Bookshelf & Console Table Styling

A month or so ago, I got a question from my cousin about how to style a console table in her foyer. It got me thinking that maybe the styling of console tables and shelves is deserving of its own blog post. I think that a well-styled table or bookshelf can really add to a room’s decor.

I like to do groupings on either side of the table and bring in some height for balance and symmetry. For an entryway table like this one I also like to do a lamp, a candle, a small decor item, a framed personal photo, and greenery or floral stems. The lamp, candle, and framed photo add warmth while the faux greenery and decor add some personality to the area. Another must-have with an entryway console table is storage. I emptied these two woven baskets for the photo but they typically contain extra candles (because, of course), lighters, extra lightbulbs, various TV cords, etc.

I’m sure you’ve seen #shelfie on Instagram and I, for one, am here for it. Styling a bookshelf is a really simple and fun way to ease into home decor. There are so many different ways to style and organize a bookshelf. If you know me, you know I read A LOT, but I’m mostly into e-books nowadays. So, my bookshelves now look a little different than they used to, but I’m still holding on to a few law school textbooks because I’ve found they make for some great decor!

I received these ladder bookshelves as a housewarming gift from my parents when I bought my first house ten years ago and they are still going strong today. A classic shape like this doesn’t go out of style – and in fact, these exact bookshelves are still available at Crate and Barrel! I placed the pair of bookshelves on either side of an arched wall which separates my living and dining rooms. Each of the bookshelves are styled differently but contain some of the same elements in an effort to bring balance and symmetry to the space.

I always like to stack books in varying heights and directions on a bookshelf so each shelf doesn’t look so uniform. If you’re someone that has a lot of books, a fun way to organize your shelves is to sort the books by the color of their spines.

I also like to put pictures, framed photos, or small decor items on top of the stacked books. You can add height that way and also fit more decorative pieces on the shelf by utilizing the vertical space. Don’t be afraid to leave some empty space on the shelves. It’s much more pleasing to the eye to see little groupings than a crammed, disorganized shelf.

This bookshelf is on the opposite side of the arched wall. As you can see, some of the same elements are here: the dried hydrangea, law textbooks, framed photos. But the shelf is arranged slightly differently so the two bookshelves complement each other but don’t match perfectly.

One of my favorite and most treasured pieces on this shelf are my Grandpa’s old law school textbooks from the 1940s. No matter how many times I re-style these shelves (which is somewhat often!) these will always have a place.

One of the best things about console tables or bookshelves is that the possibilities for styling are endless. You can change up the items for the season, for the holidays, or just because you’re sick of what’s currently displayed! Styling shelves and tables is truly one of my favorite decor projects. Take a #shelfie and tag me @_bkhome on Instagram !!

xx, bk