So, you’ve got a beautiful bookshelf or maybe two and now it’s time to style them like a pro! Sadly, it can be surprisingly costly but I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be. So today, I wanted to talk about how to style your bookcases on a budget and share my top 6 tips on where you can find affordable, beautiful accessories to decorate your bookcases like a pro for less!
Tip #1 – Work with what you have
Before you run out to buy anything, shop your own home first! Seriously, take a few minutes and walk around your home with an open mind. Look for dishes, porcelain jugs, serving trays, candelabras, books, picture frames, baskets and plants…these things all make perfect bookcase accessories. Pull everything together so you know what you have to work with and then arrange them on your shelves in a cohesive way. Here are some items I found around my house:
Tip #2 – Dollar store finds
If you’ve maxed out your home supply and still have some gaps to fill, check out a dollar store. Look for mason jars and vases and maybe some crafting materials like burlap ribbon or rope to dress them up. I made the wreath below and found the farmhouse milk can at a dollar store. The wreath is on my door now but I’ve used it to decorate the shelves as well.
Tip #3 – Thrift stores
Previously enjoyed stuff is great for styling bookcases and at great prices. Look for framed artwork or vintage looking frames. If the art isn’t your flavor, pull it out and add something you love. Family photo’s are always a good bet, but things like fabric pieces, wallpaper or free printables are great options too because they add tons of visual interest. Personally, I love to frame charcoal and pencil sketches that the kids or I have done. Homemade artwork like the piece in the picture below adds a personal touch and can look beautiful in the right frame.
Tip #4 – Used book stores
Books! I can’t have a “How to Style Bookcases on a Budget” list without including books! They’re an easy find, they’re super affordable from second hand shops and they add instant charm to any bookcase. They’re also fantastic for creating different heights on your shelves or for drawing attention to smaller accessories by raising them up on a stack of books. If you’re into a vintage or rustic feel, look for aged or dated looking books with neutral colored covers and yellowed pages. Lay them down, stack them up or lean them against other objects and the lines they create will add instant charm to your look.
Tip #5 – Visit a flea market
If you want to find true gems at an affordable price, check out a local flea market. Many items are one-of-a-kind pieces that you probably won’t find anywhere else and usually, for great prices. I’ve found brass candelabras and vintage bottles, jewelry boxes, antique picture frames and lots of old books that were affordable, pretty and unique!
Tip #6 – Trade-up
This is another great way to get your hands on new stuff (to you) without spending a dime. If you have friends as obsessed with decorating as you are, they WILL have an awesome stash of accessories, guaranteed. Trade some of your goods for theirs and you’ll all get to enjoy new looks!
So that’s it guys! Hopefully you found this post helpful and have some new ideas on how to style your bookcases on a budget. If you’re looking for more design ideas, check out my living room make-over post or learn how to make your own curtain panels or custom bench cushion. I’d also love to hear where guys find your stash of accessories so please drop a comment below and let me know!
Ciao for now!
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