10 Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Are you tired of staring at a basic white bookcase, but not sure where to start?
Written by: Shannon Levy, Shannon Levy Interiors
Render by Shannon Levy Interiors | Project: Inner Richmond, San Francisco
Styling a bookcase can be overwhelming and it takes a little bit of time and strategy.
Stay calm and read on. From decorative bookends to vases and lighting, we've got your bookcase decor ideas covered.
Not only will we cover a solid list of decor ideas to get your creative design flowing, we will also share curated lists of ideas for each decor category that you can be inspired by or also click and shop.
So, let’s get to it!
1. Decorative Bookends: More Than Just A Stand
Decorative bookends Are not only purposeful, they also add charachter.
balancing Your aesthetic and Style with bookends can be done in many ways.
Mix and match! Bookends can be a way to add an element of surprise to your shelf. Don’t limit yourself to using traditional bookends.
Use a stack of books themselves as bookends, to help hold others in place.
Use a heavy vase or jug to help hold a row of books.
Go Vintage! Find something special that tells a story. Vintage finds are a great way to tell a story and can fill your space with nostalgia.
10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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bookends
Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Items in each category have been selected for a variety of reasons. Some offer great value for the price, and some are unique finds offering other unique features. Before purchasing, please read all specifications, sizes, and return policies from each vendor to make sure the item is a good fit for you! Please consider that each item is unique, especially vintage pieces, which may or may not be a good solution for you and your unique design situation.
2. Candlesticks: Add Height and Dimension with Candlesticks
One way to add some height and dimension to your bookcase is by incorporating candlesticks.
Use a mix of traditional tall and tapered candlesticks or choose more unique shapes and finishes to complement your decor style.
Place Candlesticks strategically. Try using a cluster of candlesticks on one side of the shelf to balance out the weight of your books, or you can intersperse them throughout the shelves for a more eclectic feel.
For larger bookcases, consider using candlesticks to anchor each section and create a more cohesive look.
BE SAFE! Don’t burn candlesticks in on shelves that are low or in unsafe conditions.
10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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candlesticks
3. Framed Artwork: Show Off Your Style
use framed art to add style, color and patterns to your bookcase.
Chose the right size and position for the art and select a frames that compliment other elements in the bookcase.
Layer framed pieces in Placing framed art behind decor or propping them up on your shelves for a layered effect.
Use framed art as your inspiration and build draw from them to inspire other elements.
Use Frames that you can put your own pictures or art in to make it more personalized and affordable.
Don’t over do it. Too many framed pieces can make the composition look cluttered and unintentional.
FRAMED ART | BOOKCASE STYLING | ART & RENDERING BY: SHANNON LEVY INTERIORS
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framed art
4. Figurines and Accents
How do you use figurines In your bookcase? Create A Focal Point.
When selecting figurines and accents, think about what speaks to you or tells a story,
Place a small figurine on top of stacked books to accent its surroundings.
Use a figurine as a centerpiece.
Use items inspired by or collected from your travels that work with the overall composition.
Leave some room to grow! When you have a space to fill, use a placeholder, but keep an eye out for something special. Maybe it is vintage or something inherited from a family member.
10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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figurines
5. Vessels: vases, Urns, and/ or Cache pots
These vessels all sound interesting But how do you use an urn or a cache pot?
There are a many functions and benefits of utilizing these vessels in your bookcase to make these pieces compliment your shelves.
With a variation of finishes: a ceramic vase, brass urn, or clay cachepot, these elements can add subtle but impactful elements lending to great flow.
Multiple shapes and styles of these items can add stylistic interest.
They offer an opportunity to bring in some greenery by filling them with fresh flowers or seasonal stems.
Grouping various sizes, shapes and finishes further add to the balance of an eye-catching display.
10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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vases, urns, and bowls
6. Decorative Boxes: Keep It Organized and Stylish
So how do you use boxes to help declutter and not over do it?
Make strategic Choices.
Consider your overall composition. Wooden boxes look great with a neutral palette or traditional decor scheme.
Consider a functional option that might blend with the backdrop, so shelves don’t look cluttered.
Top the box with a figurine or clock to add interest.
Use boxes to store small items like remote controls, pens, or electronic chargers.
A Patterned box can compliment your books or draw more interest into an area that may need a touch of color or variation.
Consider shapes and sizes. Stacking boxes can add a nice element of sophistication without stealing the show or being the focal point. Use them as a functional compliment to the items surrounding them.
Bookcase Decor | Decorative Boxes | 10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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decorative boxes
7. Decorative plates or platters
but how does a platter or a plate in a bookcase work?
Propping decorative trays in the background can offer a subtle backdrop adding variation of materials for a nicely composed vignette on your shelf.
Using a tray can help compliment and frame a grouping of items for a finished look.
Decorative Platters | 10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
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accent trays
8. Lighting: Set the mood with Wall sconces or Picture Lights
Lighting can be a game-changer when it comes to bookcase décor.
Not only does it add ambiance to the space, but it can also highlight your favorite books, art, reading nooks, and other areas of interest.
A few ideas to consider are:
Small Table lamps are a good choice for bookshelf lighting, as they add height and dimension to the display.
Wall sconces are a great alternative when the room on your shelf is limited. They can be used to highlight art or a prized vintage piece. Today you can find battery-operated lamps making this option easier than ever!
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, opt for soft, warm-toned bulbs instead of harsh, bright ones.
Experiment with different types of lighting to see what works best for your space. With just a few tweaks, you can transform your bookshelf into a cozy and inviting space.
10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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sconces and lighting
9. Clocks: A Timeless Accessory
Another simple yet timeless accessory to consider is a mantel clock or desk clock. Here is why:
They are functional & Practical.
They add a touch of sophistication.
A clock can be placed on a shelf, box, or book, creating a focal point that draws to balance spaces.
There are many styles to chose from and they can work into any style of design.
desk clock | 10 Creative Bookcase Decor Ideas That Will Make Your Space Stand Out
Render & Design by: Shannon Levy Interiors
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mantle clocks & Desk Clocks
10. Books: OF COURSE
And let's not forget the actual books!
Not only do Books provide entertainment and knowledge they also serve as a design element themselves.
Books can be arranged in various ways to support your spaces and compliment their shelves.
Highlight Art Books. Books are works of art in and of themselves. Find a beautiful book and make it the backdrop or centerpiece of a shelf.
They Can Be Organized By Color: Have you ever wondered why designers put books on shelves backward?
Hint, Hint….- Your answer is in the title of this tip- “Color”.
Placing books backward allows more uniform colors to style with, giving you a more “designed” or styled look. Alternatively, you can organize your books by color and place them together to help with the overall balance and composition of your bookcase.
Sorting by Genre or Highlighting a topic can create interest with content. Pair a small stack of books with a stylish vase to separate by genre, and show off a seasonal topic, or a classic favorite.
Balance the books. Organizing books by size helps you determine how to can distribute this fundamental element throughout the bookcase for stacking or as art.
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books
Well, there you have it!
With the help of these 10 decor idea types, you can now get started on changing that basic white bookshelf, transforming its shelves to create a well curated bookcase that reflects your style and personality.
Don't be afraid to let your creativity shine and experiment with new ideas. As designer Timothy Corrigan once said,
"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love."
So go ahead, add that personal touch to your bookcase decor, and make your space stand out. Happy decorating!