17 Cute and Simple Tips to Make Your Bookshelf Aesthetic and Pretty

I joined Bookstagram when I was still a university undergraduate, living in the school dormitory, and I sort of fell off when I got my own apartment and had a little more space. 

But one thing I loved the most about interacting on Instagram was definitely looking at everyone’s shelves and how aesthetic they were.

I know that aesthetic is a word that’s been co-opted and overused, but there are definitely some shelves I’ve seen that just made me feel like I’d be right at home with them.

When I moved into my new space, I knew for sure that I wanted to be surrounded by books, obviously, and I also wanted to make it as beautiful as possible – not for any kind of external validation, but as something that would simply feel cozy and homey to me.

So, for the past few months, I’ve tried different ways to make my shelves look beautiful and aesthetic. 

And as someone who isn’t the most creative when it comes to stuff like this, I’ve definitely relied on other people’s ideas. 

I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other book lovers, and I like to think that the final result is really beautiful.

This post is basically me sharing the things I’ve done and the lessons I’ve learned along the way in making my shelves more aesthetic and beautiful. 

And honestly? I think you’re going to pick up a tip or two – or maybe even ten – by the end.

1. Blend Books with Personal Objects To Make It Feel Like You

I used to think filling every inch of shelf space with books was the goal. 

But you know what? It just felt cluttered. 

I then realized that adding personal items actually made my books stand out more.

How to Do This:

1. Start by grouping your books into small clusters – 3 to 6 books at a time feels natural.

2. Stack some horizontally and some vertically. You can play with this. For example, I like stacking books horizontally when the titles are beautiful on their spines.

3. Between and around these clusters, place personal objects that make you smile when you see them.

Items I Use:

1. Candles: I love the soft touch they add. Right now, I’m using a lavender-scented candle in a frosted jar.

2. Mini photo frames: I framed a Polaroid of my siblings. Every time I glance at it, I smile.

3. Souvenirs: On one shelf, I have a tiny wooden elephant I got during a craft fair. It always sparks conversations.

4. Plants: Small potted plants are life-giving.  I started with real ones but now mix in faux plants to make my life easier.

5. Trinket dishes or figurines: I once received a small ceramic fox from a friend, and now it lives between my hardbacks.

Adding these personal objects breaks up the heaviness of wall-to-wall books, giving your eyes a place to rest. 

And, it makes your bookshelf feel like a memory wall, not just storage space.

You can choose items that actually mean something to you, not just anything that looks trendy.

2. Hide the Mess with Baskets and Boxes 

Not everything on my shelf is Instagram-worthy. 

Old notebooks, random bookmarks, and loose photos cluttered my shelves until I found out about decorative baskets and boxes.

How I Organize Mine:

Lower shelves work best for baskets and boxes, as they visually anchor the entire bookcase.

I keep two baskets on the bottom shelf of my main bookshelf. One holds my bookmarks (yes, I have too many), and the other is my random things I don’t know where else to put basket.

For a more cohesive look, pick baskets that complement your shelf color. For instance, my shelves are white, so I use light woven baskets for a natural contrast.

Step-by-Step:

1. Measure your shelf height and width. Nothing’s worse than buying baskets that don’t fit.

2. Decide what you need hidden: Are you storing chargers, notebooks, random papers?

3. Pick baskets/boxes that match your vibe: Woven, fabric, acrylic, or even wood.

4. You can also add labels. I use small black tags tied with string.

I once got dark brown baskets for my white shelves. It looked heavy and out of place. Matching tones is key. 

3. Play with Color-Coordination

I resisted this for the longest time, because I thought color-coordinated shelves were just for aesthetic influencers. 

But when I finally tried it, I realized that color helps. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, though.

My Two Favorite Methods:

1. Method 1 – Full Color Blocking: Arrange your entire shelf in rainbow order. Great for people who don’t mind searching by color rather than title.

2. Method 2 – Color Hints (My Choice): Keep your regular genre or author arrangement but place similarly-colored spines next to each other within those groups.

How I Do It:

My thrillers stay grouped together, but I subtly arrange black spines in one area and lighter pastels in another.

With romance books, I’ve noticed many have pink or white covers, so I naturally lean into that color cohesion.

This works because you get the benefits of both worlds – organization and beauty.

Remember to not overthink perfection. Let some spines break the color rule to avoid the shelf looking staged.

4. Layer, Layer, Layer

Here’s something I didn’t know until a home stylist friend pointed it out: flat shelves look boring. Layering is what makes a shelf visually rich.

How to Create Layers:

Place larger books or artwork at the back. These act as your background.

In front of that, place horizontal stacks of books or objects like candles, photo frames, or small planters.

Let some items slightly overlap. Not too much – just enough to feel natural.

Example Setup from My Own Shelf:

At the back of one shelf, I have a framed art print leaning against the wall.

In front of that: a horizontal stack of 4 books.

On top of that stack: a small golden trinket tray holding a few stones I found during a trip.

Layering draws the eye in and makes your shelf feel styled, not cluttered.

I used to line everything up in one flat row. It looked rigid and uninviting. Once I started playing with depth, my shelf looked much warmer.

5. Add Natural Elements for Warmth

If your shelves ever feel cold or too clean, adding natural textures can help soften them.

Items I Personally Recommend:

1. Wooden bowls or trays. I have a small acacia wood bowl that holds random trinkets.

2. Woven baskets. These add texture and help hide clutter.

3. Mini plants. I prefer small snake plants or pothos. Faux plants work perfectly too.

4. Crystals or stones. I’m not into crystal healing personally, but I love the colors and textures of raw stones.

I once brought home a small shell from the beach. Now, it sits next to my poetry books and always reminds me of that sunny day.

I advice that you stick to 1–2 natural elements per shelf to keep it clean and intentional.

6. Use Bookends That Double as Decor

Bookends were something I overlooked until recently. Turns out, the right bookends not only keep books upright but also act as statement pieces.

What I Use:

1. Gold pineapple-shaped bookends on my contemporary fiction shelf. They’re cute and functional.

2. For my minimalist shelf, I use clear acrylic bookends that basically disappear, letting the books take center stage.

How to Use Them Creatively:

Place a small stack of books (5-7 max) and anchor them with unique bookends.

After the bookend, leave a bit of empty space to let the eye rest – this negative space is just as important.

7. Incorporate Art Prints or Quotes

Books tell stories, but your shelves can tell your story. I found that adding art and framed quotes made my shelves feel deeply personal.

What I Keep on My Shelves:

1. A small framed quote that reads This too shall pass – I swap this seasonally.

2. Art prints from local markets. I love supporting small artists. 

3. Occasionally, I use my own photos, like landscapes from my walks, printed on matte paper.

How to Style Them:

1. Lean small frames against the back of the shelf.

2. Layer them behind stacks of books or plants.

3. Use tiny clip frames for quick swaps.

Make sure that you keep frames small (A5 size or smaller) so they don’t overpower your books.

I’ve spent countless evenings rearranging my bookshelves, trying new ideas, and learning that the most beautiful shelves are the ones that reflect your story.

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s to:

1. Take your time.

2. Let your shelves evolve with you.

3. And, most importantly, enjoy the process. Rearranging your shelves can be as therapeutic as reading itself.

So, which of these methods do you think you’ll try first? Or are you like me and planning a complete overhaul now? Either way, happy shelf-decorating.