How to Decorate a Bookshelf & Styling Ideas for Bookcases
Are you struggling with how to decorate a bookshelf? Whether you want to fill it with decor or books or even greenery, I’ve got you covered with some simple, yet tested and approved formulas that work!
Bookshelves can be tricky. Almost every home has them, but figuring out how to find the perfect bookshelf decor can seem almost impossible. Yes, you absolutely could just cram random books onto a bookshelf then stack random things you like along with them, but when it comes to interior design there is a fine line between curated and cluttered that I try to stay on the right side of.
Before we talk about the types of items you could use as bookcase decor, let’s talk about the basics. How do you decorate a bookshelf? Here are the basic bookshelf decorating rules:
How to Decorate a Bookshelf
- Start with a blank slate. If at all possible, remove everything from your bookshelf and wipe it down clean.
- Be selective about what you put back in. You don’t want a bookshelf crammed full of items. Sometimes, less is more. Be purposeful and thoughtful about what you want to see in this space.
- Utilize different heights and shapes. As much as you can, create different layers to help draw the eye.
- Play with different textures. Try adding items outside of books and paper. Wicker baskets, smooth boxes or textured pottery are all different ways to do this.
- Have fun with it. At the end of the day, bookshelf decor is pretty easy to take down and redo, unlike a major remodeling project. Have fun, experiment and switch it up.
Now, onto the fun stuff. Here are 5 shelf decorating ideas and tips you can implement in your own home along with some serious bookshelf inspiration images from other bloggers.
Use Books as Bookshelf Decor
Let’s get the most obvious bookshelf decor tool out of the way first: books. Yes, you can definitely have a library of your book collection that can also function as decor.
If you want more color in your home, you can create a beautiful rainbow-hued bookshelf or only purchase books in a certain color palette. Prefer a more monochromatic color scheme? You can turn books backward so only the pages can be seen. You can stack books vertically or horizontally to create visual appeal.
Built-in Shelves by A Beautiful Mess
Use Photos and Art as Bookcase Decor
As far as bookshelf decor ideas go, this is one of my favorite tips. You all know I love having a good piece of art or two around our home! Wooden signs are another great element to use as bookcase decor since they can be swapped out easily for each season. Of course, photographs in pretty picture frames are wonderful too, especially if they spark your joy.
Layer in Greenery
Greenery is definitely in. Whether you opt for real potted plants or faux ones, greenery can make a seriously pretty statement. Trailing greenery adds a bold statement, while a small succulent is more subtle. Plus, the pots and containers themselves add a lot of visual interest and can be used to add a pop of color or some added texture—all very good things for bookcase decor.
The Turquoise Home (that’s me!)
SHOP THE LOOK
Add Functional Storage as Bookshelf Decor
These days, who couldn’t use a bit more storage? You can keep important papers or mementos hidden in plain sight within boxes that also decorate shelves. A stack of magazines or a set of books can be corralled in a wire basket to keep clutter to a minimum. Lastly, wicker baskets are also a great element to add when you are trying to learn how to decorate a bookshelf as they add the winning combination of both texture and storage.
Add in the Unexpected
Lastly, who says there’s a home decor rule about what you can put in a bookshelf? Again, bookcase decor is a low commitment project that you can have fun with. You can add bowls, lamps, ceramic figurines – anything as a focal point. If you love it, add it to your shelf and call it bookshelf decor!
SHOP THE LOOK
So, are you ready to get started by implementing some of these shelf decorating ideas? I hope this post helped you learn how to style a bookshelf. Which way to decorate is your favorite? I kind of love them all!
Thanks for all the tips and inspiration! I have a 5′ x 5′ bookcase my Pop built for me for my 40th birthday (and it still doesn’t hold all my books lol) but for the last 2 years I have been contemplating painting it white as it’s a dark mahogany colour, and gifting the books I never read and that just collect dust. I would obviously keep the classics that I have, including some from my own childhood but I think these would be better as features in a more styled bookshelf rather than hidden away amongst everything else.
Yes!! I love the idea of painting it and giving away the books you never read. I pared down my books years ago and now just have one small bookshelf of books. And any book I buy and know I won’t read again, I pass it along when I’m finished! xo, Laura
Can you show us ideas for decorating a mantle that has a tv above it?
Hi Cindy! I am already two steps ahead of you and have that post for you right here: https://theturquoisehome.com/how-to-decorate-a-mantel-with-tv/ I wrote it last year! 😉 xo, Laura
Saving this for later! We are going to tear down our flimsy “built ins” from the various owner and have new ones built and I need these tips. Right now, it’s so ugly anyway, I just have crap piled on the shelves. haha
Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful, April! xo, Laura
Beautiful ideas! I adore decorating bookshelves. I have been finding all kids of great vintage books recently at thrift stores for $2 or less and love using them to add color (I generally stick to ones in colors that work with my decor). One of my favorite ways to add interest to a plain bookshelves is to back it with fabric. I cut pieces of corrugated cardboard or foam core board to fit inside back of shelf (maybe slightly smaller to allow for thickness of fabric) and cover by wrapping with fabric just using duct tape and maybe a bit of hot glue on the back. I also like to add a small ribbon or twine loop on the bottom (glued on back and sticking out the front) to help make it easier to remove later. Using a patterned fabric adds interest and you may even feel you don’t need to fill shelves with quite as many accessories. It’s also easy to change when you want a different look, and you could also use wallpaper or wrapping paper. You are so right, it’s an easy way to decorate that’s easy to change and not a permanent commitment. If you don’t have enough items to decorate with, you can easily find things at thrift stores, garage sales, and outlet stores! (And possibly paint if you don’t like the color).