20 Bookshelf Decorating Ideas That Are Honestly Pretty Damn Chic
Nice shelves ya got there.
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Welcome to adulthood, where you spend an excessive amount of time walking around your home wondering, how can I make this look like something that would blow up on TikTok? You may not have a million dollars to blow at Reformation Hardware like some homestagrammers, but you can very easily up your decor game by tackling one often-daunting area of your living room: the bookshelf. Even the most uncreative apartment owner can give their shelves a stunning makeover with just a few essential decorating suggestions—I promise. Don't believe me? Keep reading.
The main goal when zhuzhing up a bookshelf? Don't limit yourself to just books. Bring out pretty much anything that you wouldn’t think belongs on a bookshelf. Plants? Yep. Personal mementos? Definitely. All your cute barware? Hundo percent. We’re not even ruling out mixing food items with your books, especially those cookbooks you’ve been keeping piled up in boxes in the garage. When you think outside the bookshelf box (literally...see tip 13), you create a whole other vibe. A good vibe.
Another way to make sure you’re creating eye-candy shelves that should be in a museum? Edit like crazy and move stuff around until you find which permutations are your fave. Rearrange that candlestick situation. Reorder your books by color (more on that later!). Set out that random decorative tray you found in the back of your closet. I know you can do it. And, when in doubt, check out these 20 tips for major bookshelf decor inspo:
If you’ve got super tall bookshelves and have no idea how the eff you’re going to make your way up into those nooks and crannies to store stuff—let alone style items!—invest in a very chic ladder that rolls back and forth along the unit. Not only will it make the room feel like an old-school collegiate library, but it'll actually be useful.
Look for shelves that have non-traditional shapes to house your goods, like this gold statement piece with unique cut-outs. Not only does this act as extra storage, but it creates unexpected areas that make everyday items look totally different when placed on an angle.
It’s true: Some food is just as pretty to look at as it is to eat. Repurposed olive oil canisters? Adorable. Glass jars full of dried pasta? Gorg. Try setting out a few foodie items, even if your shelf isn’t in the kitchen, to help set the scene.
Take note of this clever lil idea: repurposing a rolling cart to store books, dishes, or other knick knacks. If you have people over or your storage needs evolve, it can roll it right into another room in your home.
Give yourself a whole spa vibe by styling your bathroom shelves with neatly folded linens, stacked in tidy piles, and adding a few calming accents. Think essential oils, soaps, candles, books with your favorite mantras or meditations, and succulents.
A beautiful cabinet looks stunning and helps protect your favorite souvenirs and swag. The key to making it shine: mix up the colors, textures, and heights of the items to create visual interest.
Bibliophiles, take note: We’ve all seen rainbow bookshelves pop, and they're not going away anytime soon. Another way to embrace the styling technique is to try a diagonal pattern where same-shaded books descend down the bookshelves to look like a rainbow on a bias. Sure, it may take a while to sort all those books, but I mean…how pretty?
Dealing with a rich, dark color bookshelf or backdrop? Add books, vases, and objects in a lighter color—everything on the shelf will pop. Plus, interesting shapes and textures will get more attention.
Basic metal brackets make it easier to install a simple shelf AND they look good doing it. Buy brackets in a finish that matches other metals in your room to help everything look as ~cohesive~ as possible.
Include vases and other objects in unusual shapes. Ridges, rings, and rolls all feel way more fun than your standard planter or vase. In fact, they make the whole bookshelf feel more playful.
Practical and pretty, sometimes you need your shelving to do some serious heavy lifting. Ideal in an office or if you’re trying to organize a large book collection, two shelves are much better than one.
Sometimes it’s what’s behind your shelves that matters. This moody green paint provides a nice contrast for white and light wood tones. It makes each shelf the star of the space.
Pro tip: Style more than just the inner shelves. Add art and curios to the top and hang framed art on the front.
If you’ve got a seriously green thumb (show-off), an entire bookshelf or shelves full of plants in matching terra-cotta pots will really make a statement.
Here, a collection of wine glasses look more polished when they’re displayed together. Not only does it keep your glassware accessible and protected, this chic display frees up room on your bar cart for even! more! wine!
A gallery wall on its own is stunning, but when you work in a bookshelf it adds even more color and dimension. By concentrating all of the accents on one wall, it creates a focal point for the entire room.
Most people relegate decorative shelving to a home office or the living room—but they look beautiful in other spaces too. A high shelf in the kitchen can be a great spot to display artwork or more ornate serving ware or dining accessories.
Leftover paint gets put to good use, brightening up the inside of a built-in bookcase. Paint is an easy way to add a touch of color and turns a small nook into a standout storage space.
Why not look for something with more charm and character? You’ll score a better deal and having something that feels different and special makes everything you put on it look even better.
No room for a bar cart? No problem. A shelf is a clever way to store all of your glasses, liquor, and bar accessories in a dining room. It’s easy for guests to serve themselves or for you to mix up a strong drink on the fly.
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