I used to think bookshelves were just for, well, books. But once I started thinking of them as display spaces that also hold my favorite reads, everything changed. A well-styled bookshelf can become a focal point in your room and show off your personality in such a fun way.
The best part? You probably already have most of what you need. Let me walk you through how to style your bookshelf so it looks intentional and beautiful, while still being totally functional.
Start With a Clean Slate
Before you start styling, take everything off your shelves. I know it sounds like a hassle, but trust me on this. Dust the shelves, and lay everything out where you can see it. This is your chance to decide what actually deserves a spot and what can be tucked away elsewhere.
Sort your books into piles—maybe by color, size, or subject. Gather any decorative objects you want to include. Having everything visible makes the styling process so much easier.
The Basic Formula
A well-styled bookshelf usually follows a loose formula: books + decorative objects + some empty space. The magic is in how you balance these three elements.
You don’t want it to look too cluttered, but you also don’t want it to feel sparse and unfinished. Aim for about 70% books and 30% decorative items, though you can adjust based on your personal style.
Different Ways to Arrange Your Books
There’s no one right way to organize your books, so pick what works for you:
By color: This creates a really cohesive, visually pleasing look. Rainbow order is popular, but organizing by color family (all the blues together, all the neutrals together) looks beautiful too.
By size: Taller books on one end graduating to shorter books creates a nice flow. This works especially well on individual shelves.
By category or genre: Keep all your cookbooks together, all your fiction together, etc. This is the most practical if you’re regularly reaching for specific books.
Mix it up: Combine different arrangements on different shelves. Maybe one shelf is by color, another by size. As long as it feels balanced overall, you can play around.
Horizontal and vertical stacking: Don’t line up all your books vertically. Stack some horizontally in groups of 2-4 books. This breaks up the visual monotony and creates surfaces for decorative objects.
Add Decorative Objects
This is where your bookshelf really comes to life. Decorative objects add visual interest and personality. Here are some ideas:
Plants: Small potted plants or trailing plants like pothos add life and color. They soften the look of all those book spines.
Candles: Group candles of varying heights together, or place single candles throughout.
Picture frames: Family photos, art prints, or postcards in frames make it personal.
Vases: Empty or filled with fresh or dried flowers.
Decorative boxes or baskets: Perfect for hiding less attractive items while adding texture.
Sculptures or figurines: Small art pieces, ceramics, or objects from your travels.
Bookends: Functional and decorative, especially vintage or uniquely shaped ones.
The key is varying the heights and shapes of your objects so your eye moves around the shelf naturally.
Create Visual Balance
Step back and look at your bookshelf as a whole. Does one side feel heavier than the other? Are all your decorative objects clustered together?
Try to distribute visual weight evenly. If you have a large plant on the left side, maybe balance it with a stack of colorful books on the right. Think about creating a triangle with your eye—you want your gaze to move around the entire shelf, not get stuck in one spot.
The Power of Empty Space
This might feel counterintuitive, but leaving some empty space on your shelves makes everything else look more intentional. You don’t need to fill every single inch.
Empty space (sometimes called negative space) gives your eyes a place to rest and makes the items you do display stand out more. If a shelf feels too crowded, remove a few items and see if it doesn’t look better.
Play With Depth
Don’t line everything up at the front edge of the shelf. Pull some items forward and push others back to create layers. This adds dimension and makes the shelf feel more curated.
You can layer smaller items in front of books, or place a small framed photo in front of a stack of books. Just make sure you’re not completely hiding book spines you love.
Add Personal Touches
Your bookshelf should reflect you. Include things that tell your story:
- Souvenirs from trips
- Handmade ceramics from local artists
- Vintage finds from thrift stores
- Gifts from friends
- Collections you’re proud of
These personal elements are what make your bookshelf uniquely yours and not just something copied from a magazine.
Lighting Makes a Difference
If possible, add some lighting to your bookshelf. Small LED puck lights, battery-operated string lights, or even a small lamp on one shelf can make such a difference, especially in the evening. It highlights your styling and creates a cozy atmosphere.
Change It Up Seasonally
One of my favorite things about bookshelf styling is that you can easily refresh it. Swap out some decorative objects seasonally—maybe add pinecones and warm candles in fall, fresh flowers in spring. Rearrange books by color in a different order. It keeps your space feeling fresh without any major changes.
Don’t Overthink It
The most important thing is that you like how it looks and that it works for your life. If you read a lot and need easy access to all your books, style accordingly. If your bookshelf is more decorative, you have more freedom to get creative.
Start with the basic formula, step back often to check your progress, and adjust until it feels right. There’s no perfect way to do this—just what works for you and your space.