As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that my seasonal decorating has shifted from adding a bunch of pumpkins to tweaking the colors around the house. That also means fewer trips to the extremely hot attic. Yay me. This weekend, I made a few changes to the hutch in the entry, leaving me with some extra decor items to use somewhere else. So, without a doubt, I had a grand ol’ time transitioning the bookshelves for autumn, and I didn’t use a single pumpkin.
Transitioning The Bookshelves For Autumn
If you don’t have shelves in your home, I highly recommend adding a few somewhere. For me, decorating them brings the same joy I got from spending hours coloring when I was younger. By the way, what happened to coloring book pages anyway? The paper doesn’t feel the same. Neither do the crayons. I like the old stuff.
Anywho, I don’t have bookshelves, but I have a cubby shelf that I use for books. And lots of other awesome trinkets. It’s okay, you can call me Ariel. I frequently go around singing…
I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore. You want thingamabobs?I’ve got twenty! But who caaaares? No big deeeal. I want moooooore.
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Let’s get back to transforming the cubby shelf for the fall season.
I began the easy process by removing everything from the shelves that reminded me of summer. A plate with little ducklings, a pink and white transferware lid, a white lantern, a vintage floral cookie jar, etc. After that, I turned the books around to show the book spines instead of the pages. That made the biggest difference.
A vintage sugar bowl and creamer set is definitely adding personality.
I had already put all of my gizmos and gadgets that had warm, fall colors on a nearby table.
You can either start symmetrically adding pieces or be a little more haphazard about it. I began by putting a few books in the corners, then worked my way down in a “Z” formation, keeping some of the cubbies empty. That lasted about 15 minutes, and I decided to add more stuff. To add a bit more personality.
A vintage biscuit jar and cookie jar can be shelf decor too.
Don’t be afraid to add items that you think belong in the kitchen or even outside. Maybe you have a collection you’ve been hiding away?
All the books don’t have to face the same way or be stacked tallest to smallest. Group them by color for something different, or try them angled or flat.
Additionally, hang prints on the back wall instead of leaning them. Command hooks or velcro will help if you don’t want it there permanently. Likewise, try using a small plate stand or easel if it fits.
Move items from room to room. Or in this case, from the dining room to the cubby shelf in the living room. The antique swinging frame below, with the fresh stem from the front yard, still works for fall. When the time comes, I’ll add more color by switching the branch to colorful autumn leaves.
Antique frames have great patina for fall color.
Not only was it an exciting day of decorating, I also accomplished a bit of dusting.
Have you sat looking at your shelves for years and have never touched them? Make this your month, your season! Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Start transitioning the bookshelves for autumn because bookshelves aren’t just for books. 😉
Happy autumn decorating my friends!
Your cubbies look great, Cindy. Perfect for fall.
Author
Thank you Carol. Aren’t shelves, no matter what the shape, so fun to play with? I love it!
Love your fall shelves, even without the pumpkins, they totally read fall.. I have one question, I’ve never heard of biscuit jars, only cookie jars, what is the difference?
Author
Thanks so much Cynde. I enjoy walking by and seeing all the fun little extras.
A biscuit jar is essentially the same type of container as a cookie jar. The Biscuit jar (or barrel) is English and originated back in the 18th century. Most of the ones I’ve seen have handles. The American version isn’t that old. The cookie jar started in the 1930’s (I think). I gravitate to the older, English jars. Hope that helps!
Oh I love the way you decorated your cubbies. So visually appealling..all those cute prints… I just loved it…that must have taken some time to do..well worth it though💕🩷💞
Author
Thank you so much Lorri. It took a couple of hours but even if it takes me a full day or two, I love the process. Because I enjoy decorating so much, some of my friends think I have a “problem”. lol.
Hello, I just wanted to say that I like your cubby shelf and wouldn’t mind having one of those myself.
Author
I found that at Home Goods a few years ago. Before everything got more expensive. I struggled decorating it for a long time because I thought it already looked busy with 16 boxes staring at me. This is the first time every cubby has something in it. Usually, there are at least 4 left empty. Thank you so much for the visit and comment Teresa! I love hearing from you.
Cindy, I love this! You have some really cool gadgets and gizmos (and yes, I was singing it)! I love the way you placed the capital on its side on the far rt second shelf. Those Toby mugs are cool, so are all the prints – the sheep (reminded me I have one stuffed in a cubby that I decided NOT to sell, need to pull out). We style our cubbies and I style my bookshelves at home much the same way for the seasons. Sometimes I get lazy and don’t pull things out, but I love seeing the old friends when I do.
Author
I get lazy too. That’s most of why I don’t have any pumpkins out. 😉 If I do anything similar to you then that makes me pretty cool. Thank you Rita.
Cindy, I LOVE all your bookshelf gadgets and gizmos (and yes, I was singing it). I love how you turned the capital on its side on the far right second shelf. I love the Toby mugs and all the prints – the sheep (reminded me of one I bought and decided not to sell, need to dig for!). The way you styled is a very similar process I use at home in my bookshelves, and also how we try to shuffle things around in our booth spaces at the antique mall. Lol, one sister and I are usually the ones doing the work, and invariably one will end up with an orphan item that just doesn’t work anywhere. We’ll try to trick each other and say, “hold this for a minute”, and then THAT person is stuck with it! Our rule is nothing leaves once it’s in, hahaha.
Author
I literally laughed out loud hearing about the orphan item. Sounds like y’all have a great time. It’s awesome that you do the booth with your sister. My sister and I are complete opposites in every way. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when we have to make critical decisions about our mother. Ugh. Have a great weekend!
Now this is a curated look! I’m loving the selections you made for fall, and how each cubby has it own unique personality! Such a fun display for transitioning into autumn! Hugs!
Author
Thank you Michelle! It was a fun afternoon. I need to get started on the rest of the house. But I’m not going into the attic so it’s either pull some branches from outside or buy more stuff. Hmmmm. Such a dilemma. 😉