Courteney Cox turns her living room credenza into a deconstructed bookcase – it's an unorthodox way to display books (and simple to replicate)

A credenza is a staple piece of furniture in the home. Part storage solution, part decorative furnishing, these side tables are highly versatile and provide endless opportunities to hold and display objects.

Take Courteney Cox's living room: the Friends star recently shared a clip to her Instagram page of her living space, and we couldn't help but admire her credenza styling, featuring neatly stacked book piles, one of which serves as a stand for a monochromatic lamp.

While credenzas are often used to conceal items via cabinetry, using the surface as a base to display books, lighting, and accessories is a great way to add personality and dimension to a space. It's a new, unique bookshelf styling idea, without the need for traditional cabinets, perfect for smaller living spaces.

According to experts, credenzas are ideal as vehicles to add beauty to a space.

'Investing in storage solutions that are both stylish and functional goes a long way in creating a calm, contemporary and uncluttered home,' says design expert Shelley Cochrane.

'A sleek sideboard is not just a clever option that keeps this space tidy, but it can also be used to display vases of fresh, seasonal flowers, so that the space feels welcoming and inviting.'

Additionally, using a credenza as you would a bookshelf is a method Shelley encourages for its ability to be personalized.

'Curated, styled open shelving has overtaken paint and wallpaper to emerge as the best way to decorate and personalise the home,' she explains. 'Of course, there’s no single ‘right’ way to organize, so whether you lead with aesthetics and organise your curated selection of books in rainbow order or opt for a practical A-Z-themed approach, the key is keeping it authentic. That means only choosing books that you really love, but I also recommend filling your bookshelves with more than just books. Display cherished family photographs alongside artwork and a selection of ceramic vases for an eclectic and truly personal take on ‘bookshelf wealth’. This way, your credenza will serve as a decorative and expressive style statement, rather than a perfunctory piece of furniture.

Finally, lighting plays a part in not only illuminating the credenza, but also adding volume and a point of visual interest to the furnishing (like Courteney's does).

'Think about lighting too - a table lamp placed amongst your books, or a floor lamp stood beside your shelf, will help to highlight this area of the home and create a focal point of your shelf so it becomes a feature, rather a simple storage solution,' Shelley states.

Mix and match lively elements, like plants and flowers, with books, pictures, or decorative objects for a credenza that is as practical as it is beautiful.