The Popular Items to Decorate Your Bookshelf for 2025

A bookshelf can be a great way to add storage and style to your home, but it can be hard to know what items to put on it. You may have seen some beautiful bookcases on Pinterest or Instagram, but you don't know how to recreate that look in your own home.

We've got you covered. In this article, we'll show you the popular items to decorate your bookshelf in any home style. From plants and flowers to artwork and accessories, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us show you how it's done.

What Needs to be Considered Before Decorating Your Bookshelf?

As any book lover knows, there are few things more satisfying than a well-decorated bookshelf. Not only does it provide a place to showcase your favorite titles, but it can also be a reflection of your personal style.

But before you start shopping for the perfect decorations, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, consider the size and shape of your shelf. This will help you determine how much space you have to work with and what kind of decorations will fit best.

Second, take into account the color of your books. If you want your shelf to have a uniform look, stick to books that are similar in hue.

Finally, don't forget about your bookcase's main functionality. Make sure that any decorations you choose won't impede your ability to reach the books you need.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your bookshelf is both stylish and functional.

Popular Items to Decorate Your Bookshelf

1. Plants and flowers

Featured: Nathan James Theo 6-Shelf Tall Modern Bookshelf

There are a wide variety of plants that can be used for this purpose, including small succulents, trailing ivy, and brightly colored flowers. The simplest way to decorate your bookshelf with plants and flowers is to place a potted plant on the top shelf of the bookcase. This will add color and life to the room.

If you have a lot of books, you can use small vases or pots to group together flower arrangements of different heights. Adding plants and flowers to a bookcase is an easy way to brighten up any room.

When choosing plants for a bookshelf, it is important to consider the amount of light that the shelf receives. Some plants will do better in direct sunlight, while others prefer more shady conditions.

It is also important to water the plants regularly and to keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease. With a little care, a bookshelf can be transformed into a beautiful and inviting space.

2. Artwork

Featured: Homissue Metal Bookcase

Selecting artwork for a bookshelf is all about finding pieces that you enjoy and that make your bookshelf feel like home.

There are all sorts of artwork that can be used to decorate a bookshelf. One option is to choose artwork that complements the books on the shelf. For instance, if the books are primarily about history, you could choose prints or paintings with historical themes. If the books are mostly novels, you might prefer more whimsical artwork, such as book illustrations or character portraits.

Another option is to use the bookshelf as an opportunity to showcase your own personal taste in art. For example, you could display family photos, travel souvenirs, or even your child's latest school project.

Here are a few tips on how to turn your bookshelf into an art gallery. 

First, choose a color scheme and stick to it. This will help create a cohesive look. 

Next, select artwork that is the right size for the shelves. Oversized pieces will make the shelves look cluttered, while pieces that are too small will get lost in the sea of books.

Once you've settled on the perfect pieces, arrange them in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Group similar items together, and leave some negative space for visual balance.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix things up from time to time. Art is meant to be enjoyed, so switch out pieces that are no longer speaking to you.

With artwork, you'll be able to create a beautiful and personal display that is sure to impress your guests.

3. Decorative boxes or baskets

Featured: Easyzon Double Wide 4 Tiers Bookcases 

One popular way to decorate your bookcase is to use decorative boxes or baskets. This can add a bit of color and texture to the shelf while also providing a place to store small items.

One option is to fill the baskets with books, magazines, or other items that you want to keep organized and out of sight. You can also use them to store things like blankets or towels.

Another idea is to use them as planters. Simply fill the basket with potting soil and add your favorite plants. You can also use them to display collectibles or souvenirs. Fill the box with items that reflect your interests or personality, and arrange them on your bookshelf in a way that is visually appealing.

Finally, you can use decorative boxes and baskets to create a focal point on your bookshelf. Choose one that is eye-catching and fills up most of the shelf space. Then, arrange the rest of the items on the shelf around it.

Boxes and baskets come in a wide range of styles, so it's easy to find one that fits your taste. For a more rustic look, try using a vintage box or basket. If you want something more modern, look for boxes and baskets made from sleek materials like metal or plastic.

Whatever approach you take, using decorative boxes and baskets is an easy way to add interest and personality to your home décor.

4. Collectibles and souvenirs

Featured: SUPERJARE Modern Open Wall-Mounted Bookshelf

You could just go out and buy some art to hang on the wall or some knick-knacks to place atop the shelves. But where's the fun in that? Instead, why not use your collectibles and souvenirs to give your bookshelves some personality?

Start by grouping similar items together—for example, if you have a collection of license plates from all over the country, arrange them in a pleasing way on one of the shelves.

Or if you've been to Disneyland several times, display a few of your favorite Mickey Mouse ears on another shelf. Not only will your bookshelves look more interesting, but they'll also be a conversation starter for guests who see them.

So whether you're a world traveler or an avid collector, put your treasures on display and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way.

5. Books

Featured: TINSAWOOD Wooden Bookcase

Decorating with books is a great way to add color, texture, and interest to a room. And because books come in such a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, they offer endless possibilities for creating unique and eye-catching displays.

Here are a few ways for using books to decorate a bookshelf:

5.1. Arrange books by color

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to create a visually striking display. Choose a color scheme (such as all blues and greens, or all primary colors) and arrange the books accordingly.

You can also use this technique to create seasonal displays; for example, all white and silver books for winter, or all reds and oranges for autumn.

5.2. Use different sized books

Mixing up the sizes of the books you use will add interest and depth to your display. Try grouping together several small books, or placing one large book in the center surrounded by smaller ones.

Be creative! Don't be afraid to experiment until you find a display that you love. The most important thing is to have fun and let your personality shine through!

6. Candle holders

Featured: O&K Furniture 5 Shelf Industrial Corner Bookcase

Another way to spruce up a boring bookshelf is to use candle holders. Candle holders come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage. 

They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and wood. Additionally, they come in an array of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your shelf that fits both your aesthetic and your budget.

Place them atop your bookshelf, and you've instantly created a warm and inviting space. If you want to take things a step further, consider adding some greenery or other environmental elements. This will help give your bookshelf a more cohesive look and feel.

7. Vases

Featured: YITAHOME 5-Tier Bookshelf

There are many different types of vases that can be used to decorate a bookshelf. Some of the most popular options include ceramic vases, glass vases, and metal vases. Each type of vase has its own unique look, so it is important to choose one that will complement the other items on the shelf. 

You can fill them with fresh flowers, plants, or even just pretty stones or shells. If you have a lot of small items on your shelves, grouping them together in a vase can help to create a more cohesive look.

You can also use vases to add some height to your display by arranging taller items behind shorter ones, or placing a vase on top of a stack of books. With a little creativity, they can be a great way to add some pizzazz to your bookshelf decoration.

8. Sculpture

Featured: Hombazaar Bookshelf

Sculptures can be a great way to add an extra element of interest to your bookcase.

There are all sorts of sculptures that can be used to decorate a bookshelf. The most popular options are miniature figurines, busts, and statuettes.

Miniature figurines are small statues that depict people or animals. They come in a wide range of styles, from cute and whimsical to realistic and lifelike.

Busts are partial statues that only show the head and shoulders of a person or creature. They can be made from a variety of materials, including clay, marble, bronze, and even paper mache.

Statuettes are full-body sculptures that are larger than miniature figurines but smaller than life-size statues. Like busts, they can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, wood, metal, and glass.

9. Other items

Featured: YAHARBO 3-Tier Modern Bookcase

One fun way to do this is to use other items such as yachts, seashells, vintage cameras, or sheet music to decorate your bookshelf.  This can add a touch of whimsy and make your bookshelf unique.

You can also use these items to create themes. For example, if you love to travel, you could use items like globes and suitcases to decorate your bookshelf. This would be a great way to show off your personality and interests.

If you want to get really creative, you can even use items like lights or plants to decorate your bookshelf. This can add a really unique touch to your space and make it stand out from the rest.

There are really no limits to what you can use to decorate your bookshelf. Get creative and have fun with it!

Conclusion

No matter what your style, there is a perfect piece of decor to spruce up your bookshelf. Whether you prefer modern and minimalist or traditional and ornate, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the popular items to decorate your bookshelf that add personality and pizzazz to your library! With these suggestions in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect popular items to decorate your bookcase and take your room to the next level.