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Built-In Bookshelf Ideas For A Finely Curated Focal Point

In addition to offering storage for your precious book collection, shelves are the ultimate design feature to make a statement and bring your personal stamp to the space. While stacking a bookcase with books appears simple, styling it with the utmost attention to detail can be tricky for beginners. 

If you intend to create well-curated shelves that will become a stylish focal point in your home, you are in the right place. Feel free to grab some built-in bookshelf inspo from this post!

Arched bookshelves

An arched bookshelf brings that extra visual touch to your living room. For a wow effect, try painting the shelves in a striking color that stands out. This finely styled bookshelf comes in a rich sage tone to fit the room’s overall mood, while the terracotta elements provide contrast and stand out within this carefully chosen collection of items. 

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Arched built-in bookshelf in lovely sage tone (from Kate la Vie)

Organic feel

Opt for a balanced mix of natural textures and neutral colors to bring an organic feel to your home. Complement the taupe wall with wooden shelves in a warm tone to create a calming mood. Add a comfy chair and a cozy throw blanket to turn this spot into a relaxing reading nook where you can enjoy your favorite book. Further,  you could enhance your book corner with greenery for a natural touch and a dose of serenity. 

Nature-inspired bookshelf décor (from Unsplash)
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Carefully curated mix of neutrals (from Kate la Vie)

Contemporary built-in bookshelf

 Adding a few random things won’t create the curated look that you crave. Don’t limit your shelf to books only, since professional interior designers advise you to include other decorative elements for a visual touch. 

When you see all those nicely curated bookshelves on Instagram, you might notice that they follow a specific decor concept. When grouping the objects, keep in mind that odd numbers work the best. A group of three or five items looks visually pleasing to the eye, creating a harmonious arrangement that brings a stylish note. 

 

Well-styled bookshelf with modern touches (from Studio McGee)

When placing your books, make sure to add vertical and horizontal stacks for added visual interest. Use contemporary bookends to anchor a stack of books and bring a high-end look. 

Another helpful designer’s trick is to top your horizontal stack with a round object to bring dimension into play. As you can see from these examples, the book stack lifts small objects and puts them in the spotlight. 

Nicely curated collection for a refined living room (from Amber Interior Design)
Clean and refined bookshelf design with contemporary elements (from The Every Girl)

Fireplace bookshelf

The fireplace wall is a natural focal point in your living room, so you want to make a bold statement that fits your decor preferences. Add built-in shelving on both sides of your fireplace and layer with decor that matches your interior style. 

When designing the ultimate focal wall, don’t be afraid to play with textures to create a visually pleasing arrangement that grabs the attention. Playing with textures means that you are free to mix materials with different finishes, such as glass, wood, and metal. 

Built-in bookshelf in addition to a cozy mantel (from Craftberry Bush)
Moody and dark focal wall with built-in shelves (from Craftberry Bush)
The built-in bookshelf turns into a stunning focal point (from Studio Mcgee)
Muted gray bookshelves for a contemporary living room design (from Unsplash)

Kristina Shestakova

Kristina is a home decor enthusiast that loves to share practical tips. With more than 5 years in the interior design content writing niche, she has lots to share. She is obsessed with Pinterest, looking for the most creative ideas for your inspiration. Hopefully, this will motivate you to create the home you always wanted.

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