| A
zigzag approach also is effective when arranging shelves. Tracing the
letter Z, place a large accessory at the upper far left position of the
top shelf. Then place another large object on the opposite, or far right
position on the next lower shelf. Beneath that shelf, place a dense object
or stack of books in the far left position, until you have zigzagged your
way down the shelves. Reverse the zigzag pattern on the adjoining or
flanking, set of shelves.
Lastly, fill in the Z-shape you have
established with alternating stacks of visually dense accessories or
stacks of horizontal and vertical books.
The most interesting look is to stack a few
books horizontally, then place a porcelain plate or small framed drawing
on a stand on top of the books. Try to vertically fill the shelf, pulling
the items and books forward toward the front edge of the shelf as you go.
In a photograph, which is a terrific way to
check on the balance of your design, your eye tends to go towards the
voids, or empty spaces on the shelves. Most homeowners make the mistake of
not putting enough items on their shelves for fear they might look
cluttered - with the result being you can't tell if they have just moved
in or are in the process of moving out!
Read
more about the Zig Zag approach to bookshelves.
Daily also urges clients to collect
antique, earthy accessories that are of generous scale. "Small
collections work well when grouped together on a tabletop," she
notes, "but get lost entirely when tucked into a huge bookcase. A
wonderful wooden folk art cottage or a large tole tray on a stand has much
more visual impact on a shelf than a dozen tiny boxes," she explains.
Because the bookcases here were
symmetrically situated on each side of the fireplace, we opted for an
asymmetrical arrangement on the mantel. For interest, an antique framed
pastel leans just in front of the larger framed antique lithograph. A
smaller box and a well-proportioned vase of flowers placed atop a few
antique books balances the leaning pastel.
The empty void underneath the sofa table is
filled by stacked antique wicker suitcases. Their scale and texture not
only look great under the table but the suitcases handily store fragile
holiday decorations. An attractive antique red paisley shawl serves as a
colorful, soft throw over the back of the beige sofa, and sparks up the
once-neutral room.
"This room was crying out for color
and texture and a general 'warming up,'" Daily explains.
"Without adding a lot of furniture, it is plain to see that
accessories are the star of this makeover, and illustrate just how
important those finishing touches are to achieving the success this room
exudes," she adds.
But the most important lesson in arranging
bookshelves is this: have fun! Move things around and play with your
arrangement. Take a photo of it and study your arrangement on paper. Don't
feel like if you put something into a bookshelf one day that it has to
stay there for the rest of your life! |
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