Like we have discussed in the past styling a bookcase can be a daunting task. I believe that a bookcase should be a mix of books, storage solutions, and personal accessories that you have gathered. I also love some fresh flowers thrown in the mix if space allows. The bookcase below is a perfect example of a little bit of everything:
When trying to style a bookcase for a client I find that the hardest task is adding in those personal accessories that I’m hoping everyone has stored away in a box. 90 % of the time the client loves the idea of using accessories in a bookcase, but they rarely have anything other than a picture frame or two.
One of my favorite sources to order accessories from that look like they have been gathered throughout the years yet don’t break the bank is C.S. Post & Co.
Here are some of my favorites and I made sure everything was $20 or less!
2. Wire Canisters available in two sizes.
They carry a lot more accessories online at some higher price points, but the majority of them are under a $100.
Any secret gems where you purchase your collected accessories?
Oh cool, thankd for a new place to look for items!! Funnny enough, I’ve been finding a lot of great items at Kohls in their clearnace section, thanks to ‘Elle Decor!
I’ve found a couple of great things at Hobby Lobby recently! They have some great antiquey gold letters that look like they’re straight out of the fall Pottery Barn catalog that I grabbed for my husband’s office.
Lately I’ve been raiding my mom’s giveaway/throw away/sell boxes. She moved to Denver and left things that she didn’t know what to do with at the time. I’ve found some nice items from my grandmother that needed a little silver polish or a spritz of glass cleaner and they look fabulous. I also love to walk around parks or the ocean since I live in FL because nature always inspires me. Whether its a cool branch,colored sea shells, some unique pods or even a little pine cone collection, they come home with me for FREE and make great little displays here and there.
Oh, I did not need to know about this store. Enabler!
The rustic metal baskets remind me of some that RH has right now – but these are way cheaper,thanks!
I love haunting Goodwill for fun accessories, you might not find a gem every time, but over time it’s the best place to gather items with soul.
Wow – I am loving those tealights so I’m off to visit that site. I’d love to take a pottery glass at some point so I have added those to my inspiration photos for when I do! Right now, since I’m in Europe, I try to find everything at flea markets to bring home some “souvenirs”. My in-laws are in the process selling their vacation home, so they are letting each of the kids (and their wives, lucky me) look through everything and pick it out. I have found some gems there too!
Love this post! I just finished styling bookcases for a client. I found most of the items at a thrift store and small “antique” store. I got bottles, old iron toys, old books(bag for $3) and then added in something from retailers like marshalls, tj maxx and tuesday morning. It looks like they have been collecting for years and it didn’t break the bank. You can find great things on ebay and at garage sales if you have time to look….
Thanks for posting this! I’ve said it before that styling a bookcase is just not my skill! I have shelves in my living room that I’ve been trying to style for months.
Not really a secret per se but in my travels which so far has only been within the united states, I collect postcards and every now and then other little randoms. I find stacking books pyramid style and displaying those “randoms” on top is a perfect way to bring additional color and display something meaningful or a collection.