22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves

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

1 of 23

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


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James Baigrie

2 of 23

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


Monica Buck

3 of 23

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


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Monica Buck

4 of 23

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


Chip Cordelli

5 of 23

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


Jonny Valiant

6 of 23

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


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Antonis Achilleos

7 of 23

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


Justin Bernhaut

8 of 23

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


Sarah Maingot

9 of 23

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


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Monica Buck

10 of 23

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


David Prince

11 of 23

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


Mark Lund

12 of 23

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


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Aya Brackett

13 of 23

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


Lucas Allen

14 of 23

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.


Mark Lund

15 of 23

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


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Hallie Burton

16 of 23

Open shelves and steel hardware give a room contemporary flair.


William Meppem

17 of 23

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


David Land

18 of 23

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


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Kathryn Barnard

19 of 23

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


James Baigrie

20 of 23

Use inexpensive baskets to provide catchall space for sundries.


David Prince

21 of 23

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


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 Hallie Burton

22 of 23

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


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