Earlier this year, I added two Billie Bookcases to our living room. I knew I was pregnant when I purchased them and thought they would add the perfect mix of function + style to our seriously hard to arrange, corner fireplace living room. I like to think they were exactly what this room needed and hope that you agree! Styling them though? That’s a whole different story. Here are a few tricks I learned for bookcase styling on a budget!
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I had a vision for our space and wanted this bookcase styling to happen on a budget. My main focus this year has been all things baby and the nursery, so bookcase always fell on the back burner. Luckily for you, during this time I learned some great tips + tricks for making this happen on a budget.
While this post is specifically about bookcase styling, you could really apply these rules to so many places in your home! Coffee tables, entry halls, dressers – the list is endless! Most of the pieces below are from H&M, I am absolutely obsessed with their home pieces. It’s dangerous because while things are so affordable, it makes me more inclined to keep adding to my cart. See my faves below!
SHOP AFFORDABLE BOOKCASE STYLING FAVES:
| Vases (Large, Small) | Faux Fern | Basket | Starburst Mirror | Frame | Print | Gold Decor Piece | Rattan Black Tray | Candle | Small Vase/Match Holder |
Ok, so now you have some items – but what do you do with them?! A lot of the magic in bookcase styling on a budget happens with how you utilize what you have. Here’s my top advice:
Shop Your Home
Yes, you can buy some pieces but before you click order – shop your house! Move things around, grab a piece that’s stashed in the attic, repurpose an old bowl. Get creative and think outside the box. I was eager to see how our shelves looked and pulled so many things from the attic that ended up getting a permanent place on our shelves. After, I was able to see what and how much to buy. Huge $$$ saver.
Make It Interesting
Yes, I love the look of a bookcase full of books but that can also be boring, too. Make it your own and make it interesting. Don’t be afraid to add pieces that spark a favorite memory or even came from the thrift store. Adding a few pieces that pop will help fill the space.
Functional, Yet Fun
I filled our bottom shelf with baskets. Not only was this an affordable way to take up a lot of space, it’s also a huge functional aspect to our living room. Currently, I have it filled with diapers (& more diapers) but down the road I can store toys for Foster!
Leaning Layers
Layering is a great way to create dimension and interest. Snag a cheap mirror and a cheap frame or two for a grouping that looks gorgeous! Another great thing you can lean or layer? Records!
Group Together
Group together similiar items to make a focal point. I snagged some gorgeous leather candle sticks that were super affordable and I love how they look together.
Play with Height
Step back and make sure the heights are varying. Make sure everything isn’t all the same height and don’t be afraid to rearrange a few times before you get it right!
$1 Book Hack!
My final, and maybe best tip, is this $1 book hack! For so long I shopped antique stores for antique books and while I found a few gems, it was not affordable. A girl I follow on Instagram shared that Dollar Tree has hardback books for just $1! They have a cover on them, but it’s removable and below is a solid, hardback book that is worth every penny. I stocked up and filled up my bookcase! I was able to fill the whole thing for around $40.
What do you think?! Will this help you accomplish some bookcase styling on a budget? If you try any of these tips, tag me on Instagram (@RileySitton) so I can see how it turned out!
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