Have some tall, thin bookcases that are in need of some styling tips?
A thin book case can be tricky to style as it’s so easy for it to look cluttered.
In this blog post I’ll give you 6 tips on how to style vertical spaces like a pro. If you use these principles:
Horizontal space
Vertical space
Contrasting colour
Cohesiveness within the room
Groups
Texture
You will build your confidence and ability to style your own home. Let’s dig in…
Styling with horizontal space
If you are styling a narrow bookcase remember to use the space next to it on the floor to increase the width of the styling ‘moment’ as a whole. Using the horizontal space in this way helps to keep the bookcase more balanced in the room overall, rather than it remaining out of proportion with its height and thinness.
Use plants, baskets, stacks of books, a chair or a mirror leant up against the wall as a way to do this.
I've used the plants next to the bookcase as a way of using the horizontal space. See how it lengthens out zone by not just focusing on the bookcase.
2. Styling with vertical space
Within the bookcase, or on top of a narrow side table it’s important to use objects of differing heights to help the eye linger on the styling objects, and not just notice the vertical furniture itself. In general try to remember to choose objects that are short, medium and tall within your styling.
For short objects you can use books stacked horizontally and shallow bowls.
For medium objects you can use small vessels/vases and picture frames.
For tall objects you can use foliage in a vase, tall/thin vessels, books stacked horizontally.
When using the vertical space consider mixing the heights of your objects so your eye moves easily from one thing to another.
3. Styling with contrasting colour
This is especially important if the bookcase and background wall colour is the same, or similar in tone. Pick some contrasting colours to this background colour (they can be muted tones if you prefer), and sprinkle them throughout your bookcase.
This will help your bookcase to look more like a piece of art, rather than a solely functional piece. This tips works especially well if you can place other objects around your room that sit at around 3/4’s of the overall height of the narrow, tall bookcase to maintain the balance of the room overall.
It’s good to remember that not every item needs to be dominant in your styling. Think of a few pieces playing the main roles, and the others as complimentary to them.
I often use foliage and one or two other vessels as my dominant pieces.
4. Styling with cohesiveness in mind
Regardless of the size of your room, the key to good styling is to see the space as a whole. Don’t become so focused on the styling, that you forget it sits as one piece in the room.
For example, if your whole room is quite minimal and contemporary, it won’t make sense to have a very busy bookcase with lots of items that aren’t in keeping with the overall style of the space. When narrow bookcases are styled in this way it makes them look out of place and draws attention to them in a negative way.
Use cohesive colours in your styling that reference the colours in the room to keep your eye moving, and for things to feel like they relate to each other.
Choose 3-5 main colours in your space and try to replicate them in your styling. It doesn’t have to be exact, but if the tones are similar that will help.
Using the same group of colours and textures helps this space appear spacious and balanced.
5. Styling with groups
Our eyes like things in groups, they seem more resolved to us and help us to feel relaxed in our spaces. Along with the use of objects in groups is the negative space between the groups which is equally as important.
Use pairs of matching items (but only one set per narrow shelf).
Use groups of odd numbers such as threes and fives.
These don’t have to be the same object, rather they could be a pair with an extra item (a set of vessels with one picture frame behind them), or two sets of pairs with one more dominant piece (a set of candles, with a set of books and a large pot plant).
Get experimenting and see what you like best put together!
6. Styling with texture
I’ve saved my favourite tip to last as I really think if you remember anything, it should be the importance of styling with texture! When I say texture I’m not just referring to jute, wood or rattan; I’m also referring to smooth glass, ceramics and items with lots of gloss.
The magic really happens when these two extremes of texture are mixed together. When styling a narrow, tall item mix up your textures to draw your attention away from the furniture and onto the interesting items within it.
Use at least one glass object, one basket, one rough or textured piece, some books, a shiny/highly reflective items and greenery and style to your heart’s content.
Happy styling!
I really hope you have found this to be helpful and most of all that you feel more confident to give styling a go yourself. If you would like more individual styling guidance for your own home, reach out as I would be so happy to help you!
You can reach me via the contact form on my website, phone or social media.