17 Creative Ways To Decorate A Wall With Books (Perfect For Bookworms)

Nobody asked for my opinion – and I’m probably very wrong for even saying this – but I honestly think it’s criminal for a book lover to have a full empty wall and not do something with it.

I absolutely love the idea of storing books on the wall because, first of all, it doesn’t take up much space. And most of the time, you don’t even need to do any major construction to make it work. 

I’ve done this several times, and I can tell you that it definitely makes your space feel cozier and more like a real home.

If you have an empty wall and you’re thinking about how to use it for storing your books, instead of going for plain, bulky bookshelves, definitely check out these ideas. 

I’ve lived in several different apartments, and every time I move into a new place, I turn into a bit of a Bob the Builder.

I’m always looking for ways to use every available space to store my books. But at the same time, I like my space to feel airy and open – kind of a minimalist vibe (at least for now). 

I want to be able to move around comfortably without feeling cramped. And honestly, the best way to achieve that is by using your wall space.

So in this post, I’m sharing different ways you can use your walls for book storage. I really think you’ll find several useful tips.

For each idea, I’ve made sure to explain a simple, straightforward way to set it up. 

And it’s definitely easy – I’ve always said I’m not very handy or crafty, so if I can pull this off, I’m 100% sure that you can too.

1. Hang Book Page Art as Wallpaper 

Okay, this one might sound extreme, but I promise, if done carefully, it can look absolutely magical.

I tried this in a small reading nook, and the result was a cozy, vintage vibe that made the space feel like a secret literary cave.

How I Did It:

1. Choose your book pages. I used damaged books from thrift shops – don’t tear up good books.

2. Decide your look. Do you want a neat, grid-like arrangement or more of a layered, collage style? I went for a slightly messy, overlapping look for character.

3. Stick them to the wall. I used Mod Podge (you can also use wallpaper paste), and brushed the back of each page and then sealed the top with another layer.

4. Let it dry overnight.

You can cover a whole wall or just a section behind a desk or bed. 

I’ve seen people create incredible accent walls this way.

What You’ll Need:

1. Old book pages

2. Mod Podge or wallpaper paste

3. Foam brush

4. Patience (lots of it)

2. Install Book Cubes Directly Onto the Wall

Instead of traditional shelves, think cube storage, but mounted directly to your walls. 

I’ve used this in my workspace to create geometric patterns using books.

How I Did It:

1. Buy small cube shelves. I found hexagon-shaped ones that looked modern.

2. Arrange the layout. Play with different patterns – I made a honeycomb shape.

3. Mount the cubes. Use wall anchors for strength.

4. Fill with small books or decorative objects.

You can alternate between books, candles, and mini plants for a curated look.

I recommend this because it breaks up the typical shelf style, lets you get creative with layouts, and it keeps books within easy reach while adding personality.

Supplies:

1. Cube shelves (wood or metal)

2. Drill and wall anchors

3. Books, plants, trinkets

I watched this video when I wanted to build the book cubes and it was so explanatory, even though it’s rather short. Check it out on YouTube.

3. Use a Wall-Mounted Book Rack for Currently Reading Books 

This is one of my most functional book wall hacks. 

I wanted a place to keep my current reads without cluttering my desk, so I installed a small, slanted wall-mounted rack just for these.

How It Works:

1. Install a small wall rack. Think of the kind used in cafes to hold menus or magazines.

2. Place your current reads in it. I usually keep 4-5 books there.

3. Switch them out regularly.

Now, my current reads are easy to grab and become part of my wall décor. 

I love that it combines functionality and decoration and keeps my books organized without needing extra surface space.

What You’ll Need:

1. Wall-mounted rack (wood, wire, or acrylic)

2. Screws and drill

3. Your favorite books

4. Design a Floating Book Frame Wall

This is an advanced version of framing book covers. 

I created what I call floating book frames. These are basically shadow boxes that let you display whole books, not just covers.

How I Did It:

1. Bought shadow box frames deep enough for thin books.

2. Mounted the whole book open inside the frame. (I chose to display some books open at favorite passages.)

3. Secured the books with clear photo corners or small mounting dots.

4. Hung them like artwork in a gallery style.

I did this with my favorite childhood books, and every time I walk past, it sparks happy memories.

Materials:

1. Shadow box frames

2. Mounting dots or photo corners

3. Level and measuring tape

4. Books you want to honor

5. Create a Hanging Books Mobile Wall 

This one is a little whimsical. 

I saw it in a book café once and had to recreate it at home in my reading corner. 

It’s essentially a book mobile, where lightweight books hang from rods or frames against your wall.

My Process:

1. Choose small, lightweight books. Think poetry collections or thin paperbacks.

2. Attach clear fishing line to the spine or cover. (I used small metal clips.)

3. Hang books from a wooden rod or metal frame attached to your wall.

4. Let the books dangle at different heights.

You’ll  love this because it adds movement to your wall décor and softens spaces like reading nooks or bedrooms.

Materials:

1. Thin books

2. Fishing line or transparent thread

3. Small clips or binder rings

4. Wooden rod or metal frame

5. Wall hooks

6. Create a Floating Books Wall

This was one of the first things I tried, and honestly, it still amazes guests to this day.

Floating bookshelves are small metal brackets that hold books in a way that makes them look like they’re just floating against the wall.

How To Set It Up:

1. Buy floating bookshelf brackets. I recommend getting sturdy ones from brands like Umbra or Ikea. I personally bought mine online after reading tons of reviews.

2. Decide on your layout. You can space them out randomly, vertically, or even create a staircase effect.

3. Mount the brackets according to the instructions.

4. Stack your books. The bracket disappears under the first book, so from the front, it looks like magic.

What You’ll Need:

1. Floating bookshelf brackets

2. A drill (or strong adhesive hooks, but I suggest screws for weight)

3. Books, obviously.

You can check out this video on YouTube for a more in-depth process of making the floating bookshelves. And, I’ll definitely upload my own process on the blog soon. 

7. Frame Your Favorite Book Covers 

This is something I did after realizing some of my older books had damaged spines but gorgeous covers. 

Rather than keep them hidden, I turned them into wall art.

And, I should mention that this was one of the first things I did when I moved to my first apartment. I’ve since moved, but it was such a beautiful process. 

Steps:

1. Pick your books carefully. Choose ones with sentimental value or covers you adore.

2. Scan or photocopy covers if you don’t want to damage originals. I’ve framed both originals and copies.

3. Find matching frames. I prefer thin, black or gold frames for a modern touch.

4. Arrange in a grid or gallery style.

You can use covers with similar color tones for a cohesive look. 

I once framed a set of classic Penguin covers with that orange theme and it looked stunning.

What You’ll Need:

1. Book covers (or copies)

2. Picture frames

3. Level and measuring tape

8. Set Up a Forward-Facing Shelf Wall 

Most bookshelves show spines, but forward-facing shelves let you display book covers like artwork. 

This works beautifully for children’s books, too, but I use it for my special edition hardcovers.

How I Did It:

1. Bought narrow picture ledge shelves. IKEA and Amazon have good options.

2. Mounted them securely to the wall. I recommend spacing them about 12-14 inches apart for layering.

3. Placed books cover-forward. You can overlap them slightly or lean a few at angles for an artsy vibe.

What You’ll Need:

1. Picture ledge shelves

2. Drill and screws

3. A level (trust me, it helps)

9. Make a Book Spine Collage Wall 

This is the most creative project I’ve tried, and honestly, it’s perfect if you have old, damaged books you can’t donate.

Here’s What I Did:

1. Collected broken-spined books.

2. Carefully cut out their spines using a craft knife.

3. Glued the spines onto a large corkboard (you could also use canvas or MDF) in a mosaic style.

4. Framed the whole board and hung it up.

It becomes a wall piece filled with book history and my visitors always ask about it.

You can always just mix old classics with modern titles and don’t worry about making it perfect, because I’ve found that the roughness adds charm.

Supplies:

1. Craft knife

2. Glue (I used wood glue)

3. Large board

4. Frame (optional)

10. Turn the Whole Wall Into a Bookshelf

I know shelves on a wall don’t sound unique, but hear me out. 

Instead of standard bookshelves, I created wall-to-wall shelving using reclaimed wood.

It added warmth and character, and every inch of that wall now feels intentional.

My Process:

1. Measured the entire wall from ceiling to floor.

2. Chose rustic reclaimed wood for shelves. You can use smooth wood for a sleeker look.

3. Installed strong brackets. (Books are heavy)

4. Organized books by size and color.

I love that with this the wall becomes the shelf and there’s no need to cramp your space with more furniture. 

I recommend styling it with plants and trinkets to break up the rows of books.

What You’ll Need:

1. Reclaimed wood planks

2. Brackets

3. Heavy-duty wall anchors

4. Measuring tape and level

11 Design a Mini Wall Library Around a Door

This is one of my favorite personal projects.

If you have a door in your room with empty wall space around it, you can frame it with books.

How I Did It:

1. Installed small shelves above the door and on both sides.

2. Stored small paperbacks and slim books.

3. Added a small spotlight above the door to highlight the display at night.

You should absolutely try this because it makes use of overlooked space and is super functional for storing lightweight books.

Materials:

1. Small wooden shelves

2. Brackets

3. Spotlight or battery-powered LED light

4. Paint (optional – I painted my shelves the same color as the wall)

12. Create a Book Ladder Leaning Against the Wall

This one was inspired by those rustic blanket ladders you see in farmhouse-style homes. I adapted the idea for my books. 

My Steps:

1. Bought a tall, sturdy wooden ladder. (No slippery metal ones.)

2. Leaned it gently against a bare wall.

3. Used each rung to hold 2-3 open books, stacked horizontally. You can place small plants or candles between them if you like.

It’s a relaxed, casual way to display books without heavy-duty wall mounting.

This is actually renter-friendly since there’s no drilling involved and it’s portable – I’ve moved mine between my bedroom and living room.

Supplies:

1. Wooden ladder (you can thrift one)

2. Books

3. Optional: Small accessories like faux plants or lights

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At the end of the day, our homes should feel personal. 

And what’s more personal to us book lovers than the books we’ve read, loved, and sometimes hoarded? 

My honest advice is that, just as I did, with one  simple idea. Try a floating shelf or a current-reads rack. 

Once you see how much warmth and character it adds, you’ll naturally find ways to expand.

Happy decorating, and let me know which idea you’re thinking of trying first.