How to Decorate a White Bookshelf

Paint the back of the bookshelf a color that is two shades deeper than your walls or cover it with contact paper or wallpaper. This will make your items pop and show off the white color of the shelves, according to "Real Simple" magazine's website.

Choose which items you want to place on the bookshelf. Anything goes with white, but stick with a theme for a cohesive look that won't feel overwhelming. Neutrals, for example, look great against white. Or go with a patriotic theme of red, white and blue. For a daring look, go with an all-white color palette.

Clean the items. Wipe off fingerprints and remove ragged book jackets from the books. Polish picture frames and dust off silk plants.

Arrange the books so that some are horizontal and some are vertical. Vary the heights of the vertical stacks and leave spaces in between each group of books. Balance the groups so that the books are placed evenly throughout the bookshelf. Not every shelf has to have books, but shelves that don't have books should have a large, visually equal item such as a decorative bowl or sculpture.

Fill in the spaces between the books with other interesting items. Decorative boxes add both storage and sophistication, while photos in frames personalize the space. A silk plant adds a fresh touch of green. Distinctive sculptures, other works of art or even an antique toy lends an air of whimsy to the bookshelf.