Decorating with books is an art that combines functionality and style. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy reading nook or enhance your living space with eye-catching displays, books can add a personal touch to your home decor. From San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA, and even in a rental home in Georgia, AL, this guide will help you incorporate literature into your design aesthetic, making your collection a reflection of your unique story.
1. Use Books to Add Height
Stack books creatively to elevate smaller decorative items on coffee tables, shelves, or mantels. This simple technique not only showcases your collection but also enhances the overall look of your space.
Professional designers Megan Shepherd and Janna Coglizer from Midwest & Co recommend using books as decor pieces to add personality to a room. They suggest stacking books under candles or decorative objects for added height. Rachel Gitzen from Rah and Co also enjoys using books as decorative risers on side tables and in other arrangements around her space.
2. Stylish Furniture for Book Display
Consider unique furniture pieces like ladder shelves or vintage trunks to showcase your books in style. Built-in shelving or glass-fronted cabinets can also serve as functional yet stylish book storage options.
Professional organizer Heather Downes from Orderly recommends using large furniture pieces for stylish book storage. She suggests using glass-fronted cabinets to integrate books into your decor and create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
3. Multi-Functional Furniture
Explore using other furniture pieces like sideboards or console tables to showcase your book collection. A side table can double as a mini-library, while storage ottomans or benches with compartments offer additional book storage options.
Professional organizer Joanna from Joanna Organize suggests using multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans to store books while also providing seating. This approach maximizes space and adds a literary touch to your decor.
4. Decorate with Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books can add style and personality to your living space. Stack them creatively on the floor or on a coffee table to create a charming display. These books serve as conversation starters and enhance the visual appeal of your decor.
Jenny from The Literary suggests using coffee table books to make a statement in your home. She recommends stacking books next to a comfy chair or layering them on a coffee table with a vase of flowers on top for added charm.
5. Stylish Book Stacks
Create bold statements with stacked books in your home decor. Whether arranged on a coffee table or shelf, stacked books add height and visual interest to your space. Showcase your favorite book covers and express your personality through creative stacking.
Professional organizer Erinn Connolly from Sort + Store recommends using stacked books to add height to displays or vignettes. She suggests using books with bright or coordinating colored spines to express your personality.
6. Accent Wall Displays
Transform a wall with a decorative bookshelf to create an enchanting backdrop for your books. Artfully arrange novels to showcase your collection and add an artistic feature to your space. This blend of functionality and elegance adds a unique touch to your home decor.
Christy Shannon Smirl from Foxtail Books suggests using books to create a maximalist look on shelves. She recommends filling shelves traditionally and stacking books horizontally to maximize open space and create a wallpaper effect.
7. Vertical Appeal in Small Rooms
In small living areas, consider vertical storage solutions for your book collection. Wall-mounted or corner shelves can provide practical and visually appealing displays. Ladder-style bookshelves offer a functional yet decorative way to showcase your books.
Pro organizer Jeana Adams from Simply Sorty Organizing suggests using vertical storage options like wall-mounted shelves or over-the-door organizers to display books stylishly. She also recommends ladder-style bookshelves for a functional and decorative touch.
8. Wall-Mounted Shelving
Maximize space and add a decorative touch with wall-mounted shelving for your book collection. Free up floor space while beautifully showcasing your books on the walls of your home.
Heather Aiello from The Organized You recommends wall-mounted bookshelves for large book collections in small spaces. She highlights the variety of options available to match your decor and make the most of your wall space.
9. Add Color with Books
Infuse color and personality into your home by displaying books with striking covers or richly hued spines. Use your favorite novels to create captivating displays on shelves or coffee tables, brightening your space and reflecting your unique style.
Professional organizer Lilian Chiu from Peony Professional Organizing recommends color-coding your books to create visual interest in your home. She suggests experimenting with different arrangements and stacking techniques for added flair.
10. Decorate with Bookends
Enhance your library with decorative bookends that showcase your personality and style. Whether bold and artistic or elegant and minimalist, bookends add flair to your shelves and offer unique ways to organize your collection.
Meg Kelly from Literary Inspired suggests transforming bookends into additional storage by using hollowed-out faux books. This clever solution allows you to store small items while maintaining the aesthetic of a well-curated bookshelf.
11. Get Creative
Experiment with different arrangements and creative displays to make your book collection a reflection of your personality and style. Mix vertical and horizontal stacks, incorporate decorative elements, and think outside the box to showcase your books in a unique way.
Leslie Hawkenson from Intentionally Organized suggests using floating shelves or vertical stacking bookshelves to make a statement with your books. Alexa Roland from Urbanspace Interiors recommends creative solutions like stacking books under a glass coffee table for a stylish display.
Decorating with Books in Your Home
Showcasing your books with style doesn’t require a large library. Whether creatively arranging shelves or using books as accents, there are countless ways to let your collection shine. Embrace the beauty of your favorite titles, reflect your personality, and create an inviting atmosphere for fellow book lovers. By thoughtfully incorporating books into your decor, you inspire creativity, spark conversation, and make your house feel like a home.
Photo courtesy of Peony Professional Organizing