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What Your Bookshelves Say About You
Learn how to display your books and style shelves to showcase who you are.
14 January 2025
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Bookshelves aren’t just a place to stash your novels, they’re an extension of who you are. Whether it’s a towering set of wall bookshelves, minimalist floating bookshelves, or a cosy book nook, the way you arrange your books and treasures reveals so much about your personality.
Think about it. That shelf packed with fantasy sagas and collector’s editions? It’s giving adventurous escapism. The stack of philosophy books? Deep thinker vibes. Even that untouched pile of self-help books quietly says, “I’m working on it.” Bookshelves aren’t just practical, they’re personal, showcasing not only what we love but who we’d like to be.
And let’s not forget the nostalgia. Every spine carries a story, beyond the one inside. There’s the battered travel guide from your first solo trip, the cookbook from your sourdough phase, or the novel you read during a summer that changed everything. Bookshelves hold more than books, they hold memories.
Create a cosy reading nook.
But it’s not just about the books. Shelves are also about creativity. Styling them can feel oddly therapeutic, like building a visual snapshot of your world. You get to decide: Do you go full minimalist with a few floating bookshelves and carefully curated decor? Or are you all about maximalist wall bookshelves, crammed with novels, trinkets, and plants?
How to Style Shelves You’ll Actually Love
Start with the books. They’re the stars, so let them shine. Mix vertical rows with a few horizontal stacks for variety. If you’re working with floating bookshelves, giving everything some space clutter-free is the goal here.
Next, add personality. Small plants, candles, or a quirky vase can break up the rows and add interest. Got a special souvenir or a framed photo? Pop it in. These personal touches keep your shelves from feeling like a library catalogue.
Curate your own library space, like this modern-Cluedo inspired room.
Play with height and texture. Layer taller items like trailing plants or a decorative lamp alongside shorter stacks of books. Woven baskets or glossy ceramics can add depth, especially on wall bookshelves where the eye naturally roams. And don’t stress about filling every inch, negative space is your friend. It gives everything room to breathe and keeps things looking intentional.
Keep books and toys tidy with a cubby bookcase.
If you’re lucky enough to have a book nook, go all in. Add a comfy chair, some soft lighting, and a throw blanket to create the ultimate reading retreat. Floating bookshelves are ideal here, sleek, space-saving, and perfect for keeping your current reads close.
At the end of the day, your bookshelf is a reflection of you. It’s a place for your passions, your memories, and your quirks. Whether you’re styling a massive set of wall bookshelves, a minimalist floating setup, or a cosy book nook, the key is to make it feel like home. And if your shelves tell a little bit of your story in the process? Even better.
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