If your bookshelf is crammed with old textbooks, random trinkets, and a houseplant barely hanging on, it might be time for a glow-up. A well-styled bookshelf is similar to a bold fashion accessory — it brings your style to life and elevates the room’s overall atmosphere. 

Whether you’re going for cozy, minimalist, or a little bit over the top, here’s how to decorate a bookshelf so it works for your space.

15 simple bookshelf decor ideas

Blending books, decor, and personal treasures turns a cluttered shelf into a stylish display. Here’s how to style a bookshelf with 15 simple techniques and home decor shopping ideas that create a balanced, fun look.

1. Books stacked with decorative objects on top

Books stacked horizontally with fun little decorative pieces on top creates the perfect balance of order and charm. Even a small item can inject your bookcase with a big personality. For instance, a decorative antique adds sophistication, while a cherished childhood memento adds some nostalgia to the room. This simple styling trick gives your bookshelf life while keeping things neat and organized. 

2. Tall plant, frame, and small object grouping

Imagine a tall fern or leafy plant standing next to a framed artwork, with a quirky small object or two anchoring the vibe. The combination of height, texture, and color might feel complicated, but it’s a tried-and-true way to add balance to a bookshelf. A plant makes the room feel fresh, artwork creates a focal point, and small objects tie it all together. 

To make the look more cohesive, match colors and textures — think black picture frames with a black-and-white checkered vase. 

3. Books with decorative bookends

Why settle for basic beige when you can have decorative bookends that double as statement pieces? Bookends can be quirky and bold, like glossy ceramic rainbows or cloud-shaped woodcuts. You can also lean into classic library vibes and use simple shapes made of glass, acrylic, or stone. Whatever design you choose, a good pair of bookends makes your bookcase feel as loved as your dog-eared paperbacks. 

Shop for decorative bookends on Onton

4. Layered art with small vases

   

Stack framed prints or photographs in front of one another to create depth and texture, then add petite vases filled with fresh flowers or dried greenery for a dash of life. It’s a simple way to break up the sea of books, making your bookcase feel more personal. Plus, you can easily switch out flowers or artwork when you’re in the mood for a refresh. 

5. Decorative boxes with toppers

Loose change, keys, or situational outerwear like gloves are items that don’t look great on display, but you also don’t necessarily want to toss or store them. Cue decorative boxes with toppers. This stylish shelf storage hack is practical and pretty, offering a place to stash small items that are too messy to display. A matte black box with an ornate, heavy brass topper is perfect for gothic interior design, while a dainty, wooden box with a hand-carved flower topper brings cozy cottagecore vibes to your bookshelf.

6. Single large statement object

If you aren’t a knick-knack kind of person, a single statement object is a way to style shelves with personality. Think a large, geometric terracotta vase in a bold color, a polished brass animal sculpture, or a vintage globe with a rich patina. A statement piece adds instant character to your bookshelf, creating a rich focal point without the need to collect a dozen small bookcase decor items.

7. Mixed framed photos display

For a more maximalist or bohemian look, skip the uniform frames and embrace variety. You can both mix styles (ornate vintage frames with simple modern lines), and mess around with color, shape, and texture. Think rich jewel tones, black matte, or gold, mixed with rounded or square edged frames. The result is a bookshelf with a curated chaos that feels purposeful and effortlessly cool.

Find different frame styles on Onton

8. Decorative bowls or baskets with filler

While bowls and baskets are great for storage, they can also be flexible art pieces. Decorate your bookshelf with a beautiful ceramic bowl filled with colorful marbles or a natural woven basket full of seashells. It’s a cool way to introduce texture, color, and a touch of whimsy to your shelves. Plus, fillers can be swapped out with the seasons, like mini pumpkins in the fall or small Christmas ornaments during the holidays. 

9. Lighting or small lamps on shelves

   

Sleek desk lamps, quirky vintage bulbs, or delicate fairy lights placed on and around your bookshelves add a warm glow that elevates the entire room — and makes you look a lot better. Try different positions to catch the eye and cast soft spotlights and shadows across your room.

10. Travel souvenirs or mementos

Maybe you have a gorgeous seashell from your favorite beach or an ancient-looking trinket you picked up during a trip to Morocco. Rather than tucking your souvenirs away, make them the focal point of your bookshelf. Mementos spark conversation and give your space a deeply personal touch. 

11. Sculptures and artistic objects

Art objects add a sculptural pause between books and frames, giving the eye something to land on. You don’t need a full-on gallery, just one or two pieces that make your shelves pop. For instance, a smooth alabaster bust and blue glazed terracotta dish can evoke Mediterranean charm without feeling overly thematic. 

12. Plants and greenery

    

A single trailing pothos or squat succulent can change the entire mood of a bookcase. Plants add color and softness, breaking up rigid lines and making everything feel less staged. If your vibe leans more rustic, try a potted rosemary or lavender plant in a clay pot. More modern? Go for a sculptural snake plant in a matte ceramic planter. Just make sure your chosen greenery gets enough light.

13. Vintage books or collectibles

Mixing in vintage books and collectibles gives your bookcase an erudite feel. We’re talking cracked leather spines, gold-embossed titles, and an antique camera or tarnished magnifying glass. These pieces add history and depth, and if you have a personal connection to them, act as a great conversation starter. 

14. Inset mirror panel

A mirror tucked into the bookshelf instantly deepens the space and bounces light around the room. Go with a full panel or a small mirror leaned against a cluster of books to add a balancing effect. Mirrored trays and glass boxes with metallic edges also work — they catch the reflections of light and decor in a way that feels quietly evocative. 

15. Glass apothecary jars

Apothecary jars aren’t just for holding cotton balls — although that’s a great bathroom shelf organization hack. Fill one with dried citrus slices, miniature pinecones, matchbooks, or handpicked shells. Go maximalist with a trio of jars on a mirrored tray or minimalist with one jar holding a single object. 

How to organize a bookshelf: A few tips

There’s no reason keeping things tidy means losing your space’s style. Here are a few bookshelf styling tips so you retain your unique flair: 

• Use baskets or boxes for hidden storage: Not everything needs to be on display. Tuck away items like chargers, spare candles, or office supplies in lidded boxes or woven baskets. Choose materials that complement your room — think rattan for a rustic feel or silk-wrapped for sophistication. 

• Arrange books by color or size: Grouping books by color creates a bold visual punch while still looking neat. For a quieter approach, sorting by height builds a natural arch that’s easy on the eyes. 

• Place frequently used items on lower shelves: Functional decorating is good decorating. If there are items you need easy access to, place them on lower shelves where you can grab them without a second thought. Whether it’s a planner or a set of keys, make space for your most-used items to keep your shelves practical. 

• Leave space for future additions: You don’t have to preserve your bookshelf in amber. Leave a little breathing room to make space for new finds — books, keepsakes, or whatever knickknack takes your fancy next. It keeps your bookshelf setup flexible and lets your style grow with you.

Decorate your bookshelf with Onton

Can’t decide between a baroque bookend or a sculptural art piece? Let Onton’s AI-driven search engine showcase your options. Try specific prompts like “stone bowls” or something simpler like “decorative sculptures” to discover the perfect adornments for your bookshelf.

Once you narrow down your favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything fits together. Upload a picture of your shelves and experiment with different lighting, vases, and boxes. It’s a simple, imaginative way to make your bookcase stand out. 

Dream up your ideal bookshelf decorwith Onton