Are you a book lover looking to transform your space? If so, you’ll love these 22 bookshelf decor ideas! These tips will help you not only showcase your book collection but also infuse your personal style into the mix.
From adding charming accents to arranging your collection in unique ways, the right decor can turn any bookshelf into a stunning focal point in your home.
So, let’s not waste any time and dive right in!
22 Bookshelf Decor Ideas
1. Drape Greenery Over the Bookshelf
Greenery is my favorite way to liven up anything, including a bookshelf! You can do it like in the example here and drape the leaves around the bookshelf, or you could add some plants or flowers on the shelves.
Also, woven baskets are fantastic for adding texture and warmth, making your setup look even more appealing.
2. Mix Book Arrangements
Mixing up the way you arrange your books is perfect for adding some visual interest. Stack some books horizontally, some vertically, or show the cover of some books by facing them forward.
Also, stacking some of your books horizontally is the perfect way to infuse your personal style. You could show off some decor on top of them, like a cute figure, a candle, or a plant!
3. Candles & Flowers
Placing candles and flowers in your bookshelf can make it look even more inviting and cozy. Especially with a black bookshelf, these elements bring a nice balance to the whole setup.
4. Create a Rainbow Effect
I wish my books were that colorful too, haha. It makes me happy just looking at them! So, if you have colorful books, then you could think about arranging them by color to create this rainbow effect as well.
I also love how she added those cute messages for Valentine’s Day—a really creative and cute idea!
5. Fairy Lights
They just instantly make everything look so much cozier! Consider draping them along each shelf to recreate this look.
They just instantly make everything look so much cozier! Consider draping them along each shelf to recreate this look.
6. Wall-Mounted Bookshelf & Dried Flowers
It’s so satisfying to look at when all the books are the same height, right? Also, the dried roses hanging above the shelf look so nice! They add a touch of elegance to the entire setup.
7. Table Lamp & Fairy Lights
I find having a table lamp inside one of the shelves to be such a nice idea. Especially if you have your reading chair next to the bookshelf, this can be very practical for getting direct lighting.
I also love the leaf garland with fairy lights draped around it. Looks super pretty and cozy!
8. Create a Book Corner
If you have lots of books, you’ll definitely need more than one shelf!
You can create your own cozy book corner by combining a tall bookshelf with a cube shelf. Also, having the cube shelf placed horizontally makes the corner look even more interesting and allows for nice decor both on it and above the shelf.
9. Cute Christmas Bookshelf
Switch it up for the holidays with some Christmas decor like miniature Christmas trees, figurines, and a nice garland with cute bows.
I love how she decorated the inside of the bookshelf with wallpaper or contact paper; it makes it look like a gift itself, right?
Plus, contact paper is a great option since you can easily apply and remove it. This way, you can switch things up anytime you feel like it.
10. Ladder Bookshelf Decor Idea
I love those ladder bookshelves! They look so pretty and are great alternative to standard bookshelves. I found one on Amazon that isn’t exactly the same but is quite similar. If you’d like, you can check it out by clicking this link!
11. Rolling Cart Turned Bookshelf
A rolling cart can make the perfect bookshelf! Especially if you need extra storage for your book collection but don’t have the space for a traditional bookshelf, a rolling cart could be a fantastic solution.
They come in so many colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your apartment’s style. You can decorate them with cute signs, flowers, and even add some bows, just like she has done here. It looks so adorable!
12. Hanging Bookshelf
If you have a hanging bookshelf, you can easily spruce it up with some plants and fairy lights. Also, I find that trailing plants are particularly amazing because they can really pull the entire look together.
13. The No Bookshelf Bookshelf
Those mini bookshelves are perfect for creating an airy look and maximizing vertical space! Simply stack them by size, starting with the largest book, and add a plant or another decorative item on top.
14. Tall Narrow Wooden Shelf
You can make your bookshelf a reflection of your personal style and interests by including items like cameras, perfumes, jewelry holders, and other meaningful decorative pieces.
This not only adds character to the bookshelf but also makes it more functional and space-saving, especially if you don’t have too many books yet.
15. Mount Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are definitely the way to go if you want to save floor space! Go for shelves that match your apartment’s style, whether you’re into rustic vibes or a more modern, simple look.
Fill them with your books, add some flowers, and mix in some matching prints to really pull it all together!
16. Go for a Rattan Shelf
Create a balanced look by keeping the decor on one shelf minimal and selecting a few unique pieces to showcase. For example, you could incorporate something special like a unique small mirror, as she did here. This way, your shelf won’t feel cluttered.
17. Add a Neon Sign
I love that neon sign! It’s such an amazing addition to the bookshelf and really takes the look to the next level!
Plus, a bookshelf is a fantastic spot to showcase meaningful photos and other decor items that resonate with you. This personal touch makes your reading corner feel even more unique and special!
18. Decorate it for Fall
Switching things up for the seasons is the best way to keep your bookshelf feeling and looking fresh and exciting! For fall, consider adding fake pumpkins, dried autumn leaves, and fall-inspired prints. These simple additions can bring the season’s cozy vibe into your space instantly!
19. Faux Flowers
If you have some space left on your shelves, you can fill it up with some faux flowers! They look so nice and add a lovely touch to your bookshelf. Plus, they’re perfect for brightening up your space!
20. Happy Book Corner
I love how this book corner looks so bright and happy with all the vibrant colors! You could totally add a mini cart for your books and maybe hang a cute print on the wall, just like she did here. It finishes off the whole setup perfectly!
21. Light & Dark
I love the idea of arranging darker books on one shelf and lighter, brighter ones on another! It creates such a beautiful contrast and adds visual interest to your space. Plus, it makes it easier to find what you’re looking for while stylishly showcasing your collection!
22. Dark Academia
If you’re a dark academia fan, you’re going to love this bookshelf decor idea! I’m obsessed with how everything here, from the books to the candles and other decor, just looks so perfectly put together.
It totally captures that cozy, intellectual vibe and makes the bookshelf feel like a stylish statement piece!
I trust these bookshelf decor ideas inspired you to play around with your bookshelf setup and infuse your personal style into it! Not only will this make your space look better, but it will also create a unique reflection of who you are.
This post showed you bookshelf decor ideas
Other posts you may like:
How to Create a Reading Nook: With 32 Cozy Examples
Some links here are affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
