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 also 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.
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 alongside books for a display that feels genuinely personal.
Play With Height and Proportions
For visual interest, arrange books of various heights and thicknesses. 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
Antique objects add depth and character to a bookshelf display. Mixing aged pieces with modern books and accessories creates a layered look that feels collected over time rather than assembled all at once.
