Using books as decoration is an art form that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. From creating cozy reading nooks to curating eye-catching arrangements on mantels and shelves, books can serve as both style statements and conversation starters.
Whether you’re living in a house in San Diego, CA, an apartment in Los Angeles, CA, or staying in a rental home in Georgia, AL, this guide will help you embrace the beauty of literature as a design element, and let your collection reflect your personal story while enhancing your living space.
1. Place books under other decor to add height
Elevate your decor by using books as chic pedestals for smaller decorative items. Stack them creatively to add height and depth on coffee tables, shelves, or mantels, giving your space a layered look. This simple addition not only displays your collection, but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.
“Books are great filler decor, and we love incorporating them throughout a home to add a personal touch,” says Megan Shepherd and Janna Coglizer, co-founders of the Kansas City interior design studio, Midwest & Co. “Instead of buying a bookshelf, we will stack them under decor pieces such as candles or decorative objects for height, or incorporate them in stacks on accent tables, coffee tables, or console tables. We try to use books that are relevant to the client’s hobbies in places that get higher traffic. Books aren’t just for reading, they are also our favorite filler decor pieces,” they conclude.
Columbia, SC-based professional organizer, Rachel Gitzen from Rah and Co shares a similar sentiment. “I enjoy thinking outside the box when it comes to book storage—why not think of it as décor?” asks Rachel. “Books are inherently beautiful, and I love having them on display. Beyond the shelves, I often use them as decorative risers on side tables, under picture frames, and in other arrangements around my space.”
2. Find stylish furniture to hold your books
Using stylish furniture to display your books can really elevate your home decor and enrich your reading space. Consider unique pieces such as ladder shelves, vintage trunks, or elegant bookcases that serve as captivating focal points. This approach ensures your favorite reads are not only readily accessible, but also beautifully showcased.
Heather Downes, professional organizer and owner of Orderly in Granville, OH, emphasizes, “We love using built-in shelving or large pieces of furniture for functional, stylish book storage. Some of our favorite furniture options are glass-fronted cabinets where your books become a part of your decor. This helps to create a warm, cozy home.”
3. Give your furniture an extra purpose
You don’t have to limit yourself to bookshelves and desks; other furniture pieces can become a welcome addition to your book collection. Consider using a sideboard with a stack of your favorite novels as a captivating centerpiece, inviting casual browsing. A sleek console table can double as a display for books, adorned with a few decorative accents like candles or plants. Even a chic side table can transform into a mini-library by creatively using books as decorations.
While tables are one option for decorating with books, Omaha, NE professional organizer, Joanna from Joanna Organize adds a literary touch to her seating. “Consider using multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans or benches with compartments to store books while also serving as seating.”
4. Accessorize with coffee table books
Coffee table books are a wonderful way to infuse style and personality into your living space. With their striking covers and captivating content, they serve as perfect conversation starters, while adding visual interest to your decor.
As Jenny from the Champaign, IL book bar, The Literary, expresses, “Books in a home are like tattoos—they say a lot about who you are and they’re always uniquely gorgeous. The best part is that you don’t need a lot of space to make it work,” she explains. “Stack coffee table books on the floor to make a charming side table next to a comfy chair for example. Or, try layering a few on a coffee table and place a vase of flowers on top. There’s even a book on the subject; ‘Books Do Furnish a Room’ by Anthony Powell. It’s full of imaginative ways to incorporate books into your decor, no matter what size space you’re working with.”
5. Stack your books with style
Stacking your books can make a bold statement in your home decor while adding a personal touch to your space. Whether you arrange them in neat piles on a coffee table or creatively stack them on a shelf, this simple technique adds height and visual interest. Moreover, it offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your favorite covers.
In the words of Erinn Connolly, a Charlotte, NC professional organizer and founder of Sort + Store, “When you’re short on storage, lay books in stacks to add to a display or vignette. The books help add height and express your personality with bright or coordinating colored spines, or reverse them for a textured and neutral aesthetic.”
6. Fill an accent wall with books
As wallpaper makes a comeback, transforming a wall with a decorative bookshelf can create an enchanting wallpaper effect that exudes sophistication. By artfully arranging an array of novels, you can craft an eye-catching backdrop that not only showcases your literary collection, but also serves as an artistic feature. The result is a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance.
How do you create this wallpaper effect? Christy Shannon Smirl from Foxtail Books in Jackson Hole, WY shares some ideas. “Books take up a lot of real estate, but luckily they are also wonderful design elements that make a space feel lived in, cultured, and authentic,” says Christy. “One way to make the most of shelving is to go for a maximalist look. Fill the shelves in a traditional way, but also intermittently stack books horizontally (both on top of short books and using the full vertical space, shelf to shelf). Think ‘more is more’. Using all of the open space can create a great wallpaper effect.”
7. Add vertical appeal in smaller rooms
If you’re looking for book storage solutions in a small living area, finding effective ways to display your book collection can be a challenge. Jeana Adams, pro organizer and founder of Simply Sorty Organizing in New Richmond, WI suggests thinking vertically to incorporate both style and functionality. “Multiple wall-mounted or corner shelves create a practical and visually appealing way to display books, while over-the-door organizers offer flexible storage options.” She also highlights a charming solution for storing your books vertically. “For an extra touch of style, ladder-style bookshelves create a functional yet decorative display,” says Jeana.
Madison, WI-based professional organizer, Tiffany Barron from Sanctuary Home Organizing echoes the importance of vertical storage. ”If you’re short on space but have a growing collection of physical books, vertical storage is key,” she explains. “Stores like West Elm offer sleek, modern units that are perfect for displaying books and other items while occupying minimal floor space. For even tighter areas, retailers such as Ikea provide versatile shelf options that can fit into narrow corners, offering ample storage without sacrificing style.”
8. Display your collection on wall mounted shelves
Another stylish option for vertical storage is wall-mounted shelving. This solution not only maximizes your space, but also adds a decorative touch to your home. By using your walls, you can free up valuable floor space while beautifully showcasing your collection.
Heather Aiello, CEO and founder of The Organized You in Walpole, MA emphasizes this idea. “When working with small spaces, I always advise my clients to think vertically. That’s why I love wall mounted book shelves for people with large book collections,” says Heather. “There are so many options out there, that you are sure to find one that will match your decor, whether it’s for your living room, bedroom, or kids’ play area, the options are endless.”
9. Add color to your rooms with books
A sophisticated way to infuse color and personality into your home is by incorporating your favorite novels. Select volumes with striking covers or richly hued spines to create a captivating display on shelves or coffee tables. This elegant touch not only brightens your space, but also beautifully reflects your unique style and passion for literature. As Lilian Chiu, a Seattle-based professional organizer and founder of Peony Professional Organizing recommends, “If you don’t reference your books often, color coding your favorites can create visual interest in your home. For an added bonus, you can also experiment with stacking them in various arrangements.”
Sue Smiley and Kelli Watson from the Eagleville, PA home decor shop, Casa Ancora Home Décor & More add, “Whether your style is casual farmhouse or a more traditional, we love using books as decorations to add a touch of color and function to the living area. In our boutique, we love to use colorful bindings on vintage or classic books to match the season and add dimension to our staging. For instance, red bindings for the holiday season, blue for patriotic holidays, or oranges and browns for the fall.”
Photo courtesy of Peony Professional Organizing
10. Accessorize with decorative bookends
Bookends are the unsung heroes of home decor, offering unique ways to organize and beautify your library, while showcasing your personality. Whether you opt for bold, artistic designs or elegant, minimalist styles, they can add the perfect touch of flair to your shelves.
Meg Kelly, a digital marketer for independent authors from Literary Inspired offers a clever and functional approach for bookends. “Transform your bookends into additional storage by using hollowed-out faux books,” she suggests. “These clever disguises can house small items like remote controls or reading glasses, freeing up space elsewhere. Plus, they blend seamlessly with your existing collection, maintaining the aesthetic of a well-curated bookshelf while maximizing functionality in tight quarters.”
11. Get creative with it
No matter how you decide to display your books, it’s important to get creative with it. Test out different arrangements to find what feels right for your space. Consider mixing vertical and horizontal stacks for added visual interest. Don’t be afraid to incorporate decorative elements like plants or art to enhance your display. Remember, the goal is to make your collection a reflection of your personality and style.
Leslie Hawkenson, owner and founder of Intentionally Organized in Phoenix, AZ says it perfectly. “If you have a lot of books and are looking for a storage solution, think outside the box. Books are beautiful and can double as decor. Let those books make a statement by displaying them on floating shelves above the couch or up a wall,” says Leslie. “I also love the look of vertical stacking bookshelves because they are so stylish and can be placed on the floor or even on a console or desk top.”
So, what does full creativity look like? Alexa Roland from the Austin-based interior design studio, Urbanspace Interiors shares her thoughts. “For an artistic touch, stack books under a glass coffee table to create a stylish display, or use slim, tall bookcases to fit into tight corners. At Urbanspace Interiors, we love finding inventive solutions that make the most of every inch while showcasing your personality.”
Using books as decorations for your literary home
Having a large library in your home isn’t the only way to show off your books with style. Whether you’re creatively arranging shelves or using books as stylish accents, there are so many ways to let your collection shine. Embrace the beauty of your favorite titles and let them reflect your personality, transforming your home into a cozy haven for fellow book lovers. By thoughtfully using books as decorations, you invite conversation, inspire creativity, and create an inviting atmosphere that truly feels like home.
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