Refresh Interior Decorating

A bookshelf can be so much more than a place to store books. Depending on your space and what you need from it, it can become a display for the things you love, a home for children’s treasures and creative supplies, or even practical everyday storage. The key is to start with how you want the piece to function, rather than how you think a bookshelf is supposed to look.

Way 1: Classic and Collected

For a more traditional look, start with books and layer in objects that tell a story about you. Bookends provide structure, while a globe, framed black-and-white photograph, and vintage-style Polaroid camera add personality and a sense of history. A small plant placed on top softens the lines of the bookshelf and adds a bit of movement as it drapes over the side. The result feels classic, personal, and collected rather than perfectly coordinated.

Way 2: Playful and Practical

When children’s belongings are part of the room, thoughtful grouping can turn everyday items into part of the overall look. Here, children’s records, a LEGO racecar, and a small plant create a bright display, while a collection of Nancy Drew books keeps favourite stories together and easy to find. Markers are sorted by colour in mugs alongside colouring books, while board games and other personal items have their own defined spaces. The result is playful and functional, giving children’s belongings a place to live without making the room feel overrun by stuff.

Way 3: Practical and Purposeful

Sometimes the best styling decision is choosing function over decoration. A bookshelf can become useful, accessible storage for the things you need every day. Purses can be kept visible and easy to grab, while folded and rolled clothing makes use of vertical space without requiring another piece of furniture. A storage box on the bottom shelf provides a home for smaller items or things that don’t need to be on display. If you need more storage, don’t be afraid to use the furniture you already have in a way that works for you.

There isn’t one right way to style a bookshelf. The best approach depends on your home, your routines, and what you need the piece to do. Whether you’re displaying the things you love, creating a home for children’s belongings, or simply finding a better way to store everyday items, the goal is the same: to make your space work better for you.