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Now there are bookshelves and then there are bookshelves. As long as I can remember I have always loved a well styled bookshelf, one that tells me something about the owner, one that tells a story and captures the imagination…. over the top? Maybe but hey, I say it’s time to make our boring book filled bookshelves beautiful.
6 Easy steps on how to style your bookshelf
Take everything out of the bookshelf and begin with a clean canvas.
Start putting your books into your shelf – books can be placed on the shelf both vertically and horizontally.
Next…. add family photos, framed small pieces of art to your shelves.
Place other meaningful decorative objects such as an interesting sculpture, a trinket that you received as a gift from your children or mother… basically anything that adds texture and interest to the bookshelf.
Don’t be afraid of empty spaces. Let the shelf breath and don’t overcrowd it.
Lastly don’t make your styling too showroom perfect, you want your guests to feel relaxed in your lounge room not uptight – have some fun with it!
This bookshelf isn’t too perfectly styled, its fun and quirky.
Why not add a pop of colour to your bookshelves interior.
Add some interesting shaped vases, sepia photos, gigantic shell and textured basket.
You can style your bookshelf in a soft colour palette as pictured here.
You can use books as book ends, add letters, fresh flowers, art, bowls, woodwork, trinkets and more.
I hope you feel inspired to update the look of your bookshelf, I’d love to read your comments below about any tips and tricks that you use.
What size art for where and how should I hang it? How can I create a show-stopping gallery of art as a feature? What height should my art be placed at on a wall? These questions and more are often asked of me when I’m on a consult so today I thought I would write a blog post to help you all with your art displaying and hanging. I got some help from the professionals along the way too.
As a guide always hang your art around eye level. Meaning that the middle of the picture should be at 1450mm from the ground. Check out the formula that Maxwell Ryan from Apartment Therapy uses to achieve this, he also says (or has heard on the grapevine) it is the formula that art galleries and museums use.
A. Measure from the floor up your wall to 1450mm high and lightly mark
B. Measure artwork height and divide by 2 (this gives you the center)
C. Measure top of your picture to the tightened wire (a small amount)
D. Subtract (C) “tight wire” amount from (B) 1/2 height amount for the “to the hook” amount. This will tell you how far above 1450mm your hook should go
E. Lightly mark wall just above 1450mm with the “to the hook” amount
Example:
A. Picture is 508mm tall
B. Middle is at 254mm (this mid point should rest at 1450mm)
C. Wire comes to 50mm below the top
D. 254mm – 50mm = 203mm
E. Lightly mark 203mm above your first mark OR 1651mm on the wall
or
1450mm + 1/2 picture height minus pin to top of picture = where to place hook
Consider grouping your art together for more impact rather than scattering the pieces on various walls around the room.
When creating a gallery of art select art that is similar in colour scheme so that it looks harmonious to the eye when it is hanging on the wall. Choose lots of different size pieces of art to make up your gallery and group the art so that they are evenly spaced but look visually appealing. You can also add three dimensional items to the mix to create more interest for the eye as well.
Be careful with the scale of your art. If you have high ceilings and large rooms you can hang larger art in your space.
Below are some tips that I have put together for clients in the past that you also may find helpful. I find the below 3M picture hanger works well as the hook is at the top meaning no matter where your canvas string or D ring is you won’t see your 3M picture hanger sticking over the top of your art work.
Above is 3M Picture Hanging Strips, these are ideal for use when hanging a gallery wall see link below for how to apply.
Make sure you check out the links and videos below from other designers, they have some really helpful and invaluable tips as well. And as Maxwell says, go hang some art today!!
