How to Decorate a Tall Wicker Shelving Unit

Remove all items on the wicker shelving unit -- books, vases, plants, decorative items, pictures -- and dust the shelves.

Sort the removed items into similar groupings and discard outdated or unattractive items, such as phone books, videotapes, CDs, loose papers and photograph albums. Make sure you have a combination of short, medium and tall objects, as well as a few big, bold pieces: vases, artwork, sculpture, pottery.

Place heavier, larger books on the bottom shelves, visually anchoring the shelving unit. Stack some of the books and position others upright using bookends, partially filling the bottom shelves. This will also physically stabilize the shelving unit, as wicker is lighter weight than other materials.

Fill some of the remaining shelves with neatly stacked books in the middle or at the end of a shelf and stand some books upright, filling up an entire shelf or a portion of a shelf. Take several steps back from the shelving unit and check for visual balance: The books should be spaced attractively throughout the unit and feel like the visual weight is evenly distributed.

Fill empty shelves by placing large, tall items at the back of a shelf, working your way to the front to create layers and depth. Arrange decorative items in varying heights in lieu of the same size and height. Odd-numbered groupings are more visually appealing, such as three vases in assorted heights and colors grouped together. Balance a shelf with books at one end and a picture, potted greenery, grouping, basket or decorative vase at the opposite end.

Place a green plant or decorative grouping on the top of the shelving unit, leaving a few inches between the ceiling and the items.

Position ceiling track lighting to spotlight targeted items on the shelving unit or place a portable can light on the floor directed at the bookcase.

Stand back and eyeball your shelving unit. It should feel like it is in balance, having equal visual weight on each side; it should be symmetrical, having similar objects on both sides; and it should be harmonious with the room's decor, using similar-styled items; for example, don't place a modern art picture on a shelving unit that is in a French country living room.