21+ Bookshelf Decor Ideas Treasures to Decorate your Bookshelf

Are your bookshelves looking a bit dull? Don’t worry! With some creative touches, you can transform them into stunning displays that showcase your personality and style. Here are 20 easy and eye-catching ways to decorate your bookshelves and make them the focal point of any room.

1. Mix Up Your Book Arrangements

Gone are the days of simply lining up books vertically. Get creative with your arrangements! Try alternating between vertical and horizontal stacks to create visual interest.

For vertical arrangements, vary the heights of book groupings. With horizontal stacks, try creating pyramids or alternating the direction of the spines. This simple change can make your shelves look instantly more dynamic.

2. Add Some Greenery

Bring life to your shelves with plants. Small potted plants or trailing vines can add a fresh, natural touch to your bookcase. Consider low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants for busy

book lovers. For a lush look, try trailing plants like pothos or string of pearls that can drape over the edges of your shelves. Remember to choose plants that suit the light conditions of your bookshelf’s location.

3. Display Unique Bookends

Bookends are not just functional – they’re an opportunity to add personality to your shelves. Choose bookends that reflect your interests or complement your decor style.

From sleek modern designs to whimsical animal shapes, the options are endless. You can even DIY your own bookends using materials like concrete, wood, or repurposed items for a truly unique touch.

4. Incorporate Personal Photos

Make your bookshelf a reflection of your life by displaying personal photos. Mix different frame sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or stick to a cohesive theme for a more polished appearance.

Try creating mini gallery walls on some shelves, or use standing frames to layer photos in front of books. Don’t forget to rotate photos occasionally to keep your display fresh and current.

5. Show Off Your Collections

Your bookshelf is the perfect place to display your prized collections. Whether you collect vintage cameras, action figures, seashells, or anything else, incorporating these items can add a personal touch to your shelves.

Group similar items together for impact, or spread them out among your books for a more integrated look. Remember to leave some breathing room around your collectibles so they stand out.

6. Use Decorative Boxes

Decorative boxes and baskets serve double duty on bookshelves – they add visual interest while also providing hidden storage. Use them to store small items like bookmarks, reading glasses, or electronics.

Choose boxes in colors and patterns that complement your books and other decor. Mix different sizes and shapes for added interest. You can even use pretty storage boxes to create a color block effect on your shelves.

7. Add Some Artwork

Turn your bookshelf into a mini art gallery by incorporating small artworks or prints. Lean framed pieces against the back of the shelf for a casual look, or hang tiny artworks on the outer edges of shelves.

Mix different styles and mediums – paintings, prints, photographs, even small sculptures – to create an eclectic and personal display. This is also a great way to rotate your art collection without putting holes in your walls.

8. Incorporate Lighting

Good lighting can transform your bookshelf from ordinary to extraordinary. String lights draped across shelves can add a cozy, magical touch. Small LED puck lights can spotlight special objects or create a warm glow.

Consider a clip-on book light not just for reading, but as a decorative element too. If you have the ability to install them, LED strip lights along the edges of your shelves can create a stunning effect.

9. Display Sculptural Objects

Interesting sculptures or figurines can add depth and personality to your bookshelves. Look for objects with interesting shapes, textures, or colors that complement your books and other decor.

This could be anything from a sleek modern abstract piece to a vintage bust or a quirky figurine. Place these objects strategically – try using them as bookends, or give them their own dedicated space on a shelf.

10. Use Color Coding

Arranging your books by color can create a visually striking rainbow effect. Start with reds and work your way through the rainbow to purples. For a subtler look, try arranging books in different shades of the same color family.

This method not only looks great but can also be a fun way to rediscover books you might have forgotten about. Don’t worry if you don’t have books in every color – the gaps can be filled with decorative objects in the missing hues.

11. Showcase Travel Souvenirs

Turn your bookshelf into a reflection of your adventures by displaying travel souvenirs. Pair these mementos with travel guides or books about the places you’ve visited.

Small items like miniature landmarks, local crafts, or even foreign currency can make interesting displays. Consider creating themed shelves for different trips or regions. This not only personalizes your space but also serves as a wonderful conversation starter.

12. Incorporate Mirrors

Small mirrors can add depth and light to your bookshelves, making the space appear larger. Try placing a mirror at the back of a shelf to create the illusion of depth, or use mirrored trays to display small objects.

Decorative wall mirrors can be leaned against the back of wider shelves. The reflective surfaces will bounce light around the room and add an unexpected element to your bookshelf decor.

13. Add Some Texture

Incorporating items with different textures can add depth and interest to your bookshelves. Mix smooth surfaces like glass or ceramics with rougher textures like woven baskets, knitted items, or raw wood.

Consider adding fabric elements with small tapestries or by covering some books in textured paper or fabric. The contrast between different textures will make your shelves more visually appealing and inviting.

14. Use Bookshelf Wallpaper

Line the back of your shelves with wallpaper or contact paper for an instant style upgrade. This is a great way to add color, pattern, or texture without committing to wallpapering an entire room.

Choose a design that complements your books and decor – it could be a bold pattern for a striking look, or a subtle texture for added depth. This technique works especially well on bookcases with solid backs.

15. Display Musical Instruments

If you’re musical, your bookshelf can be a great place to show off small instruments. This not only adds visual interest but keeps your instruments easily accessible for impromptu jam sessions.

Hang small instruments like ukuleles or tambourines from hooks, or simply lean them against the back of the shelf. Pair them with music books or biographies of your favorite musicians for a themed display.

16. Incorporate Candles

Candles can add warmth, fragrance, and a cozy ambiance to your bookshelf display. Choose candles in attractive holders that complement your decor style. Vary the heights and shapes for visual interest.

Group candles together for impact, or spread them out among your shelves. Remember to consider fire safety – keep candles away from books and only burn them when you’re in the room.

17. Use Letter Boards

Letter boards are a fun and versatile addition to bookshelves. Use them to display your favorite quotes, change up messages seasonally, or leave notes for family members.

Choose a size that fits comfortably on your shelf and a style that matches your decor. You can prop them up against the back of the shelf or use small easels to display them.

18. Showcase Vintage Finds

Vintage items can add character and a sense of history to your bookshelves. Old typewriters, rotary phones, cameras, or clocks make great decorative pieces.

Pair these with vintage books or modern books about history for a cohesive look. Don’t be afraid to mix eras – a vintage item can provide an interesting contrast to more modern decor elements.

19. Add Some Greenery with Air Plants

Air plants are perfect for bookshelves because they don’t require soil and are very low maintenance. They come in various shapes and sizes, adding interesting organic forms to your display.

You can place them in small dishes, hang them in glass globes, or even rest them directly on books. Group several together for impact, or spread them out for pops of green throughout your shelves.

20. Use Decorative Ladders

For tall bookshelves, a decorative ladder can be both functional and stylish. It allows easy access to high shelves while adding a charming, library-like feel to your space.

Choose a ladder style that complements your bookcase and overall room decor – it could be a rustic wooden ladder for a farmhouse look, or a sleek metal one for a more modern aesthetic. When not in use, position the ladder at an angle for visual interest.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to great bookshelf decor is balance. Mix books with decorative items, vary the heights and sizes of objects, and don’t overcrowd your shelves. Leave some empty space to let your display breathe. Feel free to play around with different combinations until you find a look you love. With these ideas, your bookshelves will become a stunning focal point that reflects your personal style and interests!