This week I’m pumped to welcome Hana Rehman to my blog to share tips on a combination of two topics that make my word nerd heart truly happy… books and home decor. While I’m not particularly gifted at DIY home projects, I LOVE watching HGTV and vicariously living through the visual creativity and hard work of others. Mia’s interior design goals in Close Quarters were probably born from these joys… yet another career I can write about without actually having to pursue it professionally. What is it George R.R. Martin says? A reader lives a thousand lives? Well, then what about the writer?

Anyway, I digress. I’ll turn it over to Hana, who will skillfully tell you how to effectively use books and bookshelves to spruce up your space. Take it away Hana!

In books, we find fascinating stories that become close to our hearts.

The literature we keep and collect becomes a special part of our homes, and those we present on our shelves help show off our interests and passions. Not only do books enhance day-to-day life with words, but those with beloved covers can also serve as beautiful display pieces for our living spaces.

However, it can be hard to decide how to decorate our homes with our favorite reads. Whether you’re looking to revamp your own collection, spice up a room with new shelves, or want to start a home library, look no further. Keep reading for some useful tips on decorating with books, along with photo inspiration from 1stDibs.

Shelving and Bookcases

Books and shelving go hand-in-hand, so finding the right shelf option for your space is of utmost importance. To decide on a shelf, take a look at your existing decor or theme and match it to the perfect new home for your books.

For a modern and sophisticated look, opt for floating shelves to display a small portion of your book collection. Floating shelves also give you the opportunity to take advantage of extra wall space if you have it.

If you have a larger book collection, find a tall bookcase for floor-to-ceiling shelving. Alternatively, for a smaller display, leaning or ladder shelves are a popular option. With their casual slant, ladder shelves tend to give off a more bohemian and rustic vibe.

If you want a unique display piece as a shelving unit, geometric or cube shelves bring interesting shapes into your interior. Corner bookcases are another unique option, and they’re perfect for smaller spaces, such as apartments, that have limited wall space.

A classic wooden or antique bookcase brings a sophisticated and cultured feel to a room. Rustic or ornate, antique bookcases will match any home with a traditional theme.

Arranging Your Books

Although it may be tempting to stack your books in any which way, there are several fun strategies to make your collection look more put-together.

Spice up your shelves with a new arrangement. For example, you can try organizing your books by height from taller to shorter. For visual variety, stack some books horizontally.

For traditional library lovers, organizing your books by genre or the author’s last name will help you find the books you need in record time.

Alternatively, arranging your books by color will make your shelves look so much more organized - and it doesn’t have to be complicated! Try out fun combinations and experiment with different color palettes. For example, designate one section for the books with cool toned-covers and another for the warm toned-covers. You can also try featuring books that match your room’s accent colors.

Don’t let your books stand alone; add eye-pleasing variety by interspersing other decorative objects on your shelves. Bookends, artwork, photography, and pottery are all great choices. Plants are another great shelf addition, especially for rooms that receive lots of sunlight.

If you have several large books with gorgeous covers, consider creating a rotating book gallery. Display several favorites on your shelf with the covers facing outward like art pieces. Make sure to rotate them out periodically for a change of scenery.

No Shelving? No Problem!

If shelves aren't available to you or if you’re simply looking for other ways to display books throughout your home, there are lots of other options. Feel free to stack beautiful books on your mantle, nightstand, or any other surface. Not only will you disperse books naturally in other rooms, but you’ll encourage anyone to pick up a good read in all areas of the house.

Creating a book pedestal is an amazing way to showcase unique titles. On a console table, stack several books that are connected by color or theme. Then, place a vase or flower arrangement on top. A few book pedestals here and there will make your space look elevated and classy.

The living room coffee table is an excellent place to show off large books that feature photography or art. For your coffee table display, choose several nonfiction titles that showcase your interest and hobbies.

Decorating With Antique Books

Finally, what do you do with older books that you aren’t quite sure how to decorate with?

If you combine antique books with newer books on the same shelf, keep in mind that hardcovers will integrate better with antiques. Old books also fit right in on wooden and antique bookcases.

Another great option for antique books is to incorporate them into a rustic display shelf. Tie a group of aging books loosely with twine and place them next to other collectibles or nostalgic items, such as family photos and old keepsakes.

Hopefully these tips will have inspired you to spruce up your book collection in your own unique way. There isn’t any wrong way to decorate with books, so make sure to have fun with it!

Gosh, that was nerdtastic! Thanks Hana!

If you loved this post and want to check out more on a similar topic, read this one I wrote about Literary Decor. Also, if you’d like the word nerd goodness of this blog delivered to your inbox each week, click here to subscribe.

Hana Rehman is a content creator with a passion for all things bookish. Her background in digital marketing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from literature to interior design, and she helps 1stDibs create compelling stories worth sharing. In her spare time you’ll find her exploring, doodling, and listening to audiobooks while walking her dog.