- Design Inspo
The Best Bookshelf Decor
Libraries date back to the 7th century B.C. in fact, credited to Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal. Located in modern-day Iraq, the idea was riche from the onset, intended for “royal contemplation.” For instance, when discovered in modern times, more than 30,000 cuneiform tablets were found arranged by subject matter. Although it’s not clear if the ancient Assyrian’s favored bookshelf décor
When civilization developed, so too did the library, which derives its name from the Latin word liber, which means “book” — ironic that “liberty” is a similar word. Notably Italian art and architecture photographer Massimo Listri captured some of history’s most impressive libraries for his 2018 book The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries. In this case, Listri found himself fascinated with books rather than any bookshelf décor.
But other times, additional elements are in order for well-executed bookshelf styling. Namely, curios are also apt bookshelf décor, and the right balance of books, objects, open space, and even plants or flowers can result in an alluring shelf styling mix. From novels to coffee table books, different varieties of book styles combine nicely with bookends, along with vases, photos, art, and candles, space permitting. Additionally, a plant or flower to achieve a genuinely eclectic mix, and bookshelves can become any room’s most celebrated centerpiece.
Conversely, sometimes the most exciting way to style a bookshelf is by leaving it devoid of books, especially for the tech-savvy crowd. For instance, sparse built-in shelves dotted with trinkets and art provide for plenty of negative space but can also add a deep sense of drama to your room. Moreover, to accommodate such a decadent display of open bookshelf space, you can be sure to add storage space to your iPad or e-reader to convert all of your favorite tomes to be digitally displayed.
Who says you can’t judge a book by its colors? In fact, for this bookshelf decor hack, we recommend you select those books precisely because of the bold color the cover happens to be. For instance, using books arranged by color adds all over drama and pops of color as well. Musk and Amber, a design forward store serving the MENA region, sums up color used on a bookshelf as bright touches in this otherwise tonal sitting room. With a mid-century vibe, the rich brown wood and white palette in the space incorporate color via books and pillows.
