If you have a coastal living room, a bookshelf is an essential piece of furniture that can elevate the overall interior design. But, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one that fits your space and style. In this article, we’ll guide you through the factors that you should consider when choosing a bookshelf, design ideas, types of bookshelves that work best with coastal decor, tips on arranging and styling, and where to shop for the best options in different budget ranges. Read on to discover the best bookshelf for your coastal living room.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bookshelf for Your Coastal Living Room
Before you even start browsing for bookshelves, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you need. Ask yourself, how much space do you have available? Do you want an open or closed bookshelf? What style and color do you prefer? Here are some factors to consider that can help narrow down your options.
Size and Shape
If you have a small living room, consider getting a tall and narrow bookshelf that can save space. On the other hand, if you have a large living room with high ceilings, a wider and longer bookshelf can create a statement piece.
Open or Closed Shelves
An open bookshelf can give a lighter and airier feel to your living room, while a closed bookshelf can help create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. If you have delicate items that need protection, or if you want to hide some clutter, a closed bookshelf can be a better option.
Style and Color
Your bookshelf should complement the overall style of your living room. If you have a coastal decor, you can choose a bookshelf made from natural materials, such as wood or bamboo. For colors, you can opt for neutral tones like white, beige, or light blue, or go for a more vibrant shade like coral or turquoise.
Design Ideas for Coastal Living Room Bookshelves
There are plenty of ways to style your bookshelf to match your coastal decor. Here are some design ideas that can inspire you.
Nautical Theme
Incorporate nautical elements into your bookshelf, such as seashells, starfish, or rope. You can also display books that feature coastal living, sailing, or marine biology.
Greenery
Add some plants or flowers to your bookshelf to add a touch of nature. Succulents, air plants, or ferns are low-maintenance options that can thrive in a coastal living room with plenty of sunlight.
Artwork
Showcase your favorite coastal artwork on your bookshelf. You can hang small paintings, prints, or photographs on the back of the shelf, or display sculptures on the shelves.
Types of Bookshelves That Work Best with Coastal Decor
Here are some popular types of bookshelves that can complement your coastal living room.
Shutter Bookshelf
A shutter bookshelf can add a touch of rustic charm to your coastal living room. The louvers create a breezy and beachy vibe, and the shelves offer plenty of storage space for your books and decor.
Ladder Bookshelf
A ladder bookshelf is a versatile and space-saving option for small coastal living rooms. You can lean it against the wall and take advantage of the vertical space. Choose a ladder bookshelf made from natural wood to match your coastal decor.
Built-In Bookshelf
If you have a larger budget, a built-in bookshelf can be a custom solution that fits your living room perfectly. You can choose the size, shape, material, and color that matches your interior design. A built-in bookshelf can also add value to your home.
How to Arrange Your Bookshelf to Enhance Your Coastal Living Room
The way you arrange your bookshelf can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your coastal living room. Here are some tips on how to arrange your bookshelf.
Group Items by Color and Size
Arrange your books and decor items in groups based on color and size. This creates a cohesive and balanced display. For example, you can group white seashells together, blue books together, and green plants together.
Vary the Height and Depth of Items
Varying the height and depth of your items can create visual interest. You can place taller items, such as vases or candle holders, on the top shelf, and shorter items, such as small plants or statues, on the lower shelves.
Add a Focal Point
Choose one item on your bookshelf that can serve as a focal point, such as a large artwork or a unique sculpture. This can draw the eye and create a sense of balance.
Creative Ways to Style Your Bookshelf for a Coastal Vibe
If you want to get more creative with your bookshelf styling, here are some ideas for a coastal vibe.
Use Books as Decor
Books don’t have to be boring. Use them as decor by placing them in a stack or turning them around to display the spine color. You can also use old books with coastal themes as decor.
Add Beach Finds
If you like to collect beach finds, such as sea glass, driftwood, or coral, display them on your bookshelf. You can also create a small beach scene by arranging sand, shells, and small figurines on the shelf.
Include Vintage Items
For a more eclectic coastal look, add some vintage items to your shelf, such as old maps, globes, or cameras. These items can add character and history to your living room.
DIY Bookshelf Ideas for a Beachy Living Room Look
If you’re on a tight budget, or you want to add a personal touch to your bookshelf, here are some DIY ideas that can create a beachy living room look.
Repurpose Old Crates
You can find old crates at a thrift store or salvage yard and turn them into a rustic bookshelf. Sand them down, paint them in a coastal color, and stack them on top of each other. You can also add some wheels to make it easier to move.
Make Your Own Rope Shelves
For a nautical bookshelf, you can make your own rope shelves. Cut a wooden board into the desired size and shape, drill two holes in each corner, and thread a rope through the holes. Tie the ropes in a knot and hang the shelf on the wall.
Use Floating Shelves
Floating shelves can be a simple and modern solution for a coastal living room bookshelf. You can buy pre-made floating shelves or make your own by attaching wooden boards to brackets. You can also add a coat of white or blue paint for a coastal vibe.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Coastal Living Room Bookshelf in Top Shape
Once you have your bookshelf set up, it’s important to keep it in good condition. Here are some maintenance tips for your coastal living room bookshelf.
Dust Regularly
Coastal living rooms can accumulate more dust than other rooms due to the open windows and frequent sea breeze. Therefore, it’s important to dust your bookshelf regularly to prevent dust buildup on your books and decor items. You can use a microfiber cloth or a special dusting tool.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration on your books and decor items. Therefore, it’s important to position your bookshelf away from direct sunlight, or use curtains or shades to protect your items.
Clean Spills Immediately
If you spill any liquid on your bookshelf, clean it up immediately with a damp cloth. Don’t let the liquid sit on the wood for too long, as it can cause warping or staining.
Where to Shop for the Best Coastal Living Room Bookshelves
Finally, here are some places where you can shop for the best bookshelves that fit your coastal living room style.
Wayfair
Wayfair offers a wide selection of bookshelves in different sizes, shapes, and colors. You can filter by style, price, or brand to find the perfect one for your coastal living room. Wayfair also offers free shipping on orders over $49.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is known for their quality furniture and decor items. They offer a range of coastal living room bookshelves made from natural wood and in different designs. You can also customize your bookshelf with the help of a design specialist.
Ikea
Ikea is a budget-friendly option that offers simple and modern bookshelves that can fit any coastal living room style. They also have DIY options that you can customize based on your preference.
Budget-Friendly Options for a Stylish Coastal Living Room Bookshelf
Finally, if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of options for a stylish coastal living room bookshelf that won’t break the bank.
Target
Target is a great option for budget-friendly bookshelves that are also stylish. They offer bookshelves in different designs and colors that can match your coastal living room style. You can also find some unique finds from their Opalhouse or Hearth & Hand collections.
Walmart
Walmart offers a range of affordable bookshelves that can fit your coastal living room style. You can also filter by price range to find the best option for your budget. Walmart also offers free shipping on orders over $35.
Amazon
Finally, Amazon is a go-to online marketplace that offers a massive selection of bookshelves in different styles and prices. You can read reviews from other customers to help you make an informed decision. Amazon also offers fast and free shipping for Prime members.
Conclusion
With all these tips and options, you’re well-equipped to discover the best bookshelf for your coastal living room. Remember to consider the size, style, and shape of your bookshelf, and personalize it with your own design ideas and decor items. Whether you choose a rustic shutter bookshelf, a modern floating shelf, or a DIY crate bookshelf, your coastal living room will have a brand new focal point that reflects your coastal living style.
