A shelf full of books adds instant appeal to any room, whether in the form of built-in shelving or stand-alone bookcases. But did you know that you can store more than books in a bookcase? It’s true, in fact, it’s encouraged. While the thought of storing anything other than books on a bookcase would seem very unusual to some, it doesn’t mean that this idea shouldn’t be fully explored. Here at EZ Living Furniture, we don’t conform to social norms - or any norms for that matter, we believe in individuality and creativity. With that in mind, we have put together some styling tips below to help you decorate a bookcase without the need for literature. These styling tips can be used throughout the home but in particular, a living room, dining room, hallway and study.

Without further ado, and with little to no ‘shelf’ control, let’s begin immediately.

Light grey and oak Toulouse Bookcase from EZ Living Furniture.

Kitchen

There can never be enough storage in a house, and this is particularly true when it comes to the kitchen. Kitchens can often lack the capacity to store everyday dinnerware and impulse purchases such as electronics. From waffle makers to toasters, kettles to sandwich makers, they are all deemed essential to some and need somewhere to sit permanently. With a countertop usually already full to the brim, a bookcase would be the perfect alternative to this storage problem.

Mila Oak bookcase from EZ Living Furniture.

A bookcase in a dining room can be easily transformed into an exclusive breakfast bar or coffee/tea station. The possibilities are endless!

Living Room

The living room is where you are most likely to encounter a bookcase. If you are an avid reader, this is where many of your favourite novels will already be housed. But everyone unwinds in different ways and if reading isn’t for you, it can make decorating a bookcase in a living room a little more difficult, or at least it was, until now. We suggest using smaller home accessories on each shelf to lend an elevated, well-appointed air to your space. Think plants, vases, ornaments, and candles.

Hudson oak bookcase from EZ Living Furniture.

Match your coffee table to your bookcase to create a cohesive decor in your living room.

Study

Not everyone has the luxury of having a separate study in their home. For those who do, a bookcase is an essential item of furniture that should not be overlooked. If you use your study as a home office many jobs will have you accumulating some paperwork. A bookcase can hold folders for easy access and baskets for those loose sticky notes. However, as the saying goes “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, so don’t forget to include some photo frames on each shelf.

Rho low oak bookcase from EZ Living Furniture.

Family photos that evoke wonderful memories are best for creating a personalised workspace.

Hallway

Last but not least, the hallway. A smaller bookcase would be most beneficial in this space because hallways do not usually have an abundance of available space. You could use your bookcase in a hallway to display all the home accessories mentioned above or throw caution to the wind and use it for something unexpected. Small wicker baskets could hold woolly hats and gloves while the lower shelves could be the perfect spot for shoes for when you are running out of the door in a hurry.

Mila oak shelving unit from EZ Living Furniture.

Place a candle or diffuser on a bookcase in your hallway to emit a welcoming scent to those who enter your home.

An organised bookcase can make a huge difference in your home library or office. Use all, or just a few of these suggestions to hold items that you have had difficulty housing in the past or items that perfectly match your character.

For more home decor advice, read our latest blog: What Your Coffee Table Decor Says About You.

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