This is a full guide that explains everything around the topic “how to decorate a bookshelf”.

Cicero said something like “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Pretty dramatic, but he wasn’t wrong.

The thing is, most people just shove books on a shelf in their living room and call it a day. But you’ve got this whole space that could actually say something about you. What are you into? What matters to you? Your shelf can show that off and look decent while doing it.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of shelf you’re working with. It could be something modern and minimal or it could be an old wooden one. Either way, there’s room to transform it.

In this blog post I’m gonna break down how to style your bookshelf properly, point out where people usually mess up (so you don’t waste your time) and present 16 bookshelf decorating ideas that might spark something for you.

Maybe you’ve been staring at your living room shelf for weeks not knowing what to do with it. Or maybe it’s fine but just feels a bit flat. Either way, I’ve got you.

Let’s figure this out together!

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How To Decorate A Bookshelf Step By Step

Alright, let’s actually do this. Here’s how I’d tackle styling a shelf from scratch.

Step 1: Empty the whole shelf
Yes, take everything off. I know it’s annoying, but you need a clean slate. Old arrangements get stuck in your head and you end up just shuffling the same stuff around. Pro tip: Take a quick photo of it empty. This makes the before-and-after way more satisfying later.

Step 2: Figure out your colors
What colors are already in your room? Pick a few that either match or deliberately clash, whatever feels right to you. Having some kind of color direction stops things from looking totally random.

Step 3: Play around with how you arrange books
You can group them by color if you’re into that look or by size or just by topic. Mix it up: Some standing upright, some stacked flat. That’s what keeps it from looking like a library.

Step 4: Bring in the other elements
Now for the fun part. Plants, candles, pictures, that pretty bowl you bought on vacation, whatever feels like you. This is where your shelf stops being just books.

Step 5: Don’t fill every inch
Leave some breathing room. Everything doesn’t need to touch. Empty space is good, it lets your eyes actually focus on the things that are there. The “rule of three” says group items in threes or make little triangles with your arrangement. And let me tell you, it really works.

Step 6: Add something that matters
Put up your favorite book where you can see it. That photo that makes you smile. A quote you wrote out by hand. Something that’s actually meaningful, not just decorative.

Step 7: Think about lighting
This one is optional but makes a huge difference. Some LED strips behind the shelf, string lights for that cozy vibe or just a lamp nearby. Light changes everything.

By the way, did you know that a bookshelf is a beautiful decorative accessory for your living room wall? If you need more inspiration for your living room walls, you can find it in this blog post about living room decor ideas for walls.

Common Mistakes When Decorating Bookshelves

So you want your bookshelf to look good without making rookie mistakes? Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

Don’t cram everything in there: I get it, you’ve got things to display and limited shelf space. But when you pack every single inch, it just ends up looking messy and stressful. Give your things room to breathe. Each piece deserves its moment.

Repeat yourself (in a good way): If you’re not echoing certain colors, textures or shapes throughout the shelf, things can start looking pretty random. When you repeat elements, it creates this nice flow that pulls the whole thing together.

Play with different heights: All similarly-sized items? That’s a one-way ticket to looking flat. Throw in some tall candlesticks next to those short stacks of books. The variation adds dimension and makes it way more interesting to look at.

Perfect symmetry isn’t always your friend: Sure, balance matters. You don’t want everything falling to one side. But making both sides mirror images of each other? That can actually end up looking kind of boring and staged. A little asymmetry keeps things lively and natural.

The goal is making it look curated but not overthought, you know? Like you just happen to have impeccable taste rather than spending three hours arranging everything (even if you did).

Bookshelf Decorating Ideas

Want to turn those shelves into something actually worth looking at? I’ve pulled together 16 bookshelf decorating ideas that’ll help you style them properly, whether you’re working with a tiny apartment corner or have a whole wall to play with.

The perfect bookshelf also needs a sofa with a coffee table as the perfect place to put your books and coffee. If you need help decorating your coffee table, just click here to get to know 18+ brilliant decor ideas for round coffee tables.

1. Corner Bookshelf

A bookshelf squeezed into a corner is great because it just works, you know?

My go-to? I’ll put in some framed photos with books stacked horizontally, then add a plant that drapes over the edge a bit. It makes the whole thing feel lived-in and actually yours, not like something straight out of a catalog.

In my opinion, corner shelves are especially perfect for office bookshelf decorating ideas too. Just balance the practical with the personal, like a candle next to your notebooks or a small sculpture beside your go-to reads.

2. Stacked Vintage Suitcases

Okay, so this might sound random, but stacking old vintage suitcases on a bookshelf? It actually looks amazing.

There’s this whole storybook vibe they give off, like each one has traveled somewhere interesting.

I especially love putting a fern or some trailing ivy on top. It softens the whole thing and makes it feel less “museum display” and more “I actually live here.”

Quick tip: Mix up the suitcase sizes so you get that nice layered effect. And for the plant pot? Go with something that matches the vintage energy, maybe a beat-up terracotta pot or just a simple white ceramic bowl. Nothing too shiny or new.

3. Bookshelf Decorating Ideas: Succulents

Succulents add a little green color touch to any bookshelf, especially in cozy corners of the living room.

Their sculptural shapes make them a unique plant arrangement.

And the best part? They are very easy to care for and require very little water.

If you’re going for that carefully-put-together look, grab two or three plants in different little pots. They don’t need to match (actually it’s better if they don’t) and scatter them between your books or whatever else you’ve got on there.

4. Plants, Candles & Bowls

Mixing plants, candles and decorative bowls on a bookshelf? That’s where it’s at.

It keeps things from looking too one-note, you know?

Like, the candles add this soft, flickering warmth that takes the edge off. Then you’ve got your plant bringing in some life and color. It all just works together to make the shelf feel more dynamic instead of flat. A pretty bowl is just an interesting visual object that loosens up the whole decor arrangement.

In my opinion, placing these elements in varying heights and mixing matte with glossy finishes creates a stylish balance.

5. Photo Frames

Throwing a photo frame on your shelf is honestly the easiest way to make it feel like yours.

What I do is mix it up: Some black-and-white shots next to colorful ones. That way you can create a mini gallery.

You don’t need a ton, either. Just tuck one or two small frames next to your books or candles.

Sometimes I’ll even lean one against a stack of books so it’s kind of layered.

6. Building Shapes With Books

Okay, if you haven’t tried making shapes out of your books yet, you’re seriously missing out.

It’s such a fun way to shake things up. Stack a few into a triangle or arrange them in an arch and suddenly your shelf becomes something very impressive.

What makes it work? I like picking books with covers that go together color-wise, then mixing some normal upright stacks with these geometric arrangements.

That keeps your eye moving around instead of just scanning left to right like usual.

7. Using Plants As Book Stoppers

One of my favorite little tricks is using small potted plants as natural book stoppers.

As part of my bookshelf decor inspiration I recommend to choose pots in complementary tones and make sure the plant has enough weight (or a wide enough base) to hold your books in place without tipping.

In my eyes the greenery adds a touch of softness.

8. Personalized Bookshelf

Your bookshelf should feel like you, honestly. That’s where it gets interesting.

Personally, I’m all about throwing in framed quotes that mean something to me and little souvenirs from trips I’ve taken.

If you do so, suddenly it’s not just a shelf anymore. It’s basically telling your story.

Got wooden initials? Put them up there. Love photography? Display an old camera or some vintage lenses. Whatever reflects who you are, it belongs.

Still not sure what you could put on your shelf? Think about what actually matters to you, then work those things in. Maybe it’s a piece of pottery you picked up at a local market, something you made yourself or that thing your grandma gave you years ago.

Mix those meaningful pieces with your books and other decor and you’ve got a shelf that’s actually yours and not something that could belong to anyone.

9. Bookshelf In Special Shape

You know those shelves that aren’t just boring boxes? The round ones, zigzag shapes, ones that look like trees? Those are genius. Why stick with rectangles when you can have something actually interesting?

And the best part? The shape basically tells you where stuff goes. You’ve got all these little pockets and weird angles and it kind of just works itself out. Throw some books in one spot, let a plant hang down from another, stack your bowls over here, stick a candle there.

One thing I’ve learned though: Don’t fill every single space. Some sections should be packed, others nearly empty. That contrast is what keeps it from looking like a mess. Your eyes need somewhere to rest, otherwise it’s just overwhelming.

10. Maximized Storage

Space is always tight at my place, so I’ve gotten pretty good at squeezing storage out of every shelf.

Baskets and boxes with lids? Game changers. You can stuff all your random things in there, the stuff that needs to live somewhere but doesn’t need to be on display. I recommend to mix them in with your books and a couple nice-looking objects.

The other route is going vertical. Get a shelf that goes all the way up to the ceiling and suddenly you’ve got way more room. Or find one with those built-in cabinets. They’re perfect for hiding linens, towels or whatever household items you don’t want to display.

11. Small Ladder-Shaped Bookshelf

I think little ladder bookshelves are so pretty and cute!

They’re perfect when you don’t have much floor space but still want somewhere to put your things. Plus they add some height to your room without taking up half of it.

My suggestion: Use the wider bottom rungs for stacked books or a storage basket and then letting the top tiers breathe with a candle, a plant or a favorite photo.

12. Vertically & Horizontally Arranged Books

Mixing vertically and horizontally arranged books instantly brings a special kind of rhythm to any bookshelf, like styling with purpose.

What I like to do is stacking a few favorites flat and topping them with a candle or tiny sculpture.

In my opinion, it breaks the visual monotony and adds a relaxed, curated look.

Try alternating directions on each shelf for a balanced flow.

It’s such a simple trick, but it makes the whole shelf come to life.

13. Bookshelf Decorating Ideas: Monochrome Style

If you like that clean, pulled-together look, go monochrome with your shelf. It’s very modern and intentional.

There’s something calming about it when everything’s in the same color family. All whites, all grays, all beige, whatever you’re into. Your brain just relaxes when it’s not jumping between a hundred different colors.

What makes it work is adding some texture. For example, get some matte ceramic items, books with fabric covers, maybe a sculptural piece or two but all in that same color.

It looks simple but there’s actually a lot going on. Just in a quiet way.

14. Uniform Shapes & Colors

Want your shelf to feel calm and put-together? This might be your thing.

Stick with similar shapes and colors. Like, get a few round bowls in the same muted tones. Or line up books that are all cream-colored. Hang pictures that have the same vibe. It creates this instant sense of order.

The key though is (and this is important): Mix up your textures a bit. All smooth gets boring. I recommend to bring in something matte next to something glossy, rough next to soft and so on.

That’s what keeps it from looking too sterile or like a store display.

15. Bookshelf Decorating Ideas: All White

All-white shelves are kind of wild because they’re super calm but also grab your attention immediately.

Everything’s white: The shelf itself, what’s on it, all of it. And somehow it just feels elegant and peaceful. Like your eyes can finally take a break.

In my eyes, this look works beautifully when you play with textures: Pair glossy ceramics with matte vases and add white books with rough linen covers to keep things interesting.

You can also layer your decor, like sculptural objects, framed pressed flowers or even a tiny alabaster lamp, to make the whole setup glow.

16. Showcasing Special Books

You’ve got books that actually mean something to you? In my opinion, those shouldn’t be put somewhere in the middle. Give them some space.

I’ll prop mine up on those little easels so they’re facing out or stack them somewhere you can actually see the covers.

You can also put a small object next to them, nothing fancy, just something that complements it.

Or give them their own section. They’ve earned it.

My advice: Display those books on eye level. And if you’ve got a small light, highlight them. That makes them look special.

The Last Word On Chic Bookshelf Decor

Your bookshelf needs to feel like yours. It doesn’t matter if you go big and bold or super minimal, just make it your thing.

Stick your books next to those items that make you happy. Put a c couple plants on your bookshelf, a vintage piece that means something to you and use colors you actually like. If it feels good to you, it’s right.

Honestly? Just play with it until something clicks. Move items around, try different spots. There’s no formula, that’s why sometimes the random decor ends up looking the best anyway.