Discover how to organize a bookshelf with style! From grouping your book collection by color to decorating floating shelves with plants, this post shares simple ideas to make your shelves a focal point in any room.
A beautifully styled bookshelf can make or break a room. If you have a library in your house, you might have your book collection from floor to ceiling. But most people decorate with so much more than books alone. Whether it’s a tall built-in in your living room or a few floating shelves in your home office, a well-organized bookshelf instantly becomes a focal point. You want it to look polished but personal, curated but not cluttered.
If you’ve ever stood in front of your shelves wondering where to begin, you’re not alone! Today I’m sharing some ideas and practical steps for how to organize a bookshelf — from arranging by color to incorporating decor, plants, and personal touches.
How to Organize A Bookshelf
When you’re thinking about bookshelf organization, it helps to first decide what you want your shelves to do. Are you showcasing your favorite novels? Storing cookbooks in the kitchen? Displaying travel mementos? Once you know your goal, choosing what to include becomes easier.
Here are several approaches to try, depending on your style and your space.
How to Organize a Bookshelf With Books + Decor
If you toss paperbacks and hardcovers randomly on the shelf, it’s not going to look as polished as you may want. But you can still make books look beautiful and functional with a few tweaks.
Group Books by Category or Genre
Start by sorting your book collection into categories — fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, travel, or poetry. Grouping books this way makes it easier to find what you need and gives a sense of order to your shelves.
Mix Horizontal and Vertical Stacks
Alternate between standing books upright and laying a few horizontally to break up the lines. The horizontal stacks can also act as mini platforms for small decorative items like candles or plants. These golden figurines are so cool sitting atop books!
Use Decorative Bookends
Bookends aren’t just functional — they can double as art. And they are especially practical if you don’t fill the whole shelf with books as you leave room for decor next to them. Choose marble, wood, or metal designs that match your room’s aesthetic.
How to Organize a Bookshelf Without Books
If you are like me and you’re more of a Kindle reader, you might not have tons of books to fill the shelves. Instead, think of your shelves as an opportunity to showcase your style while storing both practical and memorable possessions.
Mix Heights and Textures
Varying the height and texture of your objects — like ceramic bowls, baskets, framed photos, and vases — creates visual interest. I love creative shapes like these ceramics. I also love to have a few things that can act as little storage for bits and bobs like spare keys or coupons.
Add Greenery
Plants bring instant life to your shelves. Try trailing vines on floating shelves, or a small succulent tucked between picture frames.
Leave Space to Breathe
Don’t feel the need to fill every inch. Negative space lets the eye rest and helps your favorite items shine.
How to Organize a Bookshelf by Color
If you want to create a shelf that makes the whole room pop with color, a color-coordinated shelf is stunning.
A Rainbow Gradient
Arrange your books in a rainbow pattern, moving from red to violet. It’s eye-catching and makes even old textbooks look chic. If you don’t have a rainbow already, you can buy rainbow sets to get the look.
Try Monochrome or Neutral Tones
If you prefer a calm aesthetic, stick with one color family. Whites, beiges, or black-and-white covers can look especially striking against dark wood or painted floating shelves. Did you know Wayfair sells books by color!? This isn’t the most budget option, but it is certainly easier than hunting down books on your own.
How to Organize Your Bookshelf by Genre
For serious readers (or anyone with a large book collection), organizing by genre is practical. While you could do the whole collection alphabetically, sorting by genre first and then alphabetizing is the most efficient way to find a title quickly.
Divide by Genre, Then Alphabetize
After sorting your books by genre, alphabetize within each section. It’s a system that’s easy to maintain — and satisfying to browse.
Highlight Your Favorites
Display your all-time favorites facing forward, like mini art prints. This works especially well for books with beautiful covers. A stand like this one is very cool and practical. This man and woman reading are the perfect decor for any bookworm!
How to Organize a Bookshelf for Families
If you have kids, your shelves might need to handle a mix of storybooks, toys, and school supplies.
Add Baskets or Bins
Use woven baskets on the lower shelves to corral small items and give little hands easy access. We love this rolling book crate that both kids have used for years!
Have A Multi-Purpose Shelf
We have a shelf in Birch’s room that houses books on the top and art supplies in the cabinet beneath. Plus, some of his favorite possessions.
How to Organize a Bookshelf with Decor
Bookshelves can be both functional and decorative!
Layer Objects
Layer framed photos or art prints in front of stacked books for depth. I love unique shapes like these to break up the visuals.
Repeat Elements
Repeating similar materials — like woven baskets, glass jars, or brass accents — ties your look together. I’ve always loved blue glass jars, and they will always have a spot on my shelves.
Keep Breakables Safe
Display travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, or handmade pottery that you don’t want knocked over on more open spaces, like end tables.
Styling a bookshelf is part art, part organization project — and the best news is you can always easily rearrange! The key is balance: between books and decor, form and function, simplicity and personality.
If you’re tackling a full-home refresh, you might also love my post on how to organize your home room by room — it’s a great companion to this one!
