How to Decorate a Home Office Part 2: Bookcase Decorating Tips Included

Work in style in a beautiful and functional home office.

The new work from home scenario that has permeated 2020; has spilled over to 2021. You may be realizing you will be working at home a lot in the future too. A home office you enjoy being in is essential now. These home office bookcase ideas are here to help up your working from home setup. Whether you have a dedicated room or carved out a space in your living room, you will find some inspiration here.

The trick is to get the balance between decor – mementos, books, greenery and wall art- and practical additions like storage, just right. In this post, I will give you some practical storage ideas. According to Oprah, you should start with storage. 30 Best Home Office Decor Ideas 2021 (oprahdaily.com) The storage Oprah and Jenny talks about is built- in storage. Furniture such as bookcases work well too. I will also be focusing on how to decorate shelves or bookcases to create a beautiful space.

I have put together some practical, but stylish home office storage tips that I will share now. This post will share other bookcase decorating tips too. Perhaps you want to fill your bookcase in your office with books, inspirational art or quotes or even greenery. I will share some tips about how to use books, wooden signs and greenery that work too. If you prefer a decorator to guide you through the process Lynteriors is here for you. A decorator by your side service may be the answer. Go to the “Services” page for more information. If you want to do it yourself or want to learn more than read on.

Home Office Storage Ideas: Furniture to Consider

Tip # 1 Remove Clutter by Using Home Office Storage

In a home office, when it comes to furniture you need a desk, chair and plenty of storage. Your storage can come in whatever form works best for your space. But opt for as much storage you can fit in. In my home office a bookcase was included to store interior design books and binders.

Home offices can get pretty messy, so you will be glad to have extra space to hide away the excess clutter. It is crucial to have the best storage solutions. Storage will keep your space tidy and well organized. Add plenty of storage, such as; drawers and cabinets, bookcases and shelves to contain the day-to-day mess.

Notice that I added a white storage basket and a woven geometric white and gray basket to my bookcase. They store items such as; paperwork, paper, and clipboards. I use the clipboards when I make notes while I am at some of my customer’s homes. Likewise, I store smaller items such as wood veneers in the boxes under the gold orb. Choose smaller home office storage accessories such as baskets which are functional and stylish. You could add contemporary or modern baskets to update a classic or traditional or transitional style home office like I did.

Add Functional Storage as Bookshelf Decor

Tip #2 Choose Baskets and Boxes- For a more organized work space

This next photo shows more storage baskets and box ideas. They are on a smaller shelf closer to my desk. The shelf features organized storage for all my must -haves. Your home office should be tidy, but do not be afraid to add boxes or baskets to store all of your knickknacks you need every day. Boxes and baskets keep papers, messier work items and smaller objects out of sight and out of the way too. For example, all my mail etc. is easily accessible in the highest white basket. Having a spot for everything will make you feel calmer and ready to tackle any project that comes your way.

Many boxes and baskets are quite stylish. The baskets and white and silver box on this shelf have a more modern style. Pick ones you love. They add style and interest to your bookcase and shelf decorating. It can be difficult to figure out which style to pick that will go with the style of the furniture in your room. Lynteriors can help you figure out what style accessories will go with the style of furniture in your room.

Arranging Accessories on Bookshelves

Tip #3 Ways to Arrange Books on Bookshelves

 

I alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically across the shelves. This adds interest to the bookshelves. The photo below shows that I have some of my books and binders standing vertically on some shelves. I placed others horizontally in piles on other shelves.

Another trick is to turn books around; so the pages face outward. No spines showing is another way to arrange books. This can help you to stick to a more cohesive color palette. As the photo above shows, I turned most of my decorating books around; so the pages faced outward. This trick helped me stick with a white, black and gold colour scheme.

Are You Struggling with How to Decorate a Home Office Shelf?

Tip #4 Choose Homey Décor

If you are wondering how to decorate a home office shelf, the following tips should help too. First, one of the most important truths to remember is; that a home office is not a cubicle in a skyscraper. It is in your home, and the decor should reflect that. Like my other post mentions. So include family photos and personal mementos in your bookcase vignettes.

You will be more productive in a room that brings you joy, so put in the effort to create an office that feels like home. Shelving that includes treasured mementos will help create a space you want to be in. Rather than a space, you have to be in. Go to the other post to find out more about mementos. And how to incorporate mementos in your vignettes and bookcase.

Tip #5 Use Art and Wooden Signs as Bookcase Decor

When it comes to bookcase decor, add art or wooden signs you may have around your home. Wooden signs are another great element to use as bookcase decor. They can inspire you to keep going. My “dream” sign does this for me. This inspirational sign, in the photo below, encourages me to keep working too. It is reflective of one of the things that motivate me.

Tip # 6 Layer in Greenery

Greenery is definitely in. Country Living suggests bringing nature indoors. They have some great ideas too. Check the ideas out at: 21 DIY Home Office Decor Ideas – Best Home Office Decor Projects (countryliving.com) Greenery does bring life into your home office. Greenery can increase productivity and make you overall happier and calmer while you work. They can make a seriously pretty statement as well. The containers add visual interest too and can add a pop of colour. These are all good things for bookcase decor. The photo below shows how I added 3 boxwood orbs onto a modern white platter which I then placed on the top of my bookcase. If you want to learn more about bookcase decorating or if you want to learn about home office desk decorating click the following link: My Redecorated Home Office Reveal: Tips For Bookcase Decorating Included – Lynteriors (wordpress.com)

Conclusion:

In summary, home office storage is important. Furniture that provides storage such as a bookcase is key to creating a space that is functional. Storage will help keep you productive too. Smaller storage accessories such as baskets keep the office tidy and well organized. Just like a book shelf does.

Furthermore, baskets add style and beauty to the room. Bookshelves can be used to create visual interest and add beauty to the room too. You too can work in style in a beautiful and functional home office. It is true. A home office does not need to be ugly and boring.

In this post I shared how to decorate bookshelves with books and plants too. Books can be stacked various ways so they are more pleasing to the eye. If you want a more neutral colour scheme, the books can be turned so the pages faced outward. I shared that adding potted plants to your bookcase adds another decorating dimension.

If you need help decorating Lynteriors is here for you. Do not hesitate to contact Lynteriors at 416-721-6217 if you need help. Many of you may want a designer by your side or on zoom to help you decorate your bookshelf. You may need help deciding which accessories to add and where. Or you may need help picking furniture for your home office. Lynteriors is based in Aurora, Ontario but Lynteriors also provides e-design service. Lynteriors offers virtual consultations and in-home consultations too. Go to the “Services” pages for more details. Click on the following link to get to the “work with me” page. https://lynteriors.wordpress.com/work-with-me/