36 Affordable Bookshelf Decor Ideas: How To Style Bookshelf

An ever-growing book collection eventually calls for a home to put all your books in. I say this to warn you now, before your 2023 reads stack gets out of hand. While stacking your books around the house in little piles can be cute for a little while (which is undoubtedly the case around my apartment), investing in a good bookshelf that rids your tables and counter of unneeded clutter is the best way to go for the longterm. Those books aren't going anywhere, and they'll need a reliable home if you're building a collection!

One of my main motivations behind implementing a bookshelf into my home space was the fact that I could also use it as a decorative element and show off my partner and I's personalities. We're knick-knack sort of people, so if you are too, a bookshelf can provide a great space to display fond memories, photo prints, art pieces, collectibles, and more. Scroll to shop some exciting bookshelf decor rounded up below, along with some of the best decorated bookshelves we've ever seen for some more inspiration!

This rainbow styled bookshelf lets colored glass shine among some decorative art and stacks of books (via Apartment Therapy / Photo credit Amanda Archibald)

This rounded built-in bookshelf design in Laura Harrier's home is a calming book-scape that also serves as a easy bar cart, sprinkled with a touch of vinyl records and greenery. (via Sight Unseen)

This DIY ombré bookshelf adds the perfect pop of color into any space. Plus, it's easy to create and you can personalize it as much as you want! (via Brit + Co.)

This bookshelf palette is full of neutrals, making it a super homey and cozy place for your books to rest, among decorative art designs and plant vines. (via Dream Green DIY)

Below you'll find cute bookends, candles, vases and planters, mirrors, lamps and more unique bookshelf decor items to put on display!

This minimalistic bookend design is also super sturdy, so your books stay in place. Only the best treatment for your collection!

This unique, rounded bookend design is perfect for bookworms and design nerds alike!​

Need a hand (or two) in safely organizing your reads? This boho-style bookend pair is here to save the day.

These marble bookends add a true luxury, elevated look to any bookshelf.

These bust bookends also serve a unique decorative purpose, aside from hugging your books with care.

This small lamp from IKEA is only 6 inches in height, making it the perfect size to squeeze in between your book stacks for added warm light.

If you're feelin' funky, or just need to implement more nostalgic vibes into your space, a small lava lamp like this one could sit comfortably on top of your bookshelf and provide some relaxing light.

This small light source is giving us a good taste of mid-century modern design styles, and we're here for it! It's a wireless lamp (how cool is that?) so you can charge it to be used away from the bookshelf, ideally when you switch reading spots and need more visibility.

We love the soft fabric on this little basket, because it won't scratch your shelves while it's resting near your book collection. Use it to easily store random bookmarks, reading lights, office supplies, chargers, and more!

Snag the coolest catchall in all the land to sit on your bookshelf, so you have a home base for all the miscellaneous stuff you find while spending time at home.

This rattan bin is a great bookshelf storage option that's also decorative, too. If you're going for more cozy, bohemian vibes, this material will compliment your style perfectly.

This storage tray stacks vertically to save you some bookshelf space, while still catching random jewelry pieces, matches, pins and more.

Candles can be decor, too! This funky pick proves that you can have fun with styling your bookshelf and sprinkle your space with shaped candles.

Place these S-shaped candles on top of some vertically stacked books on your bookshelf for a good shape to break up the pattern of the pages.

These neon taper candles will add some vibrancy and a pop of color to your book collection. Don't forget to style some fun candlestick holders!

If the candle looks aesthetically pleasing and smells good, it's an instant buy for us. This Shrine candle pick checks all of our boxes, and it'll be the perfect bookshelf decor piece, no matter your style!

This bubble candle is another great decorative piece to accent your books and lamps with.

We love the organic shape of this vase that can house real or artificial flowers, no matter the time of year. Liven up your bookshelf with some lilies or tulips come springtime!

Your new houseplants will adore this squiggly planter to call home. Place a small plant on top of your bookshelf, or let it sit next to your fave reads on a single shelf!

This vase would look stunning on the bookshelf, where maybe there's a sizable gap in your books. Stuff with some flowers from the craft store, and your stunning vase display is done!

Succulents are the cutest plant for your bookshelf decor. They're low-maintenance, plus they can still thrive without direct sunlight. These mini planters will surround your succulents in love (and good design)!

Let your snake plant own this cute strawberry planter, so it can represent the fruit's leaves! Sit this one on your bookshelf for a lively touch.

If you collect photos like you collect memories, display your favorite flicks on your bookshelf with this Instax picture holder!

This wavy mirror is the perfect size to sit on your bookcase for when you need a quick touch-up before heading out of the house.

Minted has tons of different art prints at various sizes, so you can customize any space. Small 5x7 prints are the best dimension for decorating a bookshelf!

This basic standalone picture frame allows the opportunity to display photos of family on the shelf.

Never read alone again! This zebra figurine pal will keep you good company as you flip through your favorite books.

Pair a decorative match holder and striker with your #1 bookshelf candle to elevate the space even more.

This metal figure can fill in the negative spaces on your bookshelf.

Do you have the time? This chunky bubble clock will ensure that you always do, even if you get lost in a good book.

If you just have to stick to a color range in styling your future bookshelf, these book covers will unify all your reads into one pleasing palette! Just pick a few that you're not picking up frequently to use as decor.

Transform your bookshelf into an art museum with a few of these small decorative bust figurines. They're super fun and easy to place, plus they make your home library look like a real one.

Fans of incense, these adorable incense holders will become your new BFF. They'll look stunning atop your bookshelves, even when you're not burning a delicious scent.​

This bold flip clock can sit in front of some of your older books, to easily keep track of time.

Decorate your bookshelf with a small desk calendar for added time structure.

This unique bookshelf decor piece mimics a drip off your shelves. It could be a funny way to spruce up your books' home!

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Creative Assistant, Meredith Holser, is B+C's resident food writer, photographer, and TikTok taker. Meredith writes about a range of topics for B+C, but she's adopted food writing in all its many facets for the last year. You can see her work published in Do214, Advocate Magazine, WFAA, and North Texas Daily. Meredith's passion for photography began after sneaking her mom's iPhone to take pictures of flowers on vacation, eventually evolving from a passion to a professional career. Outside of work, you can catch Meredith hiking, trying new recipes, and dreaming about having a yummy little treat.