20 Bookshelf Ideas That Will Make Yours Look Like It Was Curated by a Designer
Styling your bookshelves like a professional can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Whether you have a large collection of books or a small one, there are many ways to make your bookshelves look more than just utilitarian. In this article, we will explore 20 bookshelf ideas that will give you plenty of inspiration to make your shelves feel more complete.
1. Organize Books by Color
Amanda Reynal, interior designer and owner of Amanda Reynal Interiors, suggests organizing books by color. “Sometimes what I’ll do is organize the bindings by color, which can be very effective,” she says. “If there’s three books with pink bindings and three books with green bindings, I’ll dot the different stacks of colored bindings throughout the bookshelves and that helps to create consistency for the eye and a sense of organization.”
2. Add Wallpaper
Another fun way to play up your bookshelves is to add wallpaper. Consider adding a fun print or pattern to the back of your built-ins. Incorporate a color that’s in your current design scheme or featured somewhere else in the room, such as a piece of furniture or artwork, to help tie the room together, says Reynal.
3. Curate Décor by Theme
When selecting objects for display, consider curating around a theme or collection. “Maybe you have a collection of picture frames in different sizes that all kind of relate to each other,” says Reynal. “It could be a collection of objects from travels, whether they’re sculptures or vases—it’s really nice to try and find some sort of consistency.”
4. Style with Larger Objects
Bookshelves are also a great place for larger objects, especially if you don’t have room to display them on an end or coffee table. Put lamps on the lower shelf to add a personal touch and then fill in the rest of the space with slightly larger objects, like vases or pottery, says Reynal.
5. Find Harmony Between Books and Keepsakes
It’s essential to find the right balance of books and objects—not just one or the other, says Reynal. “Decorative items can look a little contrived if you’ve got some pretty things on the bookshelves but not a lot of books,” she says. “If you have too many books, it can get kind of cluttered and claustrophobic-looking, and sometimes a little bit messy. I think it’s essential to be very judicious when making your selections of how you’re going to style your bookshelves to use a combination of both.”
6. Get Personal
When styling your bookshelves, make sure your collection isn’t just pretty but also personalized. “If they love novels, biographies, whatever it is, we’ll mix in their personal collection with additional books if needed, but I really like to make sure the books are indicative of who the people are so it doesn’t feel like they just had a designer come in and make something pretty for them,” says Reynal.
7. Lean into Bookshelf Wealth
If you’re an avid reader who can’t imagine narrowing down their collection to a shortlist of favorites, bookshelf wealth is the trend you should lean into. Less about styling and more about surrounding yourself with books, this aesthetic seamlessly blends form and function.
8. Consider Layout
If you’re styling bookshelves with no back, utilize pieces that will look great from all angles. “We faced a unique challenge for this project because the bookshelf acted as a divider between two spaces,” says Bryan Yates of Yates Desygn. In this instance, we focused on connecting the spaces by honing in on items that would make the shelves beautiful on both sides, as there was no back.”
9. Style with Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books add height and dimension to bookshelves, serving as the ultimate styling detail. “Coffee table books can be used to add color and can be changed out as desired when looking to refresh the styling of the bookshelves,” says Christian Ladd of Christian Ladd Interiors.
10. Edit Your Collection
Make room for a few personal keepsakes when decorating your bookshelves. “Showcase personal mementos, photographs, or artwork to infuse your personality into the display,” says Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair. But keep in mind that less is often more when it comes to styling bookshelves, so edit your display periodically to keep it fresh and curated, she says.
11. Layer Pieces Horizontally and Vertically
Create dimension on your bookshelves by displaying pieces both horizontally and vertically. Smaller tomes are stood straight up, while larger coffee table books are laid flat—a theme that is carried out with decorative items, too.
12. Create Symmetry
To keep your bookshelves from looking cluttered, work on creating symmetry between your pieces. “Typically, I start with a high-level approach and then create each shelf individually to achieve the desired style,” says Cheri Etchelecu Martin of Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design. “If I have large pieces that will overpower one shelf, I work to create symmetry in the collection of shelves, placing them in the same row to maintain balance while using them as anchors for the bookshelf as a whole.”
13. Add Seating
You’ll need a place to read all of the books on your shelves, of course. Whether it’s a built-in love seat—like the one in this room—reclining chair, or a cozy settee, adding seating close to your shelves is a no-brainer.
14. Go Neutral
If you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, opt for a neutral color palette and simple décor when decorating your shelves. Here, earth-toned pottery and coffee table books create a curated vibe.
15. Use China as Décor
If you have china you love, put it on display rather than hiding it away in a kitchen pantry. In this home, beautiful bowls in different patterns were displayed on acrylic stands and flanked by the owner’s favorite books.
16. Create a Warm Color Palette
Choose décor that complements your bookshelves’ finer details. When accessorizing the shelves in this living room, Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors took inspiration from the wood detailing and chose pieces that felt complementary, like a wicker basket, wooden picture frame, and books in warm colors.
17. Add a Vibrant Color
Paint your bookshelves in a vibrant color for a welcome pop that brings the entire room to life. For these shelves, Mehreen Baldoni, founder and creative director of Mehreen Baldoni Interiors, chose a daring chartreuse shade that felt playful but elegant when paired with thoughtful décor.
18. Contrast Light and Dark
Create dimension by painting your bookshelves a dark color. The moody black shade of these shelves contrasts with the sky blue of the walls for a focal point that really draws the eye in. The space is tied together with white books and décor, which complement the neutral furnishings and wall art.
19. Choose Complementary Colors
Choose book covers in colors that complement other shades in the room, like Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design did here. Blue window treatments, furnishings, and artwork tie together with the blue books displayed on the asymmetrical floating shelves.
20. Add Gallery Lights
Give your bookshelves a museum-like quality by installing gallery lights above each section. Not only do they draw attention to your books, but they also add ambience to the entire room.
By incorporating these bookshelf ideas into your home decor, you can create a unique and stylish space that showcases your personality and love of reading. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a more elaborate design, there’s a bookshelf idea to suit every taste and style.
What are some ways to organize books on bookshelves?
Organize books by color or theme to create a cohesive and visually appealing display.
Can you add wallpaper to bookshelves?
Yes, adding wallpaper with a fun print or pattern to the back of bookshelves can enhance the overall look.
How can you curate a themed display on bookshelves?
Curate around a theme or collection, such as picture frames, travel memorabilia, or other related items.
Are larger objects suitable for bookshelves?
Yes, larger objects like lamps, vases, or pottery can add interest to bookshelves, especially in spaces where table display is limited.
How should books and keepsakes be balanced on bookshelves?
Maintain a balance between books and decorative items to avoid a cluttered look and ensure that neither overwhelms the other.
What is the importance of a personal touch in bookshelf styling?
Ensure the books displayed reflect the owners’ preferences and personality to make the bookshelf feel unique.
What is the “bookshelf wealth” trend?
This trend involves embracing a full collection of books without concern for minimalism, focusing on the abundance of books as a styling element.
What should be considered when styling bookshelves without a back?
Choose items that look aesthetically pleasing from all sides to maintain the style from both directions.
How can coffee table books be used in bookshelf styling?
Coffee table books add height and dimension, enhancing the style and can be changed regularly to refresh the look.
Why is editing important when decorating bookshelves?
Editing helps maintain the stylish and curated look of your bookshelves, suggesting less is often more.
What role does layering play in bookshelf styling?
Layering pieces horizontally and vertically creates depth and variety on the bookshelf.
How can symmetry contribute to bookshelf styling?
Creating symmetry between pieces helps avoid a cluttered look and can be achieved by strategically placing larger objects or creating a uniformity across multiple shelves.
What is the importance of seating near bookshelves?
Placing seating near your bookshelves creates a functional and inviting reading spot, enhancing the overall appeal.
What is a neutral aesthetic for bookshelves?
A neutral aesthetic involves using earth tones and simple, understated decorations to create a minimalist and stylish look.
Can china be displayed on bookshelves?
Yes, displaying beautiful china can be a stylish and expressive way to utilize your bookshelves.
How can color complement your bookshelves’ details?
Choose book covers and décor items that complement the color and texture of your bookshelves and other elements in the room.
What is a vibrant color palette for bookshelves?
Using a vibrant, focal color for your bookshelves, paired with complementary colors and items, can create a striking design.
How can contrast between light and dark shades be used in bookshelf styling?
Painting bookshelves in a dark color and using lighter colored books and décor can create a visually engaging contrast.
What is the role of complementary colors in bookshelf styling?
Selecting books and décor in colors that match or complement the colors in the room creates a cohesive and stylish look.
How can gallery lights benefit bookshelves?
Installing gallery lights above each section of bookshelves can create a museum-like quality, drawing attention and Adding ambiance to the room.
