Want more design inspiration?

Style it with a globe, as seen here.

Display one of your very own art pieces.

sconces above bookshelf

Design byAlexandra Kaehler/ Photo byReagen Taylor

Here, vessels of all shapes and sizes stand out in this living room.

It looks great inchildren’s rooms,living rooms, and more.

Small pieces of coral can easily sit on top of short stacks of books.

globe on top of bookshelf

Erin Williamson Design

Museum-Like Art

Mary Patton Design

Use the bookshelf to show off some of your favorite art pieces.

Add a Plant

Not sure how to style the top of your bookshelf?

Add a plant or two.

collection of vessels displayed on bookshelf

Desiree Burns Interiors

Greenery will never go out of style and will always help to infuse color into your space.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match various trinkets.

In comes a bookshelf display like this one, where spines are turned inward.

books displayed in rainbow color order

Louis Duncan-He

If you’re eager to keep your decor neutral, this is the way to go.

You’ll be surrounded by friends and loved ones no matter where you go.

The combination will result in a collected look.

coastal decor on bookshelf

Victoria Bell Design

This way, you’ve got the option to admire sentimental trinkets while you sit and work.

Prioritize Function

Make your bookshelf multifunctionalthis is an excellent approach when dealing with a small space.

Choose Bookends

Design byAlexandra Kaehler/ Photo byAimee Mazzenga

Don’t forget to display some decorative bookends!

artwork and sconce hanging on bookshelf

Mary Patton Design

This look is unexpected but full of fun.

In this moody, all-black room, bright colored books really pop and add character.

You could also display a piece of artwork using a similar approach.

books stacked horizontally and vertically

Erin Williamson Design

You’ll feel like you’re curled up reading in acozy, old-fashioned library.

This one fits just perfectly in the space available.

Kid-Friendly Style

Design byWORKSHOP studio/ Photo byLandon Schneider

Colorful kids toys can double as decor.

pottery displayed on curved bookshelf

Louis Duncan-He

Bejeweled Books

https://www.makehousedesign.com/

Jewelry on a bookshelfwhy not?

Hidden Storage

Sarah Lyon

Say yes to small baskets.

Not only do they add texture to the bookshelf, they’re also great for storage.

bookshelf in child’s room with titles facing forward

Victoria Bell Design

Use them to house everything from loose change to spare sets of keys to your matchbook collection.

There’s something about a good old-fashioned taper candle that will always set the right mood.

Either opt for a matching look, as seen here, or stick to the same color family.

books turned with spins facing inward

LH.Designs/ Photo byLauren Taylor

Bonus points if their spines are as thick and colorful as these!

Add a Basket

Here’s another instance where baskets come in handy on the bookshelf.

Steer clear from see-through options for a neater, more mature look.

picture frames displayed on bookshelf

Blessed Little Bungalow

Start out by displaying what you have and then leave some space to acquire new decor over time.

Style them in a way that will make you proud to turn on your camera during meetings.

“Odd numbers create more of an interest where even numbers will want your eye to create symmetry.”

sculptural items on bookshelf

Lorna Gross Interior Design

“See which objects naturally flow together on a table first and make groupings.”

“Its a great way to add color, character, and personality,” she says.

Mix and Match

Variety is of the essence when it comes to curating the perfect bookshelf.

stuffed animals on bookshelf in child’s room

Design byCohesively Curated/ Photo byCarina Skrobecki

plant styled in base of bookshelf

Design byWORKSHOP studio/ Photo byBonnie Burke

decorative objects layered in front of books

Design byCaroline Kopp/ Photo byRikki Snyder

bookshelf with sculptural decor and bar accessories

Design byCaroline Kopp/ Photo byRikki Snyder

white paper covered books in stacks

WORKSHOP studio

globe and other decor on desk bookshelf

Design byBRNS Design/ Photo bySpencer Cogburn

decorative bookends on shelf

Design byAlexandra Kaehler/ Photo byAimee Mazzenga

cookbooks and plant on kitchen bookshelf

Design byCohesively Curated/ Photo byCarina Skrobecki

wallpapered bookshelves

Desiree Burns Interiors

glass doors on bookshelves

Mary Patton Design

books stacked on top of each other on shelf

Design byAlexandra Kaehler/ Photo byAimee Mazzenga

leaning picture frames and lamp on bookshelf

Design byPaloma Contreras/ Photo byAimee Mazzenga

bookshelf with ladder

Young Huh Interior Design

books and trinkets at top of bookshelf

Design byAlexandra Kaehler/ Photo byReagen Taylor

mirror hanging on bookshelf

Design byPaloma Contreras/ Photo byBrittany Ambridge

plate collection displayed on bookshelf

Gray Walker Interiors

vases styled on aysmmetrical shelves

Design byWORKSHOP studio/ Photo byBonnie Burke

vase of flowers on bookshelf

Design byPaloma Contreras/ Photo byAimee Mazzenga

family portrait and lamp on bookshelf

Gray Walker Interiors

books styled without any open space

Design byGrey Joyner Interiors/ Photo byDhanraj Emanuel

colorful kids toys on shelf

Design byWORKSHOP studio/ Photo byLandon Schneider

clusters of objects on shelves

Design Directions/ Photo bySarah Baker

bust sculpture on bookshelf

Design Directions/ Photo bySarah Baker

decorative jewelry on bookshelf

https://www.makehousedesign.com/

small woven baskets on bookshelf

Sarah Lyon

hand sculpture on bookshelf

Sarah Lyon

layered look on bookshelves

Jessica Nelson Design

small lamp on bookshelf

Jessica Nelson Design

games displayed on bookshelf

Studio Peake

candlesticks on bookshelf

Studio KT

large storage baskets on bottom shelves

@houseofchais/ Instagram

neutral decor on bookshelf

JK Interior Living

collection of books on shelf

Sarah Lyon

tv on bookshelf

Studio Peake

baskets on bookshelf

Studio Peake

space left between items on shelves

Gray Space Interiors

shelves styled as computer background

Alvin Wayne Interiors

sleek floating bookshelf

Studio Peake