22 Ways to Style Your Bookshelf Like a Designer
The trick behind chic bookshelf decor? It's all about proportions.
If you're hunting for design inspiration for a specific space, we've rounded up bookshelf decor ideas for every style. Whether it's with floor-to-ceiling shelves or a slender bookcase, there's nothing a book lover appreciates more than a stylish place to display their collection. Books aside, the styling opportunities for bookshelves are endless and can be customized to showcase your personality. Dress empty shelves with artwork and lush greenery, layer in antiques or arrange precious trinkets that remind you of recent travels.
From the home office and living room to bedroom design, styling a bookshelf is an art. Too much decor can look cramped and cluttered, while too little can look stark. If you arrange everything too perfectly, your shelves will look more styled than curated. You'll want to display books, art and decorative items that draw the eye, but also reflect your style. Below, we've included expert design advice, including how to display books by colors, ways to incorporate art and the importance of proportions.
Start scrolling these beautiful bookshelf ideas, ranging from modern and minimalist to more eclectic, whimsical designs. These 24 bookshelf ideas are proof that creativity, attention to detail and a well-curated collection are key!
Bring in Art and Sculptures
Don't limit your display to books. Take note from design firm Living With Lolo and layer in art, sculptures, houseplants and any decorative items that showcase your personality.
Hang Picture Lights Above
Draw attention to your bookshelf by mounting picture lights above, just as Maestri Studio does in this moody living space. Not only do the gold fixtures illuminate your collection, they serve as a modern accent.
Arrange Books by Color
For this slim bookshelf, designer Megan Evans organizes hardcover books in rainbow order, designating one tier to each color. She starts with red on top and swaps purple for pink on the bottom shelf.
Take a Minimalist Approach
To decorate this navy blue built-in, designer Ryann Swan relies on neutral hardcover books, abstract sculptures and earthy vases. For a minimalist style, it's best to leave negative space on every shelf.
Show Off a Hobby
A floor-to-ceiling built-in provides the perfect opportunity to showcase decor that reflects your interests and hobbies. Here, designer Bria Hammel incorporates two tennis rackets and a few small trophies.
Play With Height and Proportions
For visual interest, arrange books of various heights and thickness. Take note from Outline Interiors and weave in decor of various sizes — think meaningful art, sculptures and knick-knacks. Aim for every shelf to have a different number of items to make it look more curated than styled.
Decorate With Antiques
From vases and figurines to artwork, this floor-to-ceiling bookcase is full of eye-catching antiques. Design firm JAM adds a rolling ladder to make high-up shelving more accessible, which allows the homeowners to rearrange decor as their collection grows.
Grow Houseplants
If your bookshelf is positioned in a sunny location, it's a stylish place for houseplants to thrive. Mix small greens and succulents amongst your books, or dedicate the entire top shelf to larger plants like this setup from Outline Interiors.
Stack Books in Alternating Positions
By stacking books vertically and horizontally, design firm Maestri Studio creates visual interest on these gold bookshelves. For horizontal stacks, always place the largest books on the bottom.
Leave Negative Space
Overloading shelves can give the illusion of clutter. Instead, leave empty space on each shelf and let the eye focus its attention on your best decor.
Weave in Whimsical Items
Add personality to any bookshelf with funky sculptures, colorful trinkets and books you've actually read. Arrange books of various shapes and sizes, even stacking small decorative items on top if you're going for an eclectic look.
Make Every Shelf Different
You don't want your shelves to look too styled. Group like items, go for different heights, leave blank space and most importantly, never style every shelf exactly the same. Some shelves may have two or three items, while others have four or five — the variation is key.
Showcase Old Encyclopedias
Lean into a traditional approach and let a collection of dictionaries and encyclopedias act as home office decor, just as Maestri Studio does here. Don't forget to sprinkle in personal items, like family photos, accolades and a college diploma.
Mix Storage With Decor
From a framed diploma to a brass tea set, this well-styled étagère brings charm to this office space. There are also bins, a large chest and file organizer for extra storage.
Embrace a Worldly Look
Miss traveling abroad? Use your bookshelf to showcase some of the global-inspired curios you've collected over the years. Finish the look by placing a few globes on an upper shelf to stay on theme.
Stick to a Subtle Theme
From the model rocket and sky globe to moon books, this home office brings in a playful theme that doesn't overpower the room. The mix of art, sculptures, bottles and faux plants adds a ton of personality to the space.
Hang a Bookshelf High
Thanks to baby-blue penny tiles, these custom office shelves, which are inspired by a mid-century modern credenza, are the perfect old-meets-new-look.
Layer in Pastel Touches
Accessories boasting pops of soft pink, robin's egg blue and lemon yellow are a brilliant choice for a spring shelf upgrade.
Display Fine China
Use rustic shelves to highlight a treasured china collection. Balance the display with color-coordinated books, then elevate the look with artwork hung over shelves.
Rely on Decorative Bins
Bring in colorful fabric bins to not only elevate your bookshelf, but provide additional storage. Store toys, wire or household essentials in nearby bins without sacrificing style.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Nostalgia Decor: 2025's Most Comforting Home Trend
The Best Carpet Cleaners
A Look at Behr's 2026 Color of the Year
9 Designer-Approved Paint Color Combos
