Decorating Colors for Wood Shelving in a Library

Stained

• Stain the wall of shelving one solid color to act as a strong backdrop for your books. Whether you choose to go light or dark will likely depend on the fixed elements of the library room. For instance, look to the flooring, wall color and trim to determine what will look best. One idea is to stain the wood a dark chocolate color to enhance mid-range flooring such as walnut. Paint the room white and add pops of color taking a hint from shades found in the book jackets.

Black and White

• Black and white are classic choices for library shelving. Punctuate pale walls with black shelving or define bold walls with white shelving. For instance, pale blue or turquoise walls will do well with black shelving. Balance the black with accents such as carpets and knick-knacks and textiles such as drapes, throws and pillows. Graphic prints with a book theme will work well, a pillow with a black ampersand, monograms and printed letters will help unify the theme and add enough black to balance the shelving.

Bright Color

• For a different look, paint the shelving a bright shade of your favorite color. One idea is to wallpaper the wall behind the shelving with a graphic print such as floral, damask, retro geometrics, botanical prints or whatever else catches your eye. Paint the wood shelving cherry red and place it against the papered wall. Pick another shade to paint the rest of the walls and use pops of red in the accents and accessories to unify the look. Reupholster a vintage chair with a red pattern and paint the wood on the chair a high-gloss red, white or black.

Neutral

• For a room already rich in color and pattern, choose a neutral shade for the wood shelving in the library. A neutral hue is also best for a monochromatic tone on tone design. Whether you choose to paint the shelving in taupe, wheat, beige, brown or gray, options are available to suit any library. Repeat the color elsewhere in the room with textiles or accent pieces. One idea is to create a gallery wall opposite the shelving, with decorative frames in different shapes and sizes. Paint all the frames the same hue as the bookshelves for a cohesive look.