Have a Little Shelf Respect

Not only are shelves stuffed to the gills with books, gee gaws and dusty candles disorganized and cluttered, they’re just not attractive. When it comes to shelves, less is more. Here are some thoughts and tips on shelf control: * I’ve been a book lover since Dick and Jane with the tome laden shelves to prove it. Then I was introduced to the idea that we are merely custodians of books, not their owners and now it’s liberating to pass books on for the pleasure of others. So find a great used bookstore or needy library and feel good about giving your books a new lease on life! * Be creative with the books you keep. Stack some like pyramids, group them by color or lean books with beautiful covers against the back of the shelf, like artwork. Stagger book groupings among the shelves, some to the left, some to the right, even some in the middle. * Place photos and treasures among and even on top of books. Vary heights, shapes and colors and put out what you love--old camera’s, Delft dishes, wooden boxes. Hang suncatchers or origami figures from under the shelves with invisible thread as a delightful surprise. * If the shelf unit itself is all one color consider painting the back wall of the shelves for dramatic contrast. Or paint the edges of the shelves to create an interesting framework effect. Or do both! * If you have more special things than space to display them, pack away a good portion and trade them out every 3 to 6 months. By only having a few things on view at once, it’s easier to appreciate their beauty. And changing the display every so often gives your home a fresh new look. * Don’t be afraid to leave spaces because the eye needs a place to rest. It’s okay to create some peaceful emptiness among your precious books and possessions. White Space is a Good Thing. As always, have fun with your decorating and use what you love.

Before--books crowded into the shelves, too many things, nowhere for the eye to rest.

Credit: � Mary Carter