How to Style Bookshelves Aesthetically

Bookshelves are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can have in your home. They offer practical storage for books and everyday items, while also giving you a platform to showcase the things that make your space feel personal. A well-styled bookshelf can anchor a room, act as a creative focal point and turn clutter into intentional display – all while working seamlessly with the rest of your décor. 

Mix Function with Style

A bookcase isn’t just a place to shelve novels – it’s a flexible framework for layering both form and function. Take the Porto Corner Shelves, for example – their metal framing and open end give a modern industrial vibe that works beautifully with both books and décor. Pair books with woven baskets on lower shelves to hide odds and ends, or add a row of treasured ceramics alongside your favourite reads. The balance of functional storage and styled display keeps your space organised, intentional and inviting. 

Create Depth with Layering

One of the simplest ways to make your bookshelves feel curated is to think in layers. Instead of lining every shelf edge-to-edge with books, try stacking some horizontally and using them as pedestals for small objects like ceramic vases or framed photos. Books stacked both horizontally and vertically break up the rhythm of spines and add visual interest, while larger decorative objects placed behind or beside a small stack help generate light and depth. These variations in height and form keep your shelving from feeling flat or overcrowded. 

Try Shapes and Greenery

Adding organic elements like plants introduces a refreshing contrast to the rigid lines of shelving. The Eden Tall Shelf is ideal for this approach – its natural wood and tubular silhouette offer plenty of room for books and greenery together, making it feel less like storage and more like a curated part of the room. Greenery doesn’t just bring colour; it breathes life into your shelving and softens the overall look. 

Play With Scale and Rhythm

Bookshelves give you a great opportunity to think about proportion and balance. Group a few tall coffee table books on a lower shelf and balance them with smaller items on the next level up. Leaving some negative space – a few empty spots – makes the shelves feel less cluttered and more intentional. Whether it’s paired vases, crafted objects or even small sculptures, repeating shapes and playing with the arrangement helps your shelves feel rhythmically balanced and more visually comfortable. 

Points of Personal Expression

Remember that styling should reflect your life, not just a trend. A shelf filled with family photos, travel mementos, well-loved novels and even seasonal décor gives your room a sense of story. Including pieces that matter to you – a childhood souvenir or a favourite candle – makes your shelves feel lived-in, warm and uniquely yours.

Make It Work for Every Room

Bookshelves are truly adaptable. In living rooms, they give structure to open walls and offer a backdrop for sofas and side tables. In bedrooms or studies, they double as display cases and practical storage. Even in hallways, tall shelving can create visual interest while keeping essentials organised. Whatever your space and style, a thoughtfully styled bookshelf is both functional and beautiful.