HHS Simple Steps to styling bookshelves and Built-in shelving


1. Start by Declutteringthe Shelves!!
it is important to style the bookshelves for great MLS photos.


2. After Shelves are empty, Adjust the Shelving Heights.
This can be beneficial to bring a symmetrical look to your space.


3. Curate Beautiful Items for the Bookshelves
When we make selections for bookshelves, we include the following items:

~ Hardback books
~Small artwork
~Greenery
~Matching plates, boxes, etc. that can be repeated in different parts of the bookcase

NOTE: Items that are smaller than a large watermelon may look more like clutter or dots in a photo.
Group smaller items together to create a larger vignette.

4. Arrange Items with Our Shelf-Styling Formula:

~ Start with art leaned in the largest openings
~ Next add the largest accessories
~ For added interest, place books stacked horizontally and vertically
~ Last, add life, like a plant!

Remember to leave some negative space – you don’t have to fill every shelf. It’s good for the eye to have a place to rest.

White bookshelves are the easiest to work with because almost anything will show up in them.

When staging darker bookshelves, use white, light, or shiny decor to help the items stand out.

If the books are all different colors or the bookshelves are dark wood, one trick to make the vignette appear lighter and brighter is to turn the books around so only the pages show.


If you would like more information, HHS offers professional in-home consulations!