16 Bookshelf Styling Ideas Designers Want You to Try
Here's how to give your shelves a more collected look.
Most people think of their bookshelves solely in terms of functionality. But designers say a bookshelf actually offers unique design opportunities. We’ve rounded up expert-approved bookshelf styling ideas that can add personality to any space.
If you’re looking for a cozy, Nancy Meyers-inspired home, a curated bookshelf is a must-have. But it’s not just about showing off your favorite reads. Design pros say you can use the bookshelf to display travel souvenirs, plants, vintage treasures, artwork, photos, and more. It’s one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make your home feel like you.
In addition to displaying a variety of personal items, experts say you can also experiment with elements like color, lighting, and height. If you’re tired of a plain black bookshelf, paint it a bold color or hang picture lights above it to bathe everything in a warm glow. A simple DIY upgrade can make your bookshelf into something you love to look at.
Ahead, design experts share their favorite bookshelf styling ideas you can try in your living room or home office. For more tips, read up on the bookshelf styling mistakes designers want you to avoid and this clever bookshelf upgrade design pros love.
Bring in Art and Sculptures
Don't limit your display to books. Take note from design firm Living With Lolo and layer in art, sculptures, houseplants and any decorative items that showcase your personality.
Hang Picture Lights Above
Draw attention to your bookshelf by mounting picture lights above, just as Maestri Studio does in this moody living space. Not only do the gold fixtures illuminate your collection, they serve as a modern accent.
Arrange Books by Color
For this slim bookshelf, designer Megan Evans organizes hardcover books in rainbow order, designating one tier to each color. She starts with red on top and swaps purple for pink on the bottom shelf.
Show Off a Hobby
A floor-to-ceiling built-in provides the perfect opportunity to showcase decor that reflects your interests and hobbies. Here, designer Bria Hammel incorporates two tennis rackets and a few small trophies.
Play With Height and Proportions
For visual interest, arrange books of various heights and thickness. Take note from Outline Interiors and weave in decor of various sizes — think meaningful art, sculptures and knick-knacks. Aim for every shelf to have a different number of items to make it look more curated than styled.
Decorate With Antiques
From vases and figurines to artwork, this floor-to-ceiling bookcase is full of eye-catching antiques. Design firm JAM adds a rolling ladder to make high-up shelving more accessible, which allows the homeowners to rearrange decor as their collection grows.
Grow Houseplants
If your bookshelf is positioned in a sunny location, it's a stylish place for houseplants to thrive. Mix small greens and succulents amongst your books, or dedicate the entire top shelf to larger plants like this setup from Outline Interiors.
Stack Books in Alternating Positions
By stacking books vertically and horizontally, design firm Maestri Studio creates visual interest on these gold bookshelves. For horizontal stacks, always place the largest books on the bottom.
Weave in Whimsical Items
Add personality to any bookshelf with funky sculptures, colorful trinkets and books you've actually read. Arrange books of various shapes and sizes, even stacking small decorative items on top if you're going for an eclectic look.
Make Every Shelf Different
You don't want your shelves to look too styled. Group like items, go for different heights, leave blank space and most importantly, never style every shelf exactly the same. Some shelves may have two or three items, while others have four or five — the variation is key.
Showcase Old Encyclopedias
Lean into a traditional approach and let a collection of dictionaries and encyclopedias act as home office decor, just as Maestri Studio does here. Don't forget to sprinkle in personal items, like family photos, accolades and a college diploma.
Embrace a Worldly Look
Miss traveling abroad? Use your bookshelf to showcase some of the global-inspired curios you've collected over the years. Finish the look by placing a few globes on an upper shelf to stay on theme.
Stick to a Subtle Theme
From the model rocket and sky globe to moon books, this home office brings in a playful theme that doesn't overpower the room. The mix of art, sculptures, bottles and faux plants adds a ton of personality to the space.
Layer in Pastel Touches
Accessories boasting pops of soft pink, robin's egg blue and lemon yellow are a brilliant choice for a spring shelf upgrade.
Display Fine China
Use rustic shelves to highlight a treasured china collection. Balance the display with color-coordinated books, then elevate the look with artwork hung over shelves.
Incorporate Lush Greenery
Give your office space life — and a dose of style — by scattering succulents and plants on shelves. It's an easy way to bring the outdoors in.
RELATED: Low-Maintenance Office Plants That Don't Need Much Light
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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