Bookshelves do so much more than just hold your books. They can really become the heart of any room and let your personality shine.
When you learn how to style your shelves, you turn them from storage into a display that feels like you—practical, but totally personal.
This guide gives you easy ways to style your bookshelves. Whether you love a clean vibe or want to fill every inch with treasures, you’ll find practical tips here.
1. Mix books with small potted plants
Try adding small potted plants to your bookshelf for a lively, fresh feel. Tuck them between book stacks or scatter them on different shelves.
Pick low-maintenance plants that fit your lifestyle. Mixing up pot styles adds a bit of visual interest and keeps things from looking too uniform.
2. Use floating shelves
Install floating shelves right on your wall—no brackets showing. They free up valuable floor space and feel super modern.
You can use them in any room to display books and favorite objects, all while keeping the space open and uncluttered.
3. Group books by color
Sort your books by the color of their spines for a bold look. Start with red at the top, then move through orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
It’s a simple move, but suddenly your book collection becomes wall art.
4. Intersperse decorative objects
Mix in some decorative items between your books to break up the rows. Sculptures, vases, or framed photos work well.
This approach keeps things visually interesting and gives your shelves a more balanced feel.
5. Stack books horizontally and vertically
Try stacking some books sideways and others upright. Mixing horizontal and vertical stacks makes your bookshelf way more interesting.
You can use the horizontal stacks as little platforms for extra decor. It breaks up the monotony and gives your eyes something new to follow.
6. Add framed photos or art pieces
Mix your books with framed photos and artwork for a personal touch. Lean frames against the back of the shelf, or hang them right on the wall behind your books.
This shows off your favorite memories and adds a layer of interest.
7. Incorporate stylish bookends
Pick out bookends that keep your books upright and add a bit of personality. Choose pieces that fit your room’s vibe—maybe marble for a modern look, or wood for something cozier.
Bookends turn practical storage into a decorative statement that reflects who you are.
8. Use baskets or boxes on lower shelves
Set baskets or boxes on your bottom shelves to stash away stuff you don’t want on display. That way, your bookshelf stays tidy, but you can still grab everyday things easily.
Larger baskets usually work best down low since they’re more stable there.
9. Highlight a favorite book cover
Take your favorite book cover and display it face-out, almost like art. This trick works especially well for beautiful art books or titles that mean a lot to you.
Put it at eye level so visitors spot it right away.
10. Include a cozy reading nook
Just put a comfy chair near your bookshelf, and you’ve got yourself a reading spot. Toss a soft blanket over the arm and maybe grab a little side table for your mug or a snack.
Good lighting really helps. Try setting up a floor lamp or a wall sconce next to your chair, so you can settle in with a book whenever you want.