How to style an Arched Bookcase

INSIDE : Learn tips on how to style an Arched Bookcase for a fun modern storage solution! Elevate a room with this fun piece of furniture.

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I am joining as a guest participant in the Spring 2024 One Room Challenge and have decided to take on my son’s bedroom! Now, what is the ORC you might be asking? Well, let me tell you.

Over the next eight weeks, I will be slowly transforming my son’s bedroom along with numerous other bloggers and content creators on Instagram. Every Wednesday I will be sharing an update on his room. It should be fun, but also eight weeks isn’t much time for all I have planned.

Arched bookcase

An arched bookcase can truly elevate a space adding both storage and visual interest. Curved lines and arches are making a huge comeback in home design. Using these similar lines in bookshelves is a fun way to embrace the trend adding style and whimsey to your space.

Arched bookcase cabinet

Using an Arched Bookcase cabinet in your room provides storage for books and treasured items, but the arch elevates the piece of furniture giving it a more sophisticated look.

I also like the mix of materials of this bookshelf, using black metal on the frame and then dark wood for the shelves and cabinet doors with just a pop of shimmer with gold hardware.

Check out my DIY Mobile post here!

Styling an Arch Bookshelf

The open shelving and curved design of an arched bookcase helps with the feeling of airiness and openness in a room. This is especially important to think about in smaller rooms, where heavy furniture can make the space feel cramped.

Consider the overall feeling of your room the bookcase is in. Is the room overflowing with decor or are you embracing a more minimalist aesthetic? This decision will influence how much you decorate the shelves and what types of items you choose.

My son’s bedroom previously had been so full. The walls were covered in pictures, art and sports trophies and his bookcase was full to the brim with books. So before we started this 8 week challenge, we did a major bedroom de-clutter.

We went through ALL his books and made piles. We made –

• A “memory” (childhood) pile
• A donate pile
• A toss pile (covers were ruined or pages torn)
• A keep in his room pile

Curate a Compelling Display

When you are styling an Arched Bookcase, try to think outside the box a little bit. Go beyond the standard vertical alignment and stack books horizontally for a fun relaxed vibe.

You can also create a color coordinated scheme for a polished look or even arrange them by height for a tiered effect.

I love turning books around (pages out) for a more calming look, but once I take the pretty pictures of my son’s black arch bookcase, we will be turning those books right back around. Functional over form for this little dude’s bedroom!

Decorative Bookcase Accents

Incorporating decorative items in your bookcase not only adds interest, but it shows off your unique personality and style!

We used fun things rubrics cube, gold peace fingers, and trophy vases to hold pencils, pens and even playing cards.

Here are some of fun ideas to add a bit of creativity to your arch bookshelf –

• Framed artwork or treasured family photos for a sentimental touch.
• Sculptures or small figurines that reflect your interests.
• Vases or bowls in captivating textures or colors to add pops of vibrancy.
• Introduce life with potted plants, but keep their light and watering needs in mind.
• Display travel mementos or unique collectibles that tell your story.
• Employ baskets or woven boxes for stylish storage solutions.

Arch bookcase with doors

Having an Arch Bookcase with doors is so helpful to containing just a little bit more that maybe isn’t quite a visually appealing.

We have storage containers with matchbox cars, endless fidget toys, nerf balls, bullets and much more tucked away nicely in these doors. If you can find a bookcase with doors, count yourself lucky!

Final arch bookshelf tips –

Arrange items for a balanced look. Place heavier objects like hardcovers on lower shelves for stability and lighter items like paperbacks or decorative pieces on higher shelves.

Have fun and lean artwork against the back wall for a casual feel or prop a decorative box on its side to add more depth.

If your bookcase has a back panel, try installing backlighting to highlight your favorite possessions. This creates a dramatic effect and draws the eye to your curated display.

By following these tips and letting your creativity flow, you can transform your arched bookcase into a stunning focal point in your home – one that reflects your style and tells your story.

Okay, let’s see how my to do list is going below….

TO DO LIST over next 8 weeks –

• Paint Walls basic colors
• Create + Paint Checkerboard / Stripe accent wall
• Remove wooden shutters
• DIY Mobile over bed
• Storage and style an Arched bookcase
• DIY rug art
• Install Mini Shelf Railing
• DIY Lego Storage cabinet
• Update + repair closet doors
• Assemble new furniture (bed + loveseat)
• Bulletin board install
• Style room with new rug, curtains + accessories

Here are a few items I have already picked up for my son’s room :