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Styling a bookshelf may seem daunting, but there are so many different approaches that can curate the perfect shelf.
In addition to displaying books, there are so many other decorative elements that will look right at home on your shelves, whether you’re showcasing a collection, weaving in framed art, sticking to one particular color scheme, and more.
Below, you will find 50 examples of beautifully styled bookshelves that will appeal to a wide range of aesthetics. Interior design pros also weigh in with four of their top styling tips to keep in mind as you kick off the process.
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01
of 50Reflect Your Interests
Use your bookshelf as a means of showing your interests to the world. Love to travel? Style it with a globe, as seen here. Enjoy crafting? Display one of your very own art pieces.
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02
of 50Display a Collection of Vessels
Use your bookshelves to display a collection of like items. Here, vessels of all shapes and sizes stand out in this living room. Since the bookshelf itself is green and the vessels are all neutral in color, they really pop rather than falling into the backdrop.
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03
of 50Rainbow Order
Not everyone is on board with arranging books in color order, but many people are all about opting for a rainbow display like this one. It looks great in children’s rooms, living rooms, and more.
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04
of 50Coastal Charm
For a charming touch, display various pieces of coastal decor on your bookshelf as seen here. Small pieces of coral can easily sit on top of short stacks of books.
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05
of 50Museum-Like Art
Use the bookshelf to show off some of your favorite art pieces. To take things a step further and really create a museum-like feel, install a picture light above each painting.
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06
of 50Add a Plant
Not sure how to style the top of your bookshelf? Add a plant or two. Greenery will never go out of style and will always help to infuse color into your space.
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07
of 50Mix and Match Favorites
This funky corner bookshelf contains an assortment of items—collectible teapots, vessels, and of course, some books. Don’t be afraid to mix and match various trinkets.
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08
of 50Kid-Friendly Corner
So that your little one can easily tell you what to read out loud during story time, display his or her books facing frontward in the nursery. When kept on a shelf like this one, they practically double as artwork thanks to their bright and cheerful covers.
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09
of 50Neutral Approach
LH.Designs / Photo by Lauren Taylor
On the other hand, maybe you’re in the mood for something more subdued. In comes a bookshelf display like this one, where spines are turned inward. If you’re eager to keep your decor neutral, this is the way to go.
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10
of 50Layer in Frames
Add personality to your shelf by using it to hold some of your favorite framed photographs. You’ll be surrounded by friends and loved ones no matter where you go.
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11
of 50Go Textural
Add texture to your home by displaying ceramics, sculptural pieces, metal tins, and so much more on your bookshelf. The combination will result in a collected look.
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12
of 50Make It Playful
Design by Cohesively Curated / Photo by Carina Skrobecki
Keep stuffed animals off the floor and out of the way by giving them a new home on the bookshelf. Your child will easily be able to spot all of his or her plush friends, and cleanup will be super simple, too.
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13
of 50Fill Empty Space
Design by WORKSHOP studio / Photo by Bonnie Burke
Fill an empty space at the bottom of your bookshelf with a tall plant. Greenery is a great solution if you’re looking for a way to finish off your styling but want to be sure to avoid excess clutter.
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14
of 50Get Eclectic
Design by Caroline Kopp / Photo by Rikki Snyder
For an eclectic look, layer in some decorative objects so that they stand in front of your books. This way, you can admire sentimental trinkets while you sit and work.
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15
of 50Prioritize Function
Design by Caroline Kopp / Photo by Rikki Snyder
Make your bookshelf multifunctional—this is an excellent approach when dealing with a small space. Turn one shelf into a makeshift bar, another into a TV stand, and use the rest to house your novels, decorative accessories, coffee table books, and more.
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16
of 50Add Paper Covers
If you’re solely using books as decor, you can cover them with white paper for a more streamlined, simple look.
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17
of 50Go Symmetrical
Design by BRNS Design / Photo by Spencer Cogburn
Embrace a symmetrical look at a double desk setup like this one. Books sit on the top shelf, trinkets in the middle, and a matching pair of lamps are at the bottom.
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18
of 50Choose Bookends
Design by Alexandra Kaehler / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga
Don’t forget to display some decorative bookends! These come in so many shapes and styles, so there’s an option for truly every kind of aesthetic.
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19
of 50Style the Island Bookshelf
Design by Cohesively Curated / Photo by Carina Skrobecki
In the kitchen, display cookbooks on an island bookshelf and then use the rest of the space to hold other essentials that need a home, such as entertaining supplies, a bin filled with coffee pods, and more.
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20
of 50Be Bold
For a pop of pizzazz in the living room, wallpaper the backs of your bookshelves to jazz them up a bit. This look is unexpected but full of fun.
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21
of 50Add Some Glass
Alternatively, if you desire a library-like look, cover the fronts of your bookshelves with glass to add a more formal touch to the room.
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22
of 50Maximalist Mood
Design by Alexandra Kaehler / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga
Every nook and cranny of this bookshelf is frilled to the brim, making it a perfect maximalist storage solution.
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23
of 50Leaning Art
Design by Paloma Contreras / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga
Lean art pieces that you don’t have room for on the walls on your bookshelf. Since there aren’t any nails involved, you can easily switch up what’s on display as often as you’d like.
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24
of 50Library Ladder
For a dramatic, library-inspired look, add a ladder to your bookshelf to make accessing titles feel a little more luxurious.
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25
of 50Think Tall
Design by Alexandra Kaehler / Photo by Reagen Taylor
Make use of the tallest component of your bookshelf and display what you can there in order to use every inch of space available. In this moody, all-black room, bright colored books really pop and add character.
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26
of 50Mirror, Mirror
Design by Paloma Contreras / Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Nail a mirror to one of your bookshelves for some unexpected whimsy. You could also display a piece of artwork using a similar approach.
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27
of 50Plate Party
If you have a plate collection that is just begging to be admired, consider taking it out from behind closed cabinet doors and arranging it on your bookshelf, where it will add vibrance and personality to the living room.
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28
of 50Funky Style
Design by WORKSHOP studio / Photo by Bonnie Burke
This funkily-shaped bookshelf illustrates that not every inch of available space needs to be filled for a shelf to look artful—leaving some breathing room can appear intentional.
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29
of 50Light It Up
Design by Alexandra Kaehler / Photo by Reagen Taylor
Hang picture lights above each of your bookshelves for a luxe feel and to illuminate your room a bit more when it gets dark out. You’ll feel like you’re curled up reading in a cozy, old-fashioned library.
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30
of 50Fresh Flowers
Design by Paloma Contreras / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga
Add a vase of flowers to your bookshelf to freshen up your space without having to do any rearranging.
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31
of 50Extra Light
If sconces or picture lights aren’t your thing, you can weave a lamp into your bookshelf display instead. This one fits just perfectly in the space available.
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32
of 50Abstract Moment
Design by Grey Joyner Interiors / Photo by Dhanraj Emanuel
Abstract art hangs in front of a full bookshelf and provides a clear focal point in this living room.
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33
of 50Kid-Friendly Style
Design by WORKSHOP studio / Photo by Landon Schneider
Colorful kids toys can double as decor. Rather than keeping everything your little ones play with tucked inside of bins, keep some objects on display so that young ones can easily entertain themselves as they please.
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34
of 50Creative Clusters
Design Directions / Photo by Sarah Baker
Cluster a few pairs or trios of objects together on your bookshelf for an organized, streamlined look.
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35
of 50Dark and Moody
Design Directions / Photo by Sarah Baker
Bring a twist of dark academia into the living room by displaying an antique-looking bust on your moody black bookshelf.
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36
of 50Bejeweled Books
https://www.makehousedesign.com/
Jewelry on a bookshelf—why not? Display a favorite necklace from your travels or a piece that was passed down from a relative and allow others to appreciate it as decor even when it isn’t being worn.
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of 50Hidden Storage
Say yes to small baskets. Not only do they add texture to the bookshelf, they’re also great for storage. Use them to house everything from loose change to spare sets of keys to your matchbook collection.
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38
of 50Quirky Finds
If you’re someone who appreciates quirky decor, lean into it with a piece like this larger than life hand sculpture that will certainly prompt conversation.
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39
of 50Cozy Cottage
To achieve that cozy, cottage vibe, don’t arrange all of your books by height or color. You can certainly do that on some shelves, but leave others a bit less curated for that lived-in look.
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40
of 50Multipurpose Setup
A small lamp, trinket tray, candle, and more may seem like objects you’d display on a console table, not a bookshelf—but why not let your piece serve multiple roles? If your bookshelf is in a hallway or near the entry, it definitely can double as a catch-all for everyday items.
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of 50Playful Mood
Show off your playful side by keeping favorite board games stacked up on the bookshelf where family members and visitors can easily grab them.
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42
of 50Romantic Elements
Place a few candlesticks on the bookshelf to add a bit of romance to your design scheme. There’s something about a good old-fashioned taper candle that will always set the right mood.
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43
of 50Easy Storage
@houseofchais / Instagram
Large storage baskets placed on lower shelves are helpful for storing away magazines, mail you need to sort, stationery, and other paper goods that you’ll want to keep handy.
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44
of 50Wallpaper Backing
If your bookshelf is built into the wall, you’ll probably want to make sure that its backing complements your wallpaper or paint color. Either opt for a matching look, as seen here, or stick to the same color family.
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45
of 50Cool Collection
If you collect books that are part of a certain collection, group them on a shelf all together for maximum effect. Bonus points if their spines are as thick and colorful as these!
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46
of 50Camouflage Your TV
If you can’t bear the thought of mounting a television directly over the fireplace, here’s another idea: Place it on one of your bookshelves instead This draws less attention to the black screen without sacrificing any functionality.
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47
of 50Add a Basket
Here’s another instance where baskets come in handy on the bookshelf. Steer clear from see-through options for a neater, more mature look.
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48
of 50Take Your Time
Remember, there’s no need to fill your shelves all at once. Start out by displaying what you have and then leave some space to acquire new decor over time.
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49
of 50Beautiful Background
When your bookshelves are positioned behind your computer in the home office, they play another critical role—they’re also your video call backdrop! Style them in a way that will make you proud to turn on your camera during meetings.
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50
of 50Floating Solution
A floating bookshelf mounted to the wall is a handy small space solution for those looking to take full advantage of their walls.