Monica Barbaro styles her bookshelf with an eclectic mix of plants, books, and trinkets – it's a masterclass in creating a balanced, but not over-styled, design

Bookshelf styling is, at its heart, a highly personal practice. Between the actual books you display, the method you display them in, and any other shelf accessories you select, no two bookshelves look exactly alike.

With that being said, there are some key bookshelf ideas that can transform them from simply functional into a major focal point in a space. Our latest inspiration comes from A Complete Unknown's Monica Barbaro, who shared a glimpse of her open-style wall shelves on her Instagram page. Monica has opted to alternate between horizontal and vertical stacks, peppering the shelves with other objects such as framed artwork, a lamp, trinkets, mugs, and even a small plant. The variety of accessories combined with the balance of shapes and sizes makes for a truly interesting (and easily replicable) shelf.

According to experts, when considering how to style a bookcase, creating a harmonious bookshelf does not necessarily require perfect balance; in fact, creating dimension and asymmetry is encouraged. 'A composition doesn’t need to be symmetrical or the mirror image on both sides,' say Laura Hammett, creative design director of the eponymous London-based design studio and founder of luxury homeware brand, Laura Hammett Living.

Shop Monica's bookshelf look

She continues: 'Creating similar proportions and height levels on both sides helps to create balance in interior design without making the look not ‘over-styled’. Styling in pairs is a great way to help build up the display, I love pairing glass vases and photo frames in two sizes side by side. Glass is a wonderful reflector of light and captures a sense of fluidity. Photo frames also work well in pairs, giving a layered look and a sense of depth when staggered. Photographs naturally bring a personal touch to your styling and make the display uniquely yours.'

Additionally, incorporating an assortment of objects in addition to books not only boosts visual interest, but creates contrast on an open shelf. 'Variety is key when it comes to shelf styling,' Laura explains. 'Mix different materials and textures to add depth and interest to your display. Sculptural items like bookends work well as ornamental pieces atop a stack of books, or when used practically to envelope a row of vertically stacked books. Combine contrasting forms and shapes such as organic-shaped glass vases alongside a bronze trimmed media box for a striking contrast.'

We can see that Monica has opted for an assortment of materials, from paper to ceramics to greenery, making for a truly varied shelf.

When creating a balanced bookshelf, make sure not to overcrowd it with objects and accessories – everything is visible on an open shelf, so intentionality is key to making it look harmonious.