Styling your bookshelves can feel really overwhelming when you’re starting from scratch. But having living room bookshelf decor that inspires you makes such a big difference. And it can be really fun to pick it out!
You can collect pieces here and there over time to build up a collection of bookshelf decor. Or you can buy a bunch at once! Whichever works the best for you. This is a list of beautiful and funky decor pieces that are meant to grow with you.
This list of living room bookshelf decor pieces is here to inspire you and help make the process of picking out decor for your shelves more fun and enjoyable. I hope that you find something that you love!
This post is all about living room bookshelf decor. Let’s dive into the list ๐
1. Anna Spiro Frame
Buy now on Anthropologie
A picture frame is a perfect way to add an artful, fun accent to a bookshelf in your living room while also providing sentimental value. My family loves to add family photos in picture frames throughout the bookshelves in our living room because it makes it feel homey and like the space is truly ours.
It also is a great idea to mix in small works of art โ this could be a small painted canvas, a little doodle or illustration, a print, or a film photo. If you’re looking for affordable art prints, I love finding digital art prints online! There are a few on this list, so keep an eye out for those.
2. Petra’s Garden Art Prints
Buy now on Anthropologie
These gorgeous prints are so inexpensive, and they are so, so pretty. Something you can do with stationary (whether it’s a greeting card or an old calendar) that’s too pretty to throw away, is cut out the part that’s pretty and find a way to repurpose it. I totally recommend it! I’ve done it so many times.
A print like this would look really pretty framed and placed on a bookshelf to complement the rest of your decor. It’s nice to mix in framed art among the family photos, decorative objects, and books.
3. Lula Taper Candle Holder
Buy now on Urban Outfitters Home
A candle holder is always a great idea, especially when it looks this good. Squiggly lines like this have been so trendy lately, and I love how this candle holder melds that trend with a natural looking color and material. So pretty and fun!
The funkiness that this candle holder will add to your shelves is unparalleled. And you can definitely use it as a candle holder, too, or leave it empty. That’s the great thing about it.
4. Digital Antique Watercolor Line Drawing
Buy now on Etsy
Here’s some digital art! You won’t believe how affordable this is (click to find out ๐) and it’s so pretty. I love how intricate it is, and the blue and white is such a beautiful color combination. I mean come on โ who doesn’t love blue and white?
Digital art is such a great option for getting art online because you can print it out at home yourself, no waiting necessary. And it’s so ridiculously inexpensive compared to so many other options for buying art.
5. Spindle Taper Candle
Buy now on Anthropologie
These candles are so cool because they are an all in one package of the candle and the candle holder โ it’s all part of the candle! Between the colors and shapes, these candles are sure to add some much needed funkiness to your home while looking elegant at the same time.
6. Wise Owl Book Ends
Buy now on Anthropologie
These little owls are so cute. Book ends are a somewhat obvious, yet somehow very underrated addition to your living room bookshelves. You’ll be obsessed with the functionality and the look. Having a little bit of that brassy shine is always so lovely, too.
7. Small Checkered Resin Box
Buy now on Target
Checkers, but in a subtle way โ oh yes!! A little box like this is perfect as a bookshelf styling piece because you can set it on top of a few books and even use it to help you organize, if you want to. Plus. It’s too dang cute to pass up.
8. Val Speckled Glass Candle
Buy now on Anthropologie
These are the most whimsical and fun candles. Their color, shape, pattern, and smell are the little details that make your home feel so special. Using candles to decorate may not be creative genius, but it is smart to keep them out where you can see them (cuz if you’re anything like me, if something is out of sight, you already forgot about it).
When they’re sitting on your bookshelves you can pull them down to light and enjoy and then have a spot to treasure them even when they’re unlit.
9. Metal Animal Decorative Objects
Buy now on West Elm
If you’re an animal lover, this is for you. Bringing in little touches of personality by adding in a cutie sculpture like this golden duck or elephant is a great way to add artful elements to your reading collection on your shelves.
10. Striped Marble & Wood Bookend
Buy now on West Elm
These are a little bit more modern if the owl bookends weren’t quite your style. Functional, beautiful, and a simple bold stripe โ these bookends pack a punch. Also, if you’re working with a lot of shelves, you can totally mix and match your bookends! It would be boring for them to all be the same.
11. Tinted Glass Cloche
Buy now on Anthropologie
Colorful glass, hello ๐ you are beautiful. These will catch the light in a stunning way that will fill your living room with warm light and gorgeous dancing shadows. Any time you have a chance to bring some colorful glass into a space, take it. It brings so much warmth and charm.
12. Stoneware Container with Clay Finish
Buy now on Target
This dusty light pink has become such a popular color lately and for GOOD REASON. Look at that! And the little circular wooden handle on top. Stop it. It’s too much.
The round details on this make it a great addition to a bookshelf because it will add contrast to the sharp corners on books and on the shelves. Seeking out objects with curved lines like this is a great way to make your shelves look really beautiful.
13. Marble and Wood Bird
Buy now on Crate & Barrel
Another little animal, this time it’s a birdie. I know, one animal decor item is enough for some people, but it’s not for me. And I’m banking on the small chance that it might not be enough for you either, or maybe you just like this one a little better. This one has a more modern vibe, and it has a little marble beak. Need I say more?
14. Decoupage Geo Trays
Buy now on West Elm
Including a little bit of pattern is always a good idea because it adds visual interest. These trays are elegant and adorable at the same time, and they’re just the right sizes to place on a bookshelf with a little trinket in them.
Pair the geometric pattern with an opposite โ something natural like wood, clay, or stone. It will create a gorgeously juxtaposed moment. That’s when you’ll really start to feel like you got your interior design on.
15. Sleeping Couple Digital Wall Art
Buy now on Etsy
More digital art! Illustrations like this are so whimsical and pretty (a little bit funky, too ๐). This is yet another piece of digital art that you can get for such an amazing price and literally print out in the comfort of your own home. It’s literally too easy.
This post was all about living room bookshelf decor. Thank you so much for sticking around until the end of this post! You are awesome ๐คฉ
I hope that you found inspiration for your living room bookshelf decor! These little whimsical items can bring sparks of joy and light to your home, and I always strive to help you bring more of those moments to your home and your life.
Alright, that’s it from me (for now)! For more art and design inspiration, follow Garland Collections on Pinterest and Instagram.
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Want to have the best wall art picture frames?
Here’s a list of the best frames (there’s a range of prices, too!).
Looking for a cute coffee table book to spruce up your coffee table decor?
Curious about how to find unique art for your home?
These unique wall art ideas will leave you feeling inspired.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate you very much ๐
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