Tips for arranging bookshelves using the "Zig Zag" formula

Styling bookcases in countless rooms has taught me this simple formula: alternate a vertical stack of books or objects on an upper shelf with either a chunky box or basket, a standing porcelain plate or framed artwork, or a stack of horizontal books just beneath it. That way, you can create both balance and visual interest at once.

A zigzag approach also is effective when arranging shelves. Tracing the letter "Z", place a large accessory, like a basket or plate on stand, at the upper far left position of the top shelf. Then place another large object on the opposite, or far right position on a nearby lower shelf.

Beneath that shelf, place a dense object, like a box, or a stack of books, in the far left position, until you have zigzagged your way down the shelves. (Reverse the zigzag pattern on an adjoining or flanking, set of shelves, if you are working with a large bookcase wall.)

Lastly, fill in the Z-shape you have established with alternating stacks of visually -dense accessories, or stacks of horizontal and vertical books. It has been my experience that clear glass accessories rarely work in a bookcase they look better grouped on a coffee table where sunlight makes them sparkle.

I encourage mixing old and new objects together to keep the mix interesting. The idea is to make the collection look like it grew over time, not to look like you are running a gift shop.

A collection takes on much more importance if it is grouped together instead of spread out all over the house. You can lean platters against the back wall of the cabinet, holding them in place with a clear pushpin in front and hiding the pushpin with an object. The way to get this look is to stack a few books horizontally, then place a small statue or small-framed drawing on top of the books. Or, stack a vertical row of books, then push back three or four of the center books and place a small object in this recessed "niche".

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 I always suggest that you take to check the balance of your design, your eye tends to go to the voids, or empty spaces on the shelves. Most homeowners make the mistake of not putting enough items on their shelves for fear of looking cluttered ---- and the result is you can't tell if they have just moved in, or are in the process of moving out! I like very orderly, contained clutter on bookshelves and visually simpler tabletops------- and urge clients to collect antique, earthy accessories and artwork that are of a generous scale.

Small collections work well when grouped together on a table, but can get lost entirely when tucked into a bookcase. A wonderful wooden tramp art frame, or a large tole tray on a stand has more visual impact on a shelf than a dozen tiny boxes. So get together with a friend and have fun!

Styling bookcases in countless rooms has taught me this simple formula: alternate a vertical stack of books or objects on an upper shelf with either a chunky box or basket, a standing porcelain plate or framed artwork, or a stack of horizontal books just beneath it. That way, you can create both balance and visual interest at once.

A zigzag approach also is effective when arranging shelves. Tracing the letter "Z", place a large accessory, like a basket or plate on stand, at the upper far left position of the top shelf. Then place another large object on the opposite, or far right position on a nearby lower shelf.

Beneath that shelf, place a dense object, like a box, or a stack of books, in the far left position, until you have zigzagged your way down the shelves. (Reverse the zigzag pattern on an adjoining or flanking, set of shelves, if you are working with a large bookcase wall.)

Lastly, fill in the Z-shape you have established with alternating stacks of visually -dense accessories, or stacks of horizontal and vertical books. It has been my experience that clear glass accessories rarely work in a bookcase they look better grouped on a coffee table where sunlight makes them sparkle.

I encourage mixing old and new objects together to keep the mix interesting. The idea is to make the collection look like it grew over time, not to look like you are running a gift shop.

A collection takes on much more importance if it is grouped together instead of spread out all over the house. You can lean platters against the back wall of the cabinet, holding them in place with a clear pushpin in front and hiding the pushpin with an object. The way to get this look is to stack a few books horizontally, then place a small statue or small-framed drawing on top of the books. Or, stack a vertical row of books, then push back three or four of the center books and place a small object in this recessed "niche".

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 I always suggest that you take to check the balance of your design, your eye tends to go to the voids, or empty spaces on the shelves. Most homeowners make the mistake of not putting enough items on their shelves for fear of looking cluttered ---- and the result is you can't tell if they have just moved in, or are in the process of moving out! I like very orderly, contained clutter on bookshelves and visually simpler tabletops------- and urge clients to collect antique, earthy accessories and artwork that are of a generous scale.

Small collections work well when grouped together on a table, but can get lost entirely when tucked into a bookcase. A wonderful wooden tramp art frame, or a large tole tray on a stand has more visual impact on a shelf than a dozen tiny boxes. So get together with a friend and have fun!