Creative Ways to Display Your Book Collection

Do you have a collection of books that are collecting dust? It’s time to break them out of the dark corners of your closet and showcase them in all their literary glory. When you apply basic design concepts with a little creativity, books can be easily incorporated into your home decor for instant style. 

Books are incredibly versatile as home accents! They are perfect for complementing any type of design style, from beach contemporary to mid-century modern. Follow these tips from the design pros at Fashion Furniture Rental and get ready to transform your home: 

Organize Books By Size & Color 

If you have a large book collection, it can make your home feel messy and cluttered, especially if you don’t have a method of organization. For major visual impact, Deirdre Sullivan from The Spruce suggests arranging your books neatly on shelves that match in size and color. As Sullivan explains, “Not only will your shelf collection look tidier, but it can also make books easier to find if you remember their shade.” If your collection contains books in bright hues, color sorting will also add a pop of color to your overall design.

Try arranging your books horizontally on a bookshelf for a more traditional look. That will give the space a more formal and classic style. Another option is to create a more relaxed look by stocking your books horizontally in similar shades. Large, oversized books are a perfect option for this type of display. 

Showcase Books in Wall Cabinets

Cube style wall cabinets are another option for displaying your books. For a stylish and professional look, try creating a tableau of complementary looks. For example, if your home has a coastal vibe, you could arrange books in different shades depicting the ocean such as blue, aquamarine, and white. Complete the look with a large seashell or piece of petrified coral. The same concept can be applied to any design theme, making it an effortless way to add style and charm to your home decor. 

DIY Table

For a chic boho vibe, your book collection can also be placed in stacks of even height. That way, they can serve as unconventional table legs for virtually any type of hard flat surface. The table top can be an old wood framed window or a rustic repurposed door.

This easy DIY project can also be used to make a creative nightstand in your bedroom. We recommend creating a stable surface with large hard covers stacked horizontally. The trick to this look is to arrange a display that feels sturdy and won’t topple over. 

Display Books on a Gallery Wall

If you have a special book collection, install a ledge wall shelf on an empty wall. These sleek shelves are often used for showcasing artwork and framed pictures. They’re also perfect for displaying vintage books, graphic novels, or oversized art books. This shelving style allows you to switch up your display easily. You’ll never get bored with one look. Adjust the arrangement seasonally or based on your current preference.

Store Books on a Ladder

A repurposed ladder offers a creative way to store your book collection. According to Hannah Overhiser from TheEveryGirl , “They create height, and their frames are often inconspicuous.” This ensures they won’t distract from your decorative items. A ladder shelf also adds texture and depth to your space. Your book collection becomes a stylish focal point with visual impact. Add decorative pieces by balancing color and height for contrast.

Update Your Bookshelves 

You can easily give old bookshelves a custom makeover by lining the backing with decorative wallpaper or spraying it with metallic paint. Finish the look with monogrammed letters and bookends, which will help break up the look with different elements. Another idea is to add a touch of personality to bookshelves by repainting the frame in a matching color or lining the back with scrapbook paper, antique maps, or other interesting patterns. 

You can also decorate your shelves using a specific theme, giving you the chance to express your unique style with keepsakes commemorating special events or memorable travels from your past. The interior designers at Shutterfly recommend accessorizing your book collection with meaning: “A good rule of thumb for your room, keep your bookshelf decor purposeful and specific. Choose items you will look forward to seeing every day, including frame photos and memorabilia.” 

Maintain Balance & Visual Appeal

Stacking books vertically from floor to ceiling can feel cluttered. To avoid this, create a more relaxed display. Add horizontal book stacks alongside vertical ones to break up the look. This adds visual rhythm and keeps your shelves interesting. For larger bookshelves, mix books with decorative accents. Try adding plants, small lamps, vases, or framed photos. This combination creates a balanced, stylish display.

Save Space With Staircase Bookshelves

If you have a large book collection, consider a staircase with a built-in bookshelf. This maximizes space and keeps your books organized. It also adds color and visual interest to your stairs. For extra storage, add a shelf at the top using molding and wood planks. Shelving around your staircase is a great way to enhance a plain stairway.

Create Unconventional Bookcases 

Another way to display your book collection is with non-traditional shelving, which will add an eclectic charm to your home decor. Interior designer Chelsey Pippin from BuzzFeed recommends repurposing a vintage refrigerator into bookshelves, giving you additional room to display your favorite titles. Another fun idea is to convert a large artwork frame into a full-scale bookshelf. Try using a decorative frame in a shiny metallic finish, which will highlight your books for a sleek and cohesive look. 

For a rustic and industrial style, you can also make shelving out of old pipes, which can hold a small collection of books at the top of your reading list. Another shelving option in this style is repurposed scaffolding with industrial looking piping holding the shelves together. Place it against a large wall for extra space saving and you’ll be able to display a large family library without it looking disorderly and chaotic. 

Make the most of your family library with innovative book storage that is both functional and visually striking. 

Look out for more pro design tips from the Fashion Furniture Rental blog, your source for the latest trends in interior design.

For all your design needs, contact Fashion Furniture today!