When walking into someone’s home, one of the most interesting aspects of their living space is often how they curate their bookshelf. Beyond just books, a bookshelf can display awards, travel memorabilia, family heirlooms, and more. Each item tells a story and offers a glimpse into the homeowner’s life and interests. Whether it’s a rare first edition book, a trophy from an achievement, a souvenir from an unforgettable trip, or a cherished family photograph, every piece adds to the narrative of who they are.

However, styling a bookshelf can be quite tricky because various factors contribute to making it feel authentic and unique to the homeowner’s personality. It requires a balance of aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that the arrangement is both pleasing to the eye and practical. The placement of each item, the use of color, and the mix of textures all play a crucial role. Additionally, the bookshelf should reflect the homeowner’s taste and style, whether minimalist, eclectic, traditional, or modern.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few bookshelf styling ideas we’ve picked up along the way to help ensure that you’re well-equipped to arrange a shelf in any room in your home.

Start From The Basics

Before you can stylize your bookshelf, clear it all off. A clean slate gives you the opportunity to mix, match, and layer without commitment. Maybe you want to focus and build around small potted plants, or you want to create playful arrangements with your oversized books. Starting from scratch will give you the space for this.

Embrace Your Messiness

For those that have been dubbed “messy,” having a not-so-perfect bookshelf can actually become aesthetically pleasing if you tackle it correctly. It’s okay to be honest with yourself and stylize the shelf accordingly. Put books in places where they don’t traditionally belong, break up the color palette, and add funky objects. Your shelf, your way.

Create A Storage System

There’s a common misconception that a bookshelf should only hold books, but that’s not true. If you’re working with limited space, try incorporating small storage bins and containers that complement the overall aesthetic of your shelf.

Add Art To Your Shelf

If you have any paintings, bowls, or vases to display, now is your time to add more color and context to your shelf.

Install Lighting

No bookshelf is complete without lighting to make your display stand out. This gives your shelf an at-home museum feel and brings more attention to the theme overall.