Looking for simple bookshelf decor ideas to make your bookcases even cuter? Here are 15 ways to decorate your bookcase in style.
Just when you thought your bookcases couldn’t get any cuter?
They can.
I went looking for a carved wooden chain for a stack of books for the bookcase and fell down a rabbit hole.
So many cute finds that were SO AFFORDABLE.
It’s like everyone who designs home decor all had a conference and decided everyone needed to decorate their bookcases on a budget.
I’m here for all of it.
And because we are friends I had to share.
So just in case you have a bookcase and a budget?
This is the post for you.
Here some ideas to make your bookcase smile.
15 of the cutest bookshelf decor ideas.
15 Of the CUTEST Bookshelf Decor Ideas
1. Felted plants
My sister made this for me.
It’s a felt succulent in a terra cotta pot.
I found super similar options on Etsy including these polka-dotted cactuses.
And the best part?
You never have to water.
2. Garden cutting vase
And while I was looking?
I found this creative vase idea for garden cuttings.
I have one that’s similar and it’s perfect for the bookcase when it’s not in use—but when I use it, I add it to the kitchen window.
3. Metal galvanized boxes
Nothing makes a bookcase happier than a set of metal boxes.
These are discontinued, but I found some that are super similar here.
4. Other box options
And this one with a wooden lid.
And this galvanized metal bread box.
See what I mean? Hello rabbit hole. Nice to meet you.
5. Galvanized metal sphere
I have these metal spheres everywhere.
They look cute and don’t take up a lot of room and are perfect for stacking on top of boxes or books or adding to a bookshelf as a bookend or putting on top of a pedestal.
Here’s another great option, too, that I have on my downstairs bookcase.
6. Lanterns
I love lanterns on a bookcase for height.
And my favorite lanterns have metal and wood like this one.
This white lantern is so pretty, too.
7. Candlesticks
See those wooden candlesticks at the top of the bookshelf?
I have them everywhere.
They are affordable and cute and you can add them in groups of three or four to add even more visual interest.
You can find them at yard sales and here’s a really cute version here.
8. Diffusers
And see that flower box on the first shelf?
It’s actually a diffuser. You use it without electricity and just add oil to the inside of the diffuser.
You can see it here.
9. Terrariums
Just typing that word makes me extra happy.
There are so many different options like this and they take up a lot of space on a bookcase and the texture is amazing.
I love this vintage-looking terrarium here.
And this spray atomizer that looks like it stepped out of the pages of a movie.
10. Wood bead
Isn’t it amazing how a little strand of wood beads can change it all?
This is the one I have all over my house.
You can see it here.
11. Decorative chains
A chain is another version of the wood bead.
And they come in so many different materials now.
Like this amazing rattan chain—I’ve never seen one like it before.
12. Covered books
This is one of my favorite tips.
I love covering books (you can add tags to them with the titles, too).
See how I cover my books here (and this amazing paper) here.
13. Wood bowls
I use this bowl all over the house.
It’s perfect for scrabble letters or mini pinecones or wood beads or acorns or bookcases.
You can see a similar wood bowl here.
14. Brass spheres
I’m all about gold lately.
I love mixing metals like these gold spheres with wood and glass and white pitchers.
This sphere came from Hobby Lobby several years ago, but I found a similar version here.
15. Wooden ampersand
And I saved the “AND” for last.
Because every bookcase needs a punctuation mark.
Have bookcase will decorate.
Every month or so, I look for a few new things to make the bookcases smile.
That’s the thing about rabbit holes (and home decor)you just never know where you’re going to end up.
But it’s usually a happy place. 🙂
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.
I purchased the rattan chain last year. I thougt you could make a near perfect dupe with white glue and wet paper bags
Such cute decorating. I do not have any open book cases and only one total and it has doors. Bur I love your choices. So cute.
Since I'm moving to a new home I will keep some of these ideas. I agree... rabbit holes can be funtastic!!! Big Hugs
I love all things wood. I gather things that catch my eye at the thrift store and I have many a wooden bowl. I have even got a set of simple ducks I found in three sizes. I put them on shelves and let them swim across the bathroom floor. I love all your ideas
I love rabbit holes…and following you down them is a joy!
You have a huge ad covering 1/3 of your content. So I didn’t see much of your content. Just FYI.
Our bookshelves in our new home "library" room are still empty, so this post was super timely. I've had it in my mind to cover my books, but have bought two different rolls of paper and sadly they are too thin. The rolls were wrapped in the store so it was a little hard to tell the thickness by just looking. 🫤 I did see your label link....which are really cool, but could get pricey for me considering the amount I would need. Could you give me the link to your book cover paper, please? Thank you, KariAnne! And it sounds like you are very much like your grandmother!
I have been pondering a bread box, but I'm not sure about a metal one with no holes. People used to make them out of wood and they had a few holes. Are holes required, does anyone know? Thanks in advance.
Diana, there are vintage metal ones that are lovely, used freestanding or wall hung options. Some are stainless or painted, and are gorgeous copper option. There are several compartments in each, labeled usually for foil, saran, waxed paper and also a larger compartment for bread, with aeration holes. Each has a lift up hinged door on each section, so very handy, especially those with serrated edge to tear pieces off. Bread section can have vent holes or not, but usually do, and the tight metal lid covered ones don't have vents that I've ever seen. No venting would be better for unbagged loaves and rolls.
Thank you, thank you! So many great ideas! I even have some of the items already.
Thank you so much for all the great ideas for the book cases. Who knew there were so many!!’
Really cute ideas but as an AVID reader, I don't want books disguised, I want to know what is on the shelf. It won't be a visually attractive as the white books, but it IS more functional.