{Phoebe Howard}

Man, I’m a sucker for a perfectly styled bookcase or etagere… probably because I don’t have a single one in my house!  I just can’t hardly wait for the day when I have a pair flanking a fire place.  It’s probably not hard to believe that when I saw the image above my heart practically stopped…gold, gilded, and geometric – what more could I ask for??

{Timothy Whealon via So Haute}

I really think the key to a great bookshelf is how you style it.  A “Billy” bookcase from Ikea can look like a million bucks filled with a variety of books and curiosities.  This really the place to {tastefully} display all the finds from your travels as well as personal photos…not to mention books!

{Ashley Whittaker}

This robin’s egg blue bookcase really makes the room in my opinion.  You hardly notice the t.v. nestled in the shelves…like my husband would ever be okay with a t.v. that small – ha!

{via Little Green Notebook}

Now, there’s my pair of shelves on either side of the fireplace – quite lovely.

{Kelly Wearstler}

I love this picture…always have always will.  From the Queen of Glam herself, Kelly Wearstler.  Again, very simple black shelves outfitted perfectly.

Here are some of my favorite picks…

Red Chinese Bookcase from The Well Appointed House

Union 112 Shagreen Bookcase from Mecox

Above three bookcases available through Mrs. Howard

Eastwood Bookscase from Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman

Sonoma Bookcase from Ballard Designs

Lack from Ikea…I’d like to get a pair of these and take them to my glass shop and have them mirrored…then I’d do a little DIY antiquing on the glass…could be fabulous!

Benchwright Tower from Pottery Barn

This bookcase goes perfectly with my post about Bachelor Style – loves!

Bottom Line – even a basic bookcase can look fabulous when carefully arranged to look not-so-perfect!