25 Bookshelf Styling Ideas Designers Adore for an Upscale Look

1. Display Books as Pieces of Art

When Nicholas Potts was brainstorming the best way to redesign the Washington D.C. apartment he shares with his husband, art curator Aaron Wile, a major challenge was finding space for their extensive book collection. “Fitting several thousand books into a 950-square-foot apartment was essentially a battle with geometry,” Potts explains. “Since most of the books are frequently used for research, creating a central reference library with the most essential books visible was a priority.”

He came up with a solution by using a cantilevered shelving support system, which created neat rows of books across long stretches of wall—making it easier to spot what they needed. The vibrant book spines, covering the walls, double as art in their otherwise minimalistic space.

2. Integrate Them Into the Walls

If you're like Potts and Wile with an extensive book collection, you might find yourself storing them in every available space in your home. Instead of simply placing a bookcase and calling it done, think about incorporating built-in shelves.

“I saw this as a chance to shape the walls into more than just space dividers,” Potts explains. The sleek lines and tidy structure of these shelves add a burst of character to the room, and since the books stretch from floor to ceiling, they also help create the illusion of height.

3. Use Toys as Art Pieces

Children’s rooms often serve multiple functions: they’re play areas, classrooms, and, if everything goes right at bedtime, cozy sanctuaries for rest. When it comes to bookshelves in these spaces, don’t overlook toys as a potential source of design inspiration. When Becky Shea styled the shelves in the room shown above, she included dinosaurs and building blocks as part of the decor.

However, her styling advice applies to shelves in any room. “The key is to create a balance in your decor using a variety of heights, colors, and textures that complement the overall design, making sure to step back and evaluate between each placement,” she advises.

4. Switch Out Items with the Seasons

As Shea completed the final details of the bathroom shelves, she wanted to include items the owners would reach for frequently—like towels, of course—while also adding more seasonal touches. By using the bookshelves as a rotating display for things like spring blooms and festive candles, they won’t ever feel outdated.

“I believe in incorporating a few transitional items that provide your home with a seasonal update without the need to redesign the entire space,” Shea explains. “It’s refreshing to see something new every few months, and this lets you arrange your objects according to the time of year.”

5. Consider More Than Just Flowers

Although it’s common to fill empty spaces on bookshelves with flowers and candles, as Shea did in this bedroom, she added a unique touch on one shelf: twigs. This natural material, often found right outside your door, brings height and texture to shelves, and it outlasts any bouquet. Look for twigs with interesting shapes throughout the year, especially around the holidays, to add some organic charm to your decor.

6. Hang a Painting on the Back Wall

Small paintings, whether created by a hidden artist in your home or a professional, can be perfectly showcased on a bookshelf. Hanging one or leaning it against the back wall adds a touch of refinement, and it can be swapped out whenever a new piece arrives. Linette Dai displayed this simple yet captivating artwork as a subtle moment of style, even in a corner.

“Hanging a painting on the wall behind the shelves is one of my favorite ways to layer dimension into the composition,” Dai says. And for one more styling trick seen in this image, she has this to add: “Rather than filling the entire shelf with books, try consolidating a stack of books on opposite sides of two shelves for visual balance.”

7. Utilize the Extra Storage Space

Books? Yes. Greenery? For sure. Art? Of course. Designer Alexandra Gater decorated bookshelves with all of these items, but she’s also used them to store her shoes.

“One of my favorite ways to style a bookshelf is by treating it as extra storage,” she shares. “Turn it into a display for your most stylish shoes, throw in a few decorative baskets, and ultimately have fun with the idea of making ‘function’ fashionable.”

8. Remember to Include Lighting

Since shelves are often home to items you’ll want to see, and they’re sometimes placed in dark corners, a good option is to incorporate a lamp. In this setup from Emily Henderson, a round black lamp not only adds structure and style but also serves a practical purpose when more light is needed.

On smaller bookshelves, the secret is simple: A small table lamp can make a bookshelf feel warm and inviting, adding soft light to the surrounding area. Look for battery-operated lamps if outlets aren’t available, or experiment with colorful cords if you prefer. In any case, a touch of lighting will make your bookshelf stand out.

9. Make the Most of Hallway Space with Built-Ins

Hallways are often some of the most overlooked spaces in homes everywhere. While adding prints or photos is a timeless way to enhance the area, Potts went a step further by installing a built-in bookshelf.

10. Showcase Unexpected Decor Pieces

Think beyond the usual when choosing decorative objects for your bookshelves. Cake stands, for instance, can display small accessories while adding both color and a playful touch to your shelves.

"Since this office is a creative design studio, we aimed to keep the space bright and energetic to inspire creativity," Theresa Butler explains. "Experimenting with containers can add more interest by playing with different heights, weights, and colors, all while helping to create balance on a bookshelf."

11. Showcase Unique Framed Art

Who says a bookshelf can’t also serve as a space to display artwork? Select a few of your favorite framed pieces and hang them on open shelves. Adding picture lights will enhance the setup, giving it a more sophisticated, gallery-like feel.

"The concept for this office was centered around the client's beloved National Geographic magazine collection," Butler shares. "We chose two stunning antique Chinese ancestral portraits to create a striking focal point that would fill the bookshelf without overcrowding it."

12. Print and Display Family Photos

In today’s digital era, we often forget to print and frame the photos stored on our phones and computers. Take the time to print your favorites so you can always be surrounded by those you love.

Of course, you can also include other decorative elements, as Laura Lerner did in this setup.

"We styled the shelves by mixing books and photos, along with other decorative pieces, ensuring the shelving unit felt balanced and not overly cluttered," she explains.

13. Incorporate Functional and Stylish Storage

While it’s important for your bookshelf to look appealing, you don’t have to sacrifice storage for style. A coordinated set of woven baskets not only enhances the visual appeal of the large bottom shelf but also serves a practical function by storing items like video game controllers, as Lerner demonstrates.

It's always best to place baskets on the lowest shelf rather than the highest, advises the designer. "Positioning baskets at the bottom of a shelving display helps anchor the entire structure, adding weight and balance," she notes.

14. Create a Library-Inspired Atmosphere

Fulfill your library-inspired aspirations by adding a ladder to your bookshelf. Not only does it lend a touch of elegance, but it also provides easy access to items stored high up. In this space, where the ceilings soar at 10 feet, a ladder is a necessity, as Brad Ramsey points out.

15. Don't Forget the Greenery

Unsure what to place atop your bookshelf? Consider adding a couple of green companions! In this setup, two plants infuse the space with color and texture, and they have plenty of room to grow over time. Choosing mismatched planters, as Laura Tribbett did here, creates a more casual, collected feel.

16. Draw Inspiration From the Library

Instead of meticulously arranging your books by color or size, embrace a more relaxed, library-inspired style like Tribbett did here. By leaving some space between stacks and avoiding filling every inch of the shelf, the display doesn’t feel too cluttered. Bonus: book lovers will love the extra space for future acquisitions!

17. Combine Various Textures and Shapes Within a Single Color Scheme

Arrange your bookshelf accessories thoughtfully, ensuring the space feels complete but not overcrowded. Tribbett achieved this by placing a variety of plants, books, and vessels within a consistent color palette, while introducing different textures and shapes for added visual interest.

18. Arrange Books with the Covers Facing Forward

Not every book has to be positioned traditionally. Consider placing some with their covers facing forward. This is a great way to showcase intriguing book covers, turning them into attention-grabbing art pieces in your space.

"You can really get a sense of someone's personality by their art and the books they choose to display—what sparks their interest or excites them. Showing off the book covers is like putting them on display as art," explains Courtnay Tartt Elias.

19. Adorn the Top Shelves with Vessels

If you're uncertain about what to place on the very top of your bookshelf, consider using it as an opportunity to display a beloved collection.

"Gather all your vases, platters, or any other items you cherish and have in multiples, and experiment with different groupings," suggests Elias. "You can arrange them by height, color, or even by their origin or the memories they evoke."

20. Introduce a Bold Statement with Patterned Wallpaper Behind Your Bookshelf

If your bookshelf lacks a backing, place it against a wallpapered wall to instantly add a burst of color. Be sure not to overcrowd your shelves so that you can truly enjoy the wallpaper print you've chosen.

"Wallpaper introduces an additional layer of interest and offers a fresh perspective on your accessories," says Emily June Spanos. "Experimenting with the color palette of your accessories in conjunction with your wallpaper choice can completely transform the overall design."

21. Embrace the Drama with Vintage Book Spines

Transport yourself to a bygone era by showcasing a collection of antique (or antique-inspired) books. This is a fantastic way to infuse a moody, dark academia vibe into your living room, den, or study, just as Kara Childress has done.

"I enjoy adding leather-bound books to a room, whether they're cherished vintage treasures or freshly curated collections," shares the designer. "The warm, aged leather finish creates a beautiful, subtle backdrop that brings depth and richness to the space."

22. Create a Gallery-Like Atmosphere at Home

Organize your accessories by color to craft a striking display that is bound to capture attention. In this living room, Mariel Lambrakos arranged a gallery-inspired layout, letting vivid glass pieces shine.

"The design goes beyond simple arrangement, delving into the material’s core—its power to capture and reflect light, create transparency, and evoke wonder through illumination," she remarks.

23. Don't Overlook the Charm of Bookends

Adorable bookends can transform any shelf from average to exceptional. Michelle Morgan Harrison found a pair of horse-themed bookends for a home in Kentucky, honoring the state with a perfect touch.

"The more ornamental the bookend, the better," she shares. "I'm a fan of everything from sleek marble blocks to intricate, vintage mid-century brass pieces."

24. Embrace a Layered, Lived-in Look

For a cozy, lived-in aesthetic, consider layering your bookshelf decor. Arrange your books both vertically and horizontally, creating different rows as necessary. This approach works wonderfully for those who have a vast collection of books and aren't ready to part with their cherished reads. Add personal touches with art, trinkets, and more, just as the Morgan Madison team did in this space.

25. Stick to a Cohesive Theme

If you're an avid collector of figurines (whether it's dogs, cats, or in this case, ducks!), make sure they have their own space on your bookshelf to stand out, as the team at Lucas Eilers did in this home. Having a theme allows you to show off your personality while providing room for your collection to grow as you see fit.