Styling a set of built-in bookshelves sounds simple, until you are standing in front of empty shelves with no idea where to start. When I told interior designer Dalia Freitekh Tabbaa about my bookshelf dilemma, she shared three practical tips that completely changed how I approached the project. They work just as well for any shelf, mantel or corner of your home.
Tip 1: Sketch it before you style it
Dalia’s first piece of advice was to plan on paper. “When I have built-ins like this, I take a photograph and draw what I envision the bookshelves to look like,” she explained.
I did not have a printer, so I sketched a few rough layouts on sticky notes instead. It turned out to be the most useful step of the whole project. Having a plan made it obvious what I already owned, what I needed to buy and where each piece would go, and the finished shelves looked remarkably close to my drawing.
Tip 2: Embrace balance and asymmetry
At first I had no idea how to arrange everything. Dalia’s answer was to think in terms of balance rather than perfect symmetry. For my shelves, she suggested filling about three-quarters of the top two shelves with upright books and laying the books on the bottom shelf flat, creating a mix of vertical and horizontal lines. She also pointed out where I could find suitable decor pieces already in my home, which saved both time and money.
The result feels considered without being stiff, and it leaves room to add more books over time.
Tip 3: Choose pieces that mean something to you
This sounds obvious, but it makes the biggest difference. The objects on your shelves should tell your story. I included travel books about Tulum and Italy, both places I plan to visit this year, along with fashion books that reflect my career goals. Framed photos of friends and family can be swapped out whenever I find new favourites. A large version of the first Diptyque candle I ever bought sits on display as a small reminder of how far I have come.
When the items you choose have personal meaning, any shelf or room you decorate will feel warmer and more authentic.
The takeaway
Good interior styling does not require a big budget. Plan your layout before you start, aim for balance instead of rigid symmetry, and surround yourself with things you love. With those three principles, even a simple bookshelf can become one of the most personal spaces in your home.
