Consider their pointers to make your bookshelves the focal point of your space once and for all. Going overboard with framed photosA room filled with family photos can feel welcoming, but when it comes to your bookshelves, Ducsik says it’s best to practice restraint. “Painting or wallpapering the back of a bookshelf is an effective way to add depth, color, and personality to a space,” explains Ducsik. Forgetting lightingOne way to give your shelves a “flat, shadowed” look, according to Nayak? “Thoughtful lighting is one of the most important elements of a well-designed bookshelf,” Ducsik says.