If you’ve ever styled bookshelves, you probably either think it’s super easy and fun, or you think it’s really hard and kinda stressful. Our team member, Mel, will readily admit that she struggles with projects like this one. She found a great resource that helped a “left-brained” gal like herself style hers like a PRO! We are gonna let her tell you how she did it!

My husband and I have been on a journey of remodeling the house we purchased from his parents last year after they decided to downsize. (You can see my kitchen remodel HERE!) We are FINALLY on the home stretch of the project!!! These new bookshelves in my living room needed some decor, but I honestly would get OVERWHELMED every time I tried to do something with them UNTIL I found THIS step-by-step styling tutorial by Kaari at THE SOMMER HOME blog! It was a LIFESAVER!!!

STEP 1: START WITH A CLEAN SLATE

I first removed everything from the shelves (and gave them a good dusting!!), then gathered up all of the extra decor I had around the house that could be used for styling!

STEP 2: PLACE ARTWORK AND PHOTOS

I found some of my favorites to display and scattered them throughout the shelves.

STEP 3: ADD BOOKS

I had several books in different sizes and colors that I thought would work good for creating different levels on the shelves. A couple of them had covers that I removed because I liked them better without the covers on them!

STEP 4: LAYER IN LARGE ITEMS

I like a blend of metals, colors, and shapes because I think it creates a lot of visual interest in the room.

STEP 5: ADD GREENERY

I have a TON of random greenery, so there were lots of options when I began adding this into the shelves. I used wreaths, candle rings, moss orbs, and a couple of pots. I think the realistic greenery looks best!

And just like that, it was DONE!!!! I was so happy with the end result!

I still plan on adding more family photos, but I thought this was a really good start on getting it exactly like I want it!

I purchased this adorable rechargeable lamp after Brooke posted hers! It is one of my favorites and you can grab yours HERE!!

My style is pretty traditional so you can give me ALLLLL the blue and white decor!!!

I found both the brass bowl and the Spode plate at an antique booth mall! I LOVE to shop for unique finds like these!

This cute little bird came from that same booth mall. I purchased the watercolor painting of our church at a food pantry benefit auction a few years ago and it is a treasured piece of art!

I have to tell you that I did a lot of moving and swapping around the various pieces before I got it like I wanted it, but the step-by-step process helped a decorating-challenged person like myself!!! If you need more inspiration for your bookshelves, be sure you check out Brooke’s post HERE on styling her bookshelves for spring! Unlike me, she just throws it all up there and it always looks GREAT!!! Let us know if styling bookshelves is a challenge or a breeze for you!