Bookcases, either built-in or free-standing, are a terrific bonus in any home. Unfortunately, they can become cluttered and chaotic. If you've been avoiding sorting the things on your bookshelves, wondering where to begin and where it will all end, follow these quick tips for making your shelves shipshape with only a minimal investment in time.

No clutter allowed
Pack away small items to reduce clutter. Or if your bookcase has lower cabinets, such as this one (above) use them for storing small or unattractive items. Keep a theme to what you place on the shelves by repeating objects, such as books and baskets teamed with vintage items and minimal colour.

Space to move
Reposition the shelves to create a larger opening at the centre. This area serves as a focal point, drawing your eye's attention first and then letting your eye travel to other groupings.

A soft touch
Introduce softness by including curved objects in some of the vignettes. Plants, flowers, and other natural elements add texture and colour. Keep arrangements grounded by placing visually weighty objects on lower shelves.

Neat and tidy
Select pretty boxes and other storage containers, such as baskets or bins, to hold less attractive objects such as CDs and paperback books, for example.

Finish the look
The area around a bookcase is important too. Place a comfy chair or bench nearby for reading. Hang artwork or photographs on the walls.