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  1. Real Simple
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  4. 22 Ways to Arrange Your Bookshelves

22 Ways to Arrange Your Bookshelves

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated February 19, 2015
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Picture frames on shelves
Credit: Sang An

Find inspiration for your shelves and bookcases in these great photos.

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1 of 22

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Use empty picture frames to create visually striking geometric patterns against a wall.

Picture frames on shelves
Credit: Sang An

1 of 22

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2 of 22

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A cleverly arranged bookcase can be as pretty as a window view.

Home office in living room
Credit: James Baigrie

2 of 22

3 of 22

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Borrow a trick from interior designers: Inside a bookcase, use paint that's a couple of shades deeper than the room color.

Bookcase
Credit: Monica Buck

3 of 22

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For maximum pop, try arranging the shelves with solid-colored items, like white ironwork or a vibrant vase.

Bookcase, table, and chair
Credit: Monica Buck

4 of 22

5 of 22

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Imagine living room shelves as a display space for your favorite books, photographs, and family heirlooms.

Living room
Credit: Chip Cordelli

5 of 22

6 of 22

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Give bathroom shelves an organized look by grouping together like-colored towels.

Beauty products and towels on shelves
Credit: Jonny Valiant

6 of 22

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7 of 22

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Use labeled boxes to house odds and ends without a home.

Colorful shoe boxes for storage on a bookcase
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

7 of 22

8 of 22

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Shelve items by type―pots on one level, books on another―for a systematic look to your kitchen.

Cookbooks on a shelf with pots
Credit: Justin Bernhaut

8 of 22

9 of 22

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A simple arrangement of classics has the order and stateliness of a library.

Books and vases in a bookcase
Credit: Sarah Maingot

9 of 22

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10 of 22

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Style a bookcase with unexpected items, like an eye-catching antique or a porcelain statue.

Bookcase
Credit: Monica Buck

10 of 22

11 of 22

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Ordinary items collected in glass jars make an arresting still life.

Shells and rocks stored in labeled jars on shelves
Credit: David Prince

11 of 22

12 of 22

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Organizing a colorful collection of found objects makes an offbeat (and inexpensive) alternative to wall art.

Hall makeover
Credit: Mark Lund

12 of 22

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13 of 22

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Even just a few striking objects can create a visually interesting display.

Clocks used as bookends
Credit: Aya Brackett

13 of 22

14 of 22

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There's no rule saying that everything has to match. Though these letters vary in look, they work together because they are alike in essence.

Shelves decorated with letters
Credit: Lucas Allen

14 of 22

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Want to make a bold statement? Let paint do the talking for you.

Repainted shelves
Credit: Mark Lund

15 of 22

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Open shelves and steel hardware give a room contemporary flair.

Coffee table and couch
Credit: Hallie Burton

16 of 22

17 of 22

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Whitewashed shelves and conch-shell book stoppers feel as restful and airy as the seaside.

Shells in a vase on a bookshelf
Credit: William Meppem

17 of 22

18 of 22

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Hang a chalkboard inside sliding doors for extra playtime fun (or to log your children's TV time).

Media center
Credit: David Land

18 of 22

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19 of 22

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Use a furry friend to keep your child's favorite reads in place.

Stuffed animal as a bookend
Credit: Kathryn Barnard

19 of 22

20 of 22

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Use inexpensive baskets to provide catchall space for sundries.

Organized shelving
Credit: James Baigrie

20 of 22

21 of 22

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Divvy up cubbies among your kids and allow them to arrange their belongings as they see fit―so long as it's neat!

Toys and books stored in cubbies
Credit: David Prince

21 of 22

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22 of 22

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A smart cleaning strategy for drop-in visitors: panels that prettily disguise what's on the shelves.

Decorated bookcase
Credit: Hallie Burton

22 of 22

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 22 Use empty picture frames to create visually striking geometric patterns against a wall.
    2 of 22 A cleverly arranged bookcase can be as pretty as a window view.
    3 of 22 Borrow a trick from interior designers: Inside a bookcase, use paint that's a couple of shades deeper than the room color.
    4 of 22 For maximum pop, try arranging the shelves with solid-colored items, like white ironwork or a vibrant vase.
    5 of 22 Imagine living room shelves as a display space for your favorite books, photographs, and family heirlooms.
    6 of 22 Give bathroom shelves an organized look by grouping together like-colored towels.
    7 of 22 Use labeled boxes to house odds and ends without a home.
    8 of 22 Shelve items by type―pots on one level, books on another―for a systematic look to your kitchen.
    9 of 22 A simple arrangement of classics has the order and stateliness of a library.
    10 of 22 Style a bookcase with unexpected items, like an eye-catching antique or a porcelain statue.
    11 of 22 Ordinary items collected in glass jars make an arresting still life.
    12 of 22 Organizing a colorful collection of found objects makes an offbeat (and inexpensive) alternative to wall art.
    13 of 22 Even just a few striking objects can create a visually interesting display.
    14 of 22 There's no rule saying that everything has to match. Though these letters vary in look, they work together because they are alike in essence.
    15 of 22 Want to make a bold statement? Let paint do the talking for you.
    16 of 22 Open shelves and steel hardware give a room contemporary flair.
    17 of 22 Whitewashed shelves and conch-shell book stoppers feel as restful and airy as the seaside.
    18 of 22 Hang a chalkboard inside sliding doors for extra playtime fun (or to log your children's TV time).
    19 of 22 Use a furry friend to keep your child's favorite reads in place.
    20 of 22 Use inexpensive baskets to provide catchall space for sundries.
    21 of 22 Divvy up cubbies among your kids and allow them to arrange their belongings as they see fit―so long as it's neat!
    22 of 22 A smart cleaning strategy for drop-in visitors: panels that prettily disguise what's on the shelves.

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