Recently updated on April 1st, 2025 at 10:51 am
Are you searching for bookshelf decor ideas? These 15 decor ideas will make your bookshelves look 10 times cuter
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Looking to spice up your bookshelves? As a book lover, I truly appreciate a cozy, pretty space to store all my books. Plus you can make your bookshelves look insanely pretty and stylish. Even if you don’t own tons of clothbound or special edition books. In this post, I’m sharing the absolute best bookshelf decor ideas.
You’re going to learn all about modern bookshelf decor, small bookshelf decor, elegant bookshelf decor and more.
Now that I have Pinterest, I’m constantly stalking other book lovers to see how they style their bookshelves. I’ve rounded up all the best ideas. Here are 15 insanely cute bookshelf decor ideas you need to try.
This post is all about bookshelf decor ideas
The best bookshelf decor ideas
1. Try Rainbow Shelves
Photo credit: Emily Smith – Instagram @BooksaboutEm | TikTok @booksaboutEm
Recreate this look:
If you have enough books then try some rainbow bookshelves. I am OBSESSED with these rainbow bookshelves. And I love how the candles match the books.
If you’re on Bookstagram or Booktok then rainbow bookshelves make the perfect backdrop. They look undeniably beautiful and make such a focal point in the room. They make a room look so bright and cheerful.
2. Arrange The Books In Different Ways
Photo Credit: Jenny- Instagram @jinney_buecherliebe
Recreate this look:
How cute are these bookshelves?! Arranging your books in different ways is an easy way to add interest to your bookshelves! Especially if you have lots of books.
Stacking your books horizontally makes the perfect pedestal for a cute ornament such as a candle. Facing the book forward also means you can show off any pretty book covers you have.
I also love how these bookshelves use ornaments such as the brass monkeys as bookends. They’re so cute! And they add a touch of personality to the bookshelves.
3. Turn Your Books Around The Other Way
Photo Credit: Book Confessions – Instagram
Recreate this look:
If you want a cohesive or neutral look for your bookshelves then consider turning your books around the other way. Turning the books around helps you stick to a more cohesive colour palette.
I’m OBSESSED with the academia vibes in this photo. The tabbed/annotated book adds to the effect. The accessories also work perfectly. Sticking prints or postcards onto the back of the shelves adds a great focal point to the bookshelves. Plus you can buy them cheaply online.
4. Add A Funko Pop
Photo Credit: Hannah – Instagram @adiscoveryofreading
Confession time: I never used to understand the appeal of Funko Pops. I have friends obsessed with collecting them. But I didn’t understand why people spent so much money on them.
But then I joined Bookstagram.
Funko Pops look adorable decorating bookshelves. They’re a great way to add a personal touch. And they’re a great way to show your love for a particular fandom.
Check out Amazon if you’re after Funko Pops. You can get the Winter Belle Funko Pop from the photo here. However, I also love this Belle Funko Pop where she’s reading. It would look adorable decorating bookshelves.
5. Add some greenery
Adding a touch of greenery is an easy way to decorate your bookshelves. The fake ivy draped on these bookshelves makes them look so warm and inviting.
To make your shelves look extra pretty, combine with some fairy lights woven through the ivy. An easy to way to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room or bedroom.
You can pick up faux ivy and fairylights on Amazon. This fake ivy looks great and has two different colours on each leaf.
6. Use Dark Colours for a dark academia vibe
I’m OBSESSED with the academia vibes in this photo. The combination of dark colours, vintage books and artwork give this a gothic, dark academia vibe. The dark colours create a cozy and intimate mood. Plus it makes the green stand out.
Looking to recreate this look? I recommend checking out thrift stores or antique shops for secondhand decor items you can use. The ornaments in this photo, such as the painting and bust, add to the vibe. A great way to personalise your bookshelves on a budget.
7. Add a Book Cart
Photo credit: Lesbeebooks – Instagram
Book Carts are my latest obsession! Not only are they super practical but they look adorable! They’re perfect if you are limited on space. They don’t take up much room but can hold a surprising amount of books.
If you’re bookshelves are full – they are also a great way to store some additional books.
This reading cart is beautiful! The statue is such a great accent. And it works perfectly with the books.
I’ve used similar carts from Ikea and Hobbycraft. Both are good but I prefer the Hobbycraft book crate. You can buy it from Hobbycraft in mint green or grey.
8. Try a dark or vibrant colour
Photo Credit: Bridget – Darkfaerietales_ – Instagram | Storygramtours
The forest green on these bookshelves is stunning. Dark or bright bookshelves are an excellent way to make a feature of your books. And it makes the colours of the book covers pop.
If you enjoy fantasy books then crowns and swords both make excellent bookshelf decor. And they look beautiful in photos.
If you’re looking for books with sprayed edges then you should consider subscribing to a book box. I love Fairyloot Crate. They sell beautiful editions of above and you can get a book only subscription.
9. Include a miniature book nook
Photo credit: @Honyasan Instagram
Miniature book nooks are the future. They slide in between your books and look adorable. This miniature pink locker adds a touch of cuteness to these bookshelves.
The monochromatic all-pink colour theme adds to the cuteness of these bookshelves. Recreate a similar effect by choosing accessories with a similar colour theme. Keep an eye out at the thrift store for cute trinkets to use!
10. A few fake flowers
Photo credit: Iona – Instagram @Thesunbooks
Some of my favourite bookshelves are filled with fake flowers! They are an easy way to fill the space but look beautiful. These roses look eye catching and tie the colours together. And you don’t have to worry about watering them!
The colour scheme in this photo is stunning. The pink and orange create a warm and cosy feel. And the candle and acessories tie everything together.
To recreate this look you can pick up fake flowers from almost any homeware store. And they’re usually reasonably priced! I’m a big fan of peonies. Check out these fake peonies from Amazon.
11. Sparkly gold accents
Photo credit: Laura – Instagram @laurascozyreads
You can never go wrong with whites and golds! Going for a white look is elegant. And as a neutral base colour, you can add other accent colours.
The gold moon garland and book cart pop against the white bookshelves. And the plant also adds some texture to the bookshelves.
Again, the books have been arranged in different ways. And the horizontal books make the perfect stand for decor such as the lightbox or a candle.
12. Add Some LED lights
LED strip lights are an easy and cost-effective way to decorate your bookshelves. They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere on your bookshelves. An excellent way to spotlight your decor and merch.
Turning your books around, so the book cover faces front, is a great way to show off any pretty book covers. Have lots of books? This is also a great way to break up your bookshelves. You can even hide additional books behind these to maximise storage. You can buy colour-changing strip lights for a reasonable price – Check them out on Amazon.
13. Add some fake flowers
Rainbow book shelves get a lot of criticism for being impractical. However, these bookshelves are aesthetically pleasing. Colour coordinated fake flowers is a great way to add a statement to your bookshelves. When matched with the colours of the books it adds a touch of wow factor to your shelves.
Pushing your books forward to sit on the edge of the shelf, is a simple way to make your shelves look neat and organised.
14. Add some artwork
These bookshelves have many different decor items I love. The matching photos with different book tropes are stunning and make a statement. And it transforms the bookshelves into a cozy reading nook. Art work can be purchased at an affordable price. A cheap way to add a touch of personality.
The books are presented in a variety of different styles. Some stacked on top of each other and others facing front. This is an excellent way to break up the books.
15. Add some colourful bookstands
You can’t top a multifunctional item. Not only do bookstands look beautiful as decor. But for book lovers, they’re also useful for holding up vertical stacks of books.
These beautiful blue/turquoise bookstands colour coordinate with the vertical stack of books for a cohesive look. Match with a variety of framed artwork and quirky accessories for an eclectic vibe.
15. Use some vintage furniture
Don’t get me wrong – I love floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. They’re practical, wallet-friendly and create cosy reading area. But these vintage bookshelves are stunning. These make a statement in a room. And they’re a great solution if you only have a small space.
Pair with vintage furniture and framed artwork to make a statement. You can purchase similar gramophones from Amazon, and they’re also Bluetooth speakers. Check out the gramophone speaker on Amazon.
16. Use mirroring accessories to make a statement
Mirroring accessories are an excellent way to make a statement on bookshelves. Particularly when artwork is hung in the middle. An easy formula for a statement shelf – two matching decor items and artwork in the middle.
In these bookshelves, photos and artwork break up the books. Replicate this look at home by displaying treasured possessions and photos on your shelves.
17. Wooden Shelves + Fairylights
These bookshelves look so warm and inviting! Wooden Shelves and fairy lights create the coziest atmosphere for your bookshelves. The wood adds warmth to the space.
The bookish candles, funko pops and merch dotted around the shelves finish the look off. An easy way to inject personality into your bookshelves.
18. Add postcards and a mirror
How stunning is this reading nook? I am obsessed with the feminine, coquette aesthetic of these bookshelves. This corner book unit was thrifted from Facebook marketplace.
Not only does vintage furniture look adorable but you can find some beautiful used furniture on a budget. I recommend checking Facebook marketplace, charity shops or carboot sales for used bookshelves.
The mirror and postcards surrounding finish off the look. You can get this for a good price on Etsy, with bookish boxes or even use Canva to make your own. I’ve linked some collections of collage prints above. Want to have a go at making your own? I’ve linked a Canva tutorial below.
19. Add dark academia accessories
Dark Academia fan? You need to check out these stunning dark academia bookshelves. The dark coloured books and collection of dark academia books on display give these bookshelves a cohesive look. Particularly when paired with the dark academia candles matching the books.
The decor above finishes off these shelves. For beautiful antique books and mirrors, I recommend checking out local antique shops.
20. Use crates for small spaces
Storing books in cheap, inexpensive items is a budget-friendly way to create a reading nook in a smaller space. Let’s be honest, we don’t all have space for floor to ceiling bookshelves. These crates are an easy way to create a cozy reading nook in small rooms.
The wood makes the reading nook look super cozy. The artwork and greenery finishes off the shelves beautifully.
This post was all about bookshelf decor ideas
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is the first picture your bookcase?
if so-its gorgeous im in love