How to Dress Up a Book Case

Paint the bookshelf. Painting might be necessary to clean up a worn, outdated bookcase. Alternatively, you might want to paint a wood-colored bookcase a lighter color, such as antique white, to give it a more modern look. Before painting, clean and lightly sand the surface, so the paint better adheres to the bookcase.

Arrange books horizontally or vertically on the shelves. In the center of a small shelf, stack four or five books one on top of the other. Alternatively, slide them in vertically from tallest to shortest, filling the whole shelf. You can also partially fill a shelf, and place an object, such as a large bowl, to act as a decorative bookend in the empty space. As an added effect, group like-colored books together.

Group similar accessories together to create a cohesive look. For example, line the bottom shelf with wicker baskets for extra storage. On one shelf, display three similar-colored vases in a pyramidal arrangement.

Line the top of the bookcase with a series of similar pictures propped up against the wall, or prop up a picture against a shelf, and place a bowl or another accessory in front of it. You can also hang a picture on the wood frame separating the different vertical sections of the bookcase.

Add other interesting elements. For example, prop up a mirror on a shelf. If the bookcase has a large opening for a television, you can prop up a large mirror there instead. Arrange and rearrange different types of accessories, such as vases, candles, bowls, travel souvenirs and topiaries until you get the look you want. However, do not overcrowd the bookcase in the process.