Bookshelf Decor Ideas | Style Your Shelves in Four Easy Steps

Shelf styling seems so effortless in the inspiring images we see across social media, right? But we all know that certainly isn’t the whole truth! This guide full of bookshelf decor ideas aims to take the stress out of the process.

Learn how to style the perfect combination of books, pottery, art and more! This is a step by step guide that will allow you to enjoy the process and create a look you absolutely love.

Because I am something of a minimalist, bookshelf decor is actually quite difficult for me. I want it to feel organic, organized and soothing to the eye, but I also want it to feel refined and elegant!

Clutter is my nemesis! When I decided it was time to re-work the Built in Bookshelves in our neutral living room I knew they needed to be simple, but still feel intentional and pretty. Luckily, I think we nailed it after some trial and error!

The end result is full of texture, the soft neutral colors that I love, and the perfect collected feeling that is still very restful at a glance. It’s personalized and tells our story, but feels soothing in the space overall. If you want to see more of our St. Louis home, come take the full Before and After tour here!

Bookshelf Decor

These are the most common elements used in bookshelf decor. However, remember: there are no rules! And if there are bookshelf rules, they are certainly made to be broken!

Whether you have built in shelves, floating shelves, or any kind of decor shelves, these design ideas are perfect for your shelf styling!

Pottery

Pottery pieces add such a soft, handmade look to your bookshelf styling. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors and styles, of course, so this is a flexible accent that can work in all types of homes, from modern to traditional.

This category encompasses everything from stone-look pieces to terra cotta and porcelain. Think of vintage pieces or ultra-modern high glass accents. Ginger Jars are a wonderful addition to bookshelves.

I love the imperfect finish of a pottery style vase, like this one from Target or more of the stoneware pieces from Shop McGee.

Art

Art is so personalized to every individual’s tastes. Adding art work to your bookshelf decor is a great way to tell your family’s story!

There are so many incredible Free Art Sources and it’s easy to print your own pieces and frame them to look high end.

You can also use family photos in your favorite picture frames, of course, to bring a personalized element to your shelves.

White built-in shelves showcase tasteful bookshelf decor, including a white vase, a gold wreath, a framed photo, a landscape painting, stacked books, a woven basket, and decorative beads.

A white built-in shelf showcases stylish bookshelf decor, including a white vase, framed picture, books, a gold decorative object, stacked blue boxes, a white bowl, and a potted plant with pink flowers.

White shelves showcase stylish bookshelf decor: a white vase, framed photo, gold leaf accent, books, blue boxes, a white bowl, and a wooden tray with folded textiles.

How to Decorate Bookcases

Again, please remember that there are no rules. This is simply a guide to help you get started and style your bookshelves in a way that you love!

Learn to decorate bookshelves step by step to make it easy.

Step 1: Start With a Blank Canvas

Remove everything from your bookcases to start with a blank canvas. This allows you to decorate without restraints and rethink the space.

Of course, I love white shelves, but you can make them amazing no matter what color you’re painting! Get my best tips for Painting Trim White and my favorite Cream Paint Colors to mimic this look.

Step 2: Collect Potential Items

Consider adding some organic elements to bring it to life, as well as natural pieces to add a little depth, color and texture.

Keep it practical and make it functional. This makes it feel warm and realistic rather than a contrived display. Use baskets and boxes to hold dvd’s, remote controls, etc. Use your shelves to store your favorite coffee table books or display treasures.

Create balance by adding tone and texture. Use a variety of materials including wood, metals, and pottery. Mix it up rather than grouping like items together.

Blending old and new pieces adds a little depth to your bookshelves.

Step 3: Group by Size

Add height to ground the shelves. Integrate pottery, stacked books, art or a greenery to add height, create interest and movement.

Use diagonal lines or triangle composition, sticking with single pieces or a grouping in odd numbers to help you achieve balance.

Step 4: Adjust

Take a step back and make adjustments as needed. I like to take a quick snapshot on my phone to evaluate it. See what works and what doesn’t to add and subtract until it feels right.

A bright living room features a brick fireplace, white built-in shelves with stylish bookshelf decor, a large framed seascape, and a white coffee table with a vase of white flowers.

Tips

Find your inspiration and start there! Look to your favorite interior designers and influencers for images that can inspire you.

Do not overcrowd. Leave white space to allow pieces to stand out.

Create a layered appearance by overlapping items or spacing them slightly apart.

Think in terms of odd numbers. Ideally, three items will to create the traditional “design triangle” can help you find the perfect layout. Tall, medium, low can be a good angle to try!

A monochromatic or minimal color scheme will help you immediately achieve a sophisticated look. Simplifying the color palette is the easiest way to do this – I like to keep it to three primary color tones!

In these photos, I used fresh olive branches in my vases because they dry beautifully and I can leave them for a long time to come. However, don’t hesitate to use faux for a long-lasting pop of greenery!

White built-in shelves showcase stylish bookshelf decor with books, framed art, and accents beside a brick fireplace featuring a white mantel and a seascape painting above.

I transition our home through the seasons by replacing an item or two on the bookshelves or a grouping of items. It’s a quick and easy way to update and make your home feel festive!