How to Decorate a Bookcase in a French Country Den

Choose a solid wood bookcase that extends to the ceiling or almost to the ceiling to achieve a built-in appearance. A bookcase with a simple and rustic design would fit ideally into a French country den. Dark wood evokes a traditional French country ambiance; walnut or cherry woods are both dark enough to create a French provincial feeling.

Add a collection of hardcover antique books to the bookcase to fill about half of the shelf space. This allows room for other decorative pieces on the bookcase. Balance the book placement over the entire bookcase. For example, place books on the left half of one shelf, on the right half of another shelf and in the center of a third shelf. Use bookends to hold the books upright.

Arrange dried lavender in an antique vase. Place the vase and dried flowers on one of the shelves.

Add two or three decorative chargers or plates to empty spaces on the shelves. Set the plate stands on the shelves and rest the chargers or plates gently on the stands to hold them up for display.

Display one or two pieces of colored pottery or enamelware on the shelves. Vary the pieces in shape and size to lend an authentic French country feeling to the decor.

Add one or two wire baskets to the shelves in any empty spaces remaining. Tuck one or two loosely woven linen napkins in the baskets to add additional color and texture to the bookcase.