How to Decorate Bookshelves on a Budget

The other week I shared a photo of a heap of coastal stuff on our guest bed because I was in the mood to change up the bookshelf in here!

You may have seen this photo on Instagram.

To some this may look like a huge jumbled mess but for me it’s inspiration and my props. In this post I’m going to break down how to style a bookshelf on a budget, even a really large bookcase like this one. I didn’t buy anything new. I used only items I had in the basement or in other rooms of our home. 

Here’s what the bookshelf was looking like in the spring – time for a change!

It just felt too heavy for summer! Oh, and needed more sea life. Here it is now!

How to Decorate Bookshelves

Remove EVERYTHING from your shelves and wipe down. Dust can lurk up on the shelves and when you’re styling it’s best just to have a clean slate.

Shop your home. Look in your basement, kitchen, kids’ rooms, living areas, etc.

Bookshelves are not just for books. I know this might sound obvious but if you load up your shelves with all books it might just look like a library or book store. Add pictures, sea life, driftwood, bottles, faux or real flowers, architectural salvage.

Think of colors and textures that are interesting and pleasing to your eye. I love shells so I use them A LOT. They also provide great texture. But you can also use fabric, twine, picture frames with varying textures and materials, pottery, little knick knacks.

Once you’ve gathered all your elements, have them at the ready! When I’m decorating I don’t really think, well it doesn’t seem like I do. I just place items. I try to make my eye travel across the shelf. I place a few elements and then stand back and look, then add a few more or move them around. If my eye gets stuck on something it needs to change. Having all the elements I’m thinking of using in front of me saves time and helps me decorate quickly.

Placing books in different directions makes things interesting. Lay them down, put them in backwards. Allow some to look tipped.

Create different layers and levels. This will help your eye move across the space. Use books or trays or cloches to create special places for mementos.

Decorate with items that have meaning. Using special belongings will create a special feeling in any space. This sea glass? I collected some when I was a child which my mom saved and recently gave to me. Some of it I have collected with my own children. John and Conor are quite skilled sea glass hunters. We love looking for it and seeing it here on the shelves reminds me of special times spent at the beach. Another special item, the book, the glass jar filled with sea glass is on. Silver Pennies poetry book provided inspiration to me as a child and this is where the name of my blog comes from.

Never underestimate glass as a filler. I pick up vintage bottles and jars whenever I see them – thrift stores, flea market etc.

Old books add instant patina. Old books (they don’t have to be expensive antiques) add immediate charm to shelves. The books above and below I found on the side of the road in Andover. I couldn’t believe people were giving them away! I filled my trunk with them. Thank you to those lovely people. I also have bought many books at our annual library book sale. They have books for 10 cents a piece and I buy based on color and age. 😉

Have fun! My mom always jokes with me, “Dani, have a glass of wine while you decorate.” I don’t do this as I’d be drinking in the middle of the day but you get the sentiment. Just relax and have fun. Place a few elements and step back and see. this should be fun and not brain surgery.

I hope this gave you a few ideas on how to change up your bookshelves on a budget as I have done.

Have any questions? Leave them below! I love hearing from you guys!

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