1. Create a Zen bookcase. Make covers for all of your books from craft paper or wrapping paper purchased in bulk. Select one or two colors from your room's decor. All white book covers could be striking, or all cherry red covers could add that extra pop of color your room needs.



2. Add color blocks. Paint the inside back wall of your bookcase to match the room's wall color or an accent color - or use both and alternate between them. A pale color can lighten up the bookcase and better show off your collection of books or art.



3. Make a rainbow. Arrange your books so that spines with a similar color are together. Next, arrange the groupings from rainbow order to neutrals: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, gray, and then white. You'll love how pretty your books look arranged this way.



4. Go luxurious. Purchase foam core from your local arts and craft store, then cut it to fit the back wall of the bookcase between each shelf. Cover the foam core with a simple, coordinating fabric. Perk up your home decor by changing the panels each season, or as often as you like.



5. Create a built-in look. If your bookcases almost touch the ceiling, go one step further and apply crown molding to the top. You'll get the look of custom-built furniture.



6. Hide clutter. An easy way to both decorate a bookcase and create hidden storage is by locating wicker or fabric baskets that are the same depth as the bookcase's shelves. Add labels to the front of the basket for increased organization.



7. Personalize with photographs. Bookcases can showcase items other than books and can be used to creatively display your family photos. If you include picture frames on your shelves, use all of the same color or finish, such as all gold frames or all black frames. The frames can be varying styles and sizes. This color coordination technique allows the subject of your photos to take center stage, not the frames.



8. Out with the old. Keep your display updated. Clear away books and other objects you no longer use or have sentimental attachment for. An uncluttered bookcase gives prominence to the things you care about most.



9. Add accent lighting. Attach battery-operated click lights to the underside of a shelf to provide light for objects below. Light shining down upon glass objects creates a stunning effect.