17 Clever Ways to Decorate With Books
This post is all about ways to decorate with books.
Books aren’t just for reading—they’re also fantastic for decorating. Whether you’re a bookworm or just pretending to be one (no judgment), stacks of books can instantly add charm, color, and personality to any space.
From coffee tables to nightstands, books can work some serious decor magic. Think of them as art you can flip through.
Here are 17 stylish and surprisingly easy ways to decorate with books—no bookshelf required!
17 Ways to Decorate with Books
1. Stacked as a Side Table
Pile up a sturdy stack of hardcover books and turn them into a makeshift side table. It’s a quirky yet classy way to show off your collection and save on furniture.
Add a lamp or small plant on top, and you’ve got an eye-catching corner. Make sure the spines are color-coordinated or mix them up for a funky look.
Bonus: it’s the only “table” you can rearrange with a plot twist.
2. Coffee Table Styling Staple
Books on your coffee table? Yes, please! Stack two to three big, beautiful coffee table books and top them with a candle or decorative object.
It adds height, texture, and personality to your living room without trying too hard. Stick to a theme like fashion, art, or travel for a curated vibe.
This setup screams “I read and have great taste.”
3. Rainbow Color-Coded Shelf
Organize your books by the color of their spines for a vibrant, rainbow effect. It’s a great excuse to play with colors and brighten up a dull shelf.
Whether you go full ROYGBIV or stick to your favorite hue, it creates a modern, artsy feel.
It might confuse your inner librarian, but your Instagram followers will love it. Form over function wins this round.
4. Books in a Basket
Toss some books into a cute woven basket for a cozy, casual touch. Place it beside a couch or under a console table for that “I live in a Pinterest board” aesthetic.
It’s a great way to store books without a traditional shelf. Add a throw blanket for bonus points. This trick works especially well with well-loved, dog-eared paperbacks.
5. Floating Book Wall
Install a few invisible wall shelves and let your books float like magic. It gives the illusion of stacked books defying gravity (and expectations).
Perfect for tight spaces or minimalist rooms that need a little pop. You can create an artsy gallery wall using just books! People will definitely stop and stare.
6. Under a Glass Cloche
Put a small stack of vintage books under a glass cloche for an antique-meets-modern moment. It adds instant sophistication to any shelf or mantel.
You’ll feel like you’re curating a museum exhibit in your own living room. Pair it with dried flowers or an old watch for some drama. Just don’t forget to dust—it shows.
7. Books as Bedside Table Decor
Place a few books beside your lamp or under your alarm clock to give your nightstand more personality.
Go for titles that bring you peace, humor, or inspiration. It’s a lovely way to wind down with style—even if you only read two pages before passing out.
Swap them out depending on your mood or current obsession. It’s like redecorating, but easier.
8. Open Book Display
Prop an open book on a wooden stand or music holder for a museum-style look. Show off a favorite page, quote, or photo spread.
It gives life to books as art, not just objects to shelve. Ideal for cookbooks in the kitchen, poetry in the living room, or even coffee table eye-candy. It’s decorative and conversational.
9. Books in the Fireplace
Got a non-working fireplace? Fill it with stacks of books instead of logs. It’s unexpected, warm, and wonderfully whimsical.
Choose old hardcovers for a more rustic feel or colorful paperbacks for fun. No chimney, no problem—this look brings all the cozy vibes without the soot. And hey, no fire hazard here.
10. Book Ladder Display
Lean a wooden ladder against the wall and use the rungs to display open or stacked books. It’s part rustic, part artsy, and totally unique.
Add string lights or greenery to make it pop. This is perfect for small apartments or awkward corners that need a little love. Who knew ladders could be so literary?
11. Books in the Kitchen
Yes, cookbooks are cute enough to display! Stack a few on your counter or shelf, especially if they have colorful covers.
Use them as a riser for plants, spices, or even your salt lamp if you’re feeling fancy. It brings personality to your cooking space and makes your kitchen feel lived-in. You might even feel inspired to open one.
12. Stacked Under Plants
Raise your plants up on books for a tiered, lush display. It’s an easy way to play with height and create layers in your decor.
Use books you don’t mind getting a little dusty (or water-stained). The result? A plant corner that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.
13. Books on a Bar Cart
Give your bar cart some brainy flair by mixing books with bottles. Add titles about cocktails, travel, or entertaining to keep things on-theme.
It’s chic and unexpected—and tells your guests you’re more than just drinks and vibes. Top with a candle, shaker, or disco ball for good measure. This is where literature meets libation.
14. Books in the Bathroom
Yes, bathroom books are a thing—and they look great, too. Stack a few on a floating shelf or beside the toilet for that cheeky, lived-in look.
Go with funny titles or mini coffee table books for a lighthearted touch. Just make sure to avoid your favorites in case of splashes. Even your bathroom deserves a little literary love.
15. Books in a Tray Display
Use a decorative tray to group books with candles, vases, or trinkets. It’s a tidy and stylish way to show off your favorite reads on a coffee table or console.
Mixing heights and textures keeps it visually interesting. It’s like a mini-still life—only with more personality. And you can change it up anytime!
16. Book Page Wall Art
Tear out beautiful pages from old or damaged books and frame them. Think vintage maps, botanical prints, or dreamy illustrations.
It’s an affordable way to decorate and gives forgotten books a second life. Hang them in a grid for structure or scatter them for a whimsical vibe. Who knew ripping a book could be this chic?
17. Books as Shelf Fillers
If you’ve got shelves that look too empty, fill the space with stacks or rows of books. Lay some horizontally and some vertically for variety.
You don’t even have to read them—just choose ones with nice spines. It’s an easy fix for bare spots that need some visual weight. And yes, it’s okay to judge a book by its cover here.
For more decor ideas, check out these posts!
