As we began remodeling and updating our Great Room, I had a lot of ideas about what I wanted to accomplish in this space. One goal I had was to move the eye from the fireplace, which is in the corner to the main wall, which is to the left of the fireplace. Because I didn't plan on placing furniture to face the corner, I needed something to anchor the main wall and provide a space for me to create seating around. After many hours searching Pinterest for some options, I knew that I wanted a bookshelf or entertainment center in white. What I settled on were the Ikea Liatorp Bookshelves and Entertainment shelving unit.
I totally scored with this set. One night my daughter and I drove an hour to our local Ikea. We were just looking for some simple "filler" items for the house. But before checking out, I always hit the clearance center just in case. And there were two of the Liatorp Bookshelves already built and ready to go 50% off. DONE! Of course it took some wrangling to get two of those amazing bookshelves in the back of my van, but never underestimate the capacity of my van (seriously, I've brought home the biggest pieces of furniture home in that thing).
A couple of weeks later, I purchased the bookshelf bridge and the entertainment center, and my very patient husband put them all together. But then I was stuck. Here I had my heart's desire, and I had no idea how to stage and style the bookshelves. Back to Pinterest! I spent hours pinning ideas and thinking through how I would make it work. And here's what we came up with:
Some things to think of when styling shelves:
1. Imagine there is an invisible line that divides the shelf in half. Style on each sides of this line, as well as, right in the center of the line. See graphic below:
2. Create balance. Use similar items on each side of the shelf.
3. Create repetition. Want to know a secret? Those cute white vases at the top of the shelf are filled with fake succulents from Hobby Lobby. Yep. I know my limitations, and I can only handle watering so many plants each week. I chose ones that look completely authentic. Never go with a plant that obviously looks fake.
Sources:
- Shelves: Liatorp (Ikea)
- Wicker Basket: At Home
- Suitcases: vintage and antiques
- Whale Bookends: Hobby Lobby
- Blue Geode Bookends: TJ Maxx
- White Vases and Succulents: Hobby Lobby
- Other items: vintage or items I've collected from my travels or vintage shopping field trips
Search my blog for other "How To" tutorials on styling and making your home your own.
Love this! What are the dimensions on your bottom baskets? I have the liatorp shelves and would love to know!
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