic tote over the chair.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQS1D6xQ05mqv2KyWUfjZclz2T1TjBK3TCZN1OFX2CW4cwMIh4J51QlAp9XbZ4kZccgUv7_ZaVybB9kOSg0FTzK5SOJl2ipS-zvkm0zIWTFxQSOr4TpDxJEg6i52uIXFduiRbEo6osWk/s640/DSC_0043KWW.jpg) |
REPETITION OF METALLIC GOLD |
I always like to introduce a second color. The blue beaded garland breaks up all the gold. The gold heart ties it into the rest of the shelves. Balance is important too. I broke up the books and bookends and placed them on different shelves. This repetition creates cohesiveness and keeps your eye moving around. The plaster bookends add texture too. I always add a mirror to a shelf. This small sunburst mirror adds the color gold, more sparkle, and reflection too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlRJtB6oQQrTIW4FcWKQy35v7FadDWGLr9jK-seixRDcr-h7yObT3ZpWR-p1UBHqZBPpeTBry7DzVwEIJ11A8d7MNfMaU70g0PwsW2JujEnMPm1tZJtR0qwb3zkt9wxnVVYMVR73KgGs/s640/DSC_0148KWW.jpg) |
ADDING BLUE BREAKS UP ALL THE GOLD |
KEEP COMPATIBILITY, SYMMETRY, BALANCE, TEXTURE and
REPETITION IN MIND AS YOU STYLE YOUR SHELVES.
If you'd like to see how I styled another bookshelf in an entirely different look, go
here for that post or click on the image below.
Or, go
here or click on the image for my nature-inspired shelves in my family room to see that post.