How to Style a Bookshelf with Vintage Finds

Today, I am going to be tackling a common interior design myth. Now, when people think of vintage, they think lace doilies, grandma's quilts and floral upholstery, but I think it's time we take a new look at the word vintage.  Vintage items are from typically prior to the year 1999, though often from much earlier, like the 1930s through the 1980s. Clothing, jewelry, watches, accessories, housewares, and furniture are all common vintage items.

I turned my love of vintage into a lifestyle, whether it's a flea market garage sale or your grandma's closet, I live for a good treasure hunt. I believe that adding antiques and unique vintage finds into your home decor brings your space to life and gives your home character and good soul. It's my mission to share this passion of how to find the balance between old and new and to show you how to incorporate vintage into your home. No matter what your style, this is vintage style infusing into your modern lifestyle.  

I'm going to show you that by choosing the right modern piece of furniture and adding in touches of vintage accessories, you can achieve a layered look that is both cozy and expertly curated.  

Now Let’s talk about bookshelves.

Styling a bookcase (no matter if it is vintage or modern) can be an art all in itself. It is so easy to end up with cluttered shelves because you just keep adding things just because your shelves can hold them. Though I’m admittedly I’m a bit of a maximalista, you want to think clean chic not cluttered when styling bookshelves.

Bookcases no matter if they are in your office, bedroom, or living room provide more storage and but  it's also a simple spot to showcase your vintage finds. Adding art to a bookcase is a really great way to personalize the bookcase and showcase your personality behind your decor.

No bookcase would be complete without books.

Of course, I have books are really extra special to my husband and I and we bought them on our travels together. I particularly love vintage books because I think they have a really cool look to them. They usually come in really fun and vibrant colors- think deep blues, greens and reds. If you feel there is too much color combination then you are used to when it comes to displaying your book collection, reverse the books so the book spines are facing the wall. You will still see color but more muted neutral colors of the pages in between.  Last but not least, add some house plants or succulents displayed in a vintage planter.  Lately I'm even using these vintage antique pottery bowls as planters. I found my pieces at estate sales and yard sales throughout the year.

The different type of accessories really brings the bookcases to life and they add personality to each and every one of the shelves. They are simple, clean, and color coordinated. They feel modern, even though all of the accessories are vintage items that I've collected over the last few months, sometimes even up to years.

I hope I inspired you to get out there and hunt for the perfect vintage piece to style that bookcase of yours!