19 Ways to Decorate With Books: Transform Your Space With Style and Stories
Books are more than just words on paper. They carry memories, stories, and pieces of who we are. But beyond reading, books can also be one of the most charming tools for decorating a home. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, styling with books gives character and warmth to any space. From coffee tables to shelves, stacks to statement displays, books can become art. The best part? You already own them, so it feels authentic and personal.
In this article, I’ll share 19 creative ways to decorate with books. Each idea blends function with beauty, showing how books can elevate interiors while still feeling approachable and real. Think of it like giving your stories a new stage.
1. Stack Books as Coffee Table Displays
One of the simplest and most stylish ways to decorate with books is by stacking them on your coffee table. Instead of leaving the surface bare or cluttered with random items, create neat piles of 2–4 books. Choose ones with beautiful covers or themes that reflect your personality. For example, a book on travel destinations, photography, or design adds a subtle conversation starter. Once stacked, top them with a candle, a small plant, or a tray for balance.
This method creates layers that feel dynamic without overwhelming the space. I once used a vintage hardback on jazz music under a ceramic vase, and it instantly gave my living room a soulful, lived-in vibe. Stacks are versatile—you can change them seasonally, rotate colors, or even swap themes depending on your mood. Coffee tables love books, and your guests will too.
2. Color-Coordinate Your Bookshelves
Bookshelves are often filled without thought, but arranging them by color can create a stunning visual impact. Imagine a gradient where red spines blend into orange, then yellow, and so on—a rainbow wall of books that doubles as artwork. This method turns chaos into intentional beauty.
I tried this once with only fifty books, and the effect was striking. It gave structure without making the shelf feel stiff. If you prefer subtlety, try grouping neutrals like whites, creams, and blacks for a minimalist look. You don’t need thousands of books; even small sections styled by color can transform your shelf into a focal point. It’s like painting with words.
3. Use Books as Pedestals for Decor
Books can act like little stages for your favorite decor pieces. Place a stack on a side table, and top it with a framed photo, a small sculpture, or a vase. The books lift the object, making it feel more special and eye-catching.
When I placed three hardcover novels under a ceramic bowl on my console table, the entire display suddenly looked intentional—almost like something from a design magazine. The trick is to choose books with covers that complement the decor piece in tone or theme. For example, glossy art books under a modern sculpture create a sleek pairing.
4. Style Books Horizontally and Vertically Together
Shelves can sometimes feel monotonous when books are only lined up vertically. Mixing vertical rows with horizontal stacks breaks the uniformity. The result feels more natural, as if the books have been collected over time.
Try stacking a few books flat, then lining some upright beside them. You can even use the vertical ones as bookends for the horizontal pile. This mix not only looks good but also saves space. Personally, I find this technique adds rhythm, almost like a beat in music—it keeps the eye moving across the shelf.
5. Display Open Books as Art
Not every book needs to be closed. If you own a coffee table book with stunning photography or illustrations, leave it open to your favorite page. Place it on a stand, a console, or even your desk. It becomes both decor and inspiration.
Once, I left a photography book open on my dining table, and guests often flipped through it while waiting for dinner. It sparked conversations I didn’t expect. This method works especially well with oversized art or fashion books where visuals shine. Think of it as rotating art—change the page weekly for a fresh look.
6. Create Floating Book Stacks
Floating bookshelves, often invisible wall mounts, make books look like they’re stacked magically against the wall. This is a playful way to decorate, and it instantly draws attention.
I installed one above my reading nook, and the effect was whimsical. Friends asked how the books didn’t fall. It adds personality without clutter. Use them in small corners or hallways where you want something eye-catching but functional.
7. Add Books to Nightstands
A nightstand feels more personal with a small stack of books. Instead of cluttering it with random items, place one or two books you’re currently reading. Add a lamp, a clock, and maybe a candle, and you have a balanced setup.
I often keep a poetry collection on my nightstand. Even if I don’t read it every night, its presence feels calming. Plus, it gives your bedroom a lived-in charm, as if books are part of your daily rhythm.
8. Books Under Glass Coffee Tables
If you have a glass coffee table, use the lower shelf to display books. The clear top lets you enjoy the covers without needing to flip through them. It turns books into an art display.
I once placed a stack of travel books under my glass table, and every guest leaned in to peek. The trick is to keep it tidy and not overload the shelf. This way, the books remain decorative while still accessible.
9. Create a Book Wall
For the adventurous decorator, covering an entire wall with bookshelves makes a bold statement. It’s dramatic yet cozy, transforming a room into a library. Even if you don’t own hundreds of books, you can mix in decor pieces to break it up.
In my old apartment, I dedicated one wall to books and added framed photos between shelves. The effect was stunning—it became the heart of the room. Guests loved browsing, and I loved how the wall felt alive with knowledge and stories.
10. Books as Dining Table Centerpieces
Instead of flowers, try stacking a few beautiful books in the middle of your dining table. Add a candle or vase on top. It feels unique, casual, yet stylish.
I used this trick during a brunch with friends, and it sparked conversations about the books themselves. A cookbook or a photography book on food works perfectly in this setting. It turns the table into more than just a place to eat—it becomes a storytelling space.
11. Use Books as Seasonal Decor
Books can change with the seasons. In fall, bring out warm-toned covers in browns and oranges. In winter, whites and blues feel cozy and crisp. Styling by season makes your home feel in tune with the time of year.
I often swap my living room stack to match the season. A red-spined novel during Christmas instantly adds cheer without needing extra decor. It’s subtle but impactful.
12. Decorate with Vintage Books
Old books have a charm that new ones don’t. Their faded covers, worn pages, and nostalgic feel bring depth to any space. Even if you don’t read them, vintage books are treasures to display.
I once found a stack of weathered books at a flea market and placed them on my entryway table. The rustic look balanced my modern furniture beautifully. Vintage books bring history and texture into your decor.
13. Books in the Kitchen
Cookbooks in the kitchen are practical, but they also double as decor. Stack a few on your counter or display them on a small shelf. They not only look great but also remind you to try new recipes.
I love keeping my most-used cookbooks visible. It makes the kitchen feel warm and welcoming, like a place where stories of food are shared. Plus, it’s convenient—you don’t have to dig for recipes.
14. Use Books as Bookends
This sounds funny, but yes—stack books horizontally and use them as bookends for vertical ones. It’s a creative way to mix function and design.
I once used three thick novels as bookends for a row of paperbacks, and it looked both playful and practical. It’s like letting books support each other, literally.
15. Books in Baskets or Trays
If you want a casual look, place books in a woven basket or decorative tray. This works well in living rooms or by sofas. It keeps books tidy yet relaxed.
I keep a basket by my couch filled with light reads and magazines. Guests often pull one out while lounging. It feels approachable and inviting, not staged.
16. Create Symmetry With Books
If you like balance, use books to create symmetry on shelves or tables. For example, place equal stacks on either side of a mantel or console. Add matching decor on top, and the space feels cohesive.
This works especially well in formal spaces. In my own living room, I styled two stacks of books on opposite ends of the mantel, each with identical candles on top. It gave the room calm order.
17. Books in the Entryway
The entryway is the first thing people see, and books here set a welcoming tone. A small stack on a console table can say a lot about your personality.
I placed a travel book about cities I love in my entryway, and it instantly became a conversation starter when guests visited. It’s a small touch that makes your home feel more personal.
18. Hang Books as Wall Art
Yes, books can even hang. Use shadow boxes or floating shelves to display special covers as wall art. This is great for vintage finds or editions with stunning graphics.
I framed a children’s book that had meaning to me, and it hangs in my study. It’s both sentimental and decorative—a piece of my story displayed like art.
19. Create Cozy Reading Corners
Finally, nothing says comfort like a corner filled with books. Add a comfy chair, a lamp, and a small stack or shelf of your favorites. It doesn’t have to be big—even a small nook works.
My favorite corner in my home is by a window with a stack of books beside a chair. It feels like a retreat, a place to recharge. Books don’t just decorate here—they create atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Decorating with books is about more than filling shelves. It’s about weaving personality, warmth, and stories into your home. Each stack or display speaks quietly about who you are—your interests, your travels, your taste. Whether you keep it minimal with a few bedside reads or go bold with a book wall, these 19 ways to decorate with books prove that style doesn’t need to be expensive. Sometimes, it’s already on your shelf, waiting to be seen.
