Designing An Eccentric Bookshelf:
The Swamp Witch Edition
I love for my home to have that flooded forest swamp aesthetic. Perhaps you do too, and you've realized that even though you can imagine what you want it to look like, you have no idea where to begin (Enter Me). I would like to suggest an eccentric bookshelf as the perfect place to start, hence the title of this page. Here we go with a quick look at my shelf that will hopefully help get your creative wheels turning:
Now that you’re with me, I’ll show you all the pieces you need to create a witchy-wetland-themed bookshelf in your home.
Bookshelves Made of Wood
Of course, the first thing you need to begin creating this mistress-of-the-mire motif is…you guessed it…a bookshelf. It should be made of natural wood. The more detailed and unique looking, the better. Do keep in mind that the more detailed a bookshelf is, the more expensive it typically is. Therefore, I highly recommend shopping second-hand and thrift stores. You never know when you might happen upon a rogue hand-carved item or other pieces that are dying for new life and would cost significantly less money. We're on a budget here.
Your Books
What would a bookshelf be without books? Naturally, you would use the books you already own on the shelf — it should be a practical bookshelf. But you may consider adding just a few vintage books. They can give it a weathered-by-time feel. You may be wondering how you might find vintage books. Thankfully, there are Etsy sellers out there who will do the hard work for you for a great price. Or you could even browse the for-sale section of your local library for hardbacks and get handy with some fine-grit sandpaper. However you like - Do you.
Apothecary, Herbs, and Oddities
The next thing I suggest adding to your budding boggy bookshelf is…wait for it…jars! Jars of sea salt, moon water, or dried flower petals are great options to start with. We all keep herbs in our houses, so why not make them look aesthetically pleasing? I love the look of herb jars on an open bookshelf, and I love it even more if those jars are unique and whimsical. Some herbs to consider are lemon balm, catmint, lavender, and rosemary. Each of them has a very unique scent and useful applications, too. Perhaps you have some small oddities such as preserved insects, taxidermy, or maybe an amphibian or reptilian wet specimen. All good things. Add them. Go nuts. Here are some inspiration jars:
A False Book
No bookshelf is complete without at least one false book. If we can't have a secret room full of whimsy hidden behind the bookshelf, we will settle for a few false books to enjoy at least a tiny bit of hidden mystery to ourselves. You can find these online or at bookstores such as B&N and B-A-M. I found a pretty cool one at Spirit Halloween (pic below). Or…you can get creative by grabbing an old book you're willing to sacrifice to the lit gods, an exacto knife, and a glue stick to fashion your own book box. Use these faux books to store crystals, tarot cards, incense, and lighters or matches. I mean hell, you could put a smaller book inside the false book just for funzies. Go on - It's your little secret.
The above and below false books are from Spirit Halloween and Books-A-Million, respectively. Cat for scale.
Bookshelf-Friendly Plants
What is a merry marsh mage's abode without some nature creeping in? Having fresh potted plants on the bookshelf can be great and adds a certain earthen magic feel. I think the best plants for bookshelves are hanging mosses and vining or trailing plants like Spanish moss and various types of pothos. They give that 'nature-grown-wild' vibe, which is perfect for this aesthetic. You can always go for faux plants if you are not confident enough in your green thumb capabilities. No judgment here. Just foresty feels. My plants aren't even pictured on my shelf for this article. I move most of my plants to the kitchen during the winter months, so they get better light. I digress. See plant inspiration pics below.
Knick Knacks, Bric-A-Brac, & Beyond
Finally, we need to fill up the remaining space on the shelves with cool trinkets, knick knacks, statues, and eclectic pieces. I think pieces of driftwood, odd little containers, and other unique-looking items all add to The Swamp Witch's aesthetic. I've included a few close-up photos of items on my shelf and a couple of stock photos for inspiration as well. Thanks for reading and happy designing!
