10 Ways to Organize and Embellish Your Bookshelf


I love organizing my bookshelves; it’s relaxing, satisfying, and I feel accomplished once I’m finished. If you love it too and aren’t sure how to organize your shelves, a method below may inspire you:



1. Alphabetically

 a. By the author’s last name.

 b. By the author’s first name.

 2. Color

a. Rainbows are gorgeous and versatile; I’ve seen them done horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Each shelf can be a solitary rainbow or just one color. Try an ombre, full-shelf rainbow (group all books of the same color together and have them transition into the next color as you descend the shelves).

 b. Create a picture with your books. Flip them around (spines facing in) and use the white pages for your design.

 3. Physical characteristics

a. By height (all the same, descending, ascending, or alternating).

 b. By the type of book (hardback vs paperback).

c. Stack them.

d. Have some covers face out, like in a bookstore.

 4. Details

a. By genre. Try delving into subgenres for a challenge.

b. By publisher.

5. Chronologically

a. By publication date.

b. Based on when you read or purchased them.

6. Favorites

a. Have your favorites face out.

b. Place your favorites at eye level or atop your shelves to make them visible.

c. Arrange them favorite to least favorite or vice versa. When you reach your TBR, go by what you most want to read to what you least want to read or vice versa.

7. Randomly. Spontaneity can look good if it’s done right.




Make your shelves look pretty by:

 1. Wrapping them in lights.

2. Adding accessories (pictures, figurines, bookends, etc.)

 3. Designating one shelf to accessories, a fandom, or a series you like.




There are many ways to organize and embellish your shelves. If you don’t have any shelves or you’re bored, build a tower with your books! Books are for reading - and also for playing. So, experiment; mix, match, and try new methods of organization. I guarantee your shelves will never look boring again.

How do you organize your shelves? Leave a comment!

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