Whether you’re an avid reader or not, it’s my belief that everyone should have a bookshelf (or some other shelf-like area) that showcases the things you love and fully represents who you are. As the new owner of my first full bookshelf, free for me to customize on my own (and for only $25! Thanks Ikea!), I’ve been having a lot of fun finding new ways to cultivate this space that represents my interests and personality. Here are some of the most effective ways I have been able to breathe life into my bookshelf that might help you find your own personal bookshelf style too!
1. books
Definitely the most obvious aspect of styling a bookshelf, but a bookshelf itself poses the question of books. Start with what you like to read. Put copies of your favorite books on your shelves, especially keeping in mind visual or emotional appeal. Do you want to put your favorite books towards the top? Do you want to organize them by title, author’s last name, or color? Or do you prefer to just arrange them in a (curated) “random” order so that the different colors, genres, spine heights, and general vibes intermingle? Consider also standing some books upright, like how you might think of them on any other shelf, while maybe laying some down longways and stacking them, or standing some of them up with the cover facing out. It’s a really visually interesting way to add dimension and to further show off some of your favorites.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t need to include dozens of books. I just grabbed the physical books I have laying around my room, both ones that I have and haven’t read yet, and put them on the shelves just to start adding life and style to that part of my room. I love to read, and I have less than a dozen books on my shelves right now. It’s all up to you!
2. plants
I literally cannot recommend plants enough for styling any kind of space! They add so much fun and personality to wherever they are placed. It’s easy to even just grab a few plants at your grocery store of choice that you feel reflect your own personality. Taking care of plants is sometimes a hurdle that a lot of people find it difficult to jump over, but I have been keeping a few low maintenance plants like aloe vera and other succulents for almost a year now; they need very little water, sunlight, and attention, and they are always colorful and interesting! If taking care of a plant is just really not your thing, I would recommend getting some flowers to place in a small vase or jar on the shelves instead. They can be from a grocery store or flower shop, picked straight from outside, or flowers you’ve crafted yourself out of paper, pipe cleaners, or (my favorite craft medium) crochet! Anything to add color and a literal piece of life to your shelves will make them pop and add effortless beauty and personality.
3. A candle
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: an open flame candle on a wooden bookshelf surrounded by paper books sounds like a ridiculous idea. In fact, it definitely is a ridiculous idea, and I can even admit that myself. However, using a candle simply as a decorative item without intending to actually light it can add a fun dynamic to your bookshelf. Similar to how plants can reflect your own personality, so can a candle! In terms of color, scent, or simply how the candle or label looks, a candle can add more variety to your shelves.
If you’re like me and still love to experience the smell and impeccable vibe of a candle without the stress of an open flame near wood, consider a candle warmer or lamp. I own a (very cheap) candle warmer that doubles as a mug warmer, and it has never failed me; it has honestly been one of my favorite things to bring to college, especially in places where I’m technically not allowed to light candles. Along the same vein, consider something like a diffuser and essential oils as well if the thought of a candle still makes you nervous. A diffuser doesn’t get hot, and generally releases a dry, thin mist that likely wouldn’t affect any of the other items on the shelves.
4. a light source
Piggybacking off of the diffuser suggestion, adding a light source to your shelves can immediately turn the space into one of comfort and calm. In my opinion, a diffuser or candle lamp/warmer that doubles as a light source is a huge (multifunctional) win! I find that many of us often sacrifice spaces that feel comforting and safe for us in order to achieve something that’s more organized or more aesthetically pleasing. Try not to let this be the case (unless that’s what you want, in that case go for it!). Remember to curate your bookshelf into something that you would regularly want to hang out around and something that reflects who you are. Lights are a super effective way to do this!
5. baskets and drawers
Another way to add visual interest to your bookshelf is creating even more advanced dimension. Adding a basket can serve extremely functional purposes, like holding stationary, book accessories, or just more books! They can also be a way to add more color and texture while also incorporating your own style. A wicker basket and a metal basket fundamentally serve the same purpose of storage, but they give off completely different vibes. Long, short drawers can be used in a very similar way, both for more storage and to potentially stack more books on top of, creating more height dimension and visual interest.
6. various trinkets
Finally, feel free to add anything else you want! Grab some small trinkets (as I like to call them) that you have laying around, like a small sign or a stuffed animal or a bottle of perfume. I also find going thrifting is one of the best places to find small items that can say a lot about your personality, many of which are inexpensive and would be perfect on a bookshelf, like small figurines or jars. This suggestion is where you have the most freedom and can truly take creative liberties to fill in the gaps with little things that make you, you. Especially after adding in your own small items, your bookshelf will look incredibly stylish and serve as a little slice of your own life.