Styling bookshelves is one of those home design tasks that looks simple… until you’re staring at a long, empty shelf and thinking, Now what? If you’ve ever felt stumped by the blank slate of built-ins—especially those longer shelves that seem to stretch on forever—you’re not alone. But with the right strategy, any bookshelf (big or small) can become a curated focal point full of warmth, personality, and story. Today, I’m sharing my go-to tips for how to style long bookshelves beautifully, using a mix of old and new, cozy and collected, and always personal. These are the exact techniques I used to style the built-ins in my own cozy tv room, and trust me—they make all the difference.
Whether you’re styling a single shelf or an entire wall, these styling tips will help you create shelves that feel intentional, balanced, and uniquely you.
1. Start With Coffee Table Books (Yes, Even on Shelves!)
If you’re styling long bookshelves, think of coffee table books as your secret weapon. Their generous size helps ground the shelf visually, especially when you’re working with deep, dark cabinetry like mine (painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lead Grey, if you’re wondering). Use them as a base to stack decorative items or to break up rows of vertical books.
Shop My Favorite Coffee Table Books
I like to keep a mix of topics—design, history, travel, art—and stack them horizontally to add height where needed. Bonus points if the spines bring in a pop of color or texture.
2. Alternate Book Orientation for Visual Movement
One of the easiest ways to avoid a monotonous look? Switch up how your books are placed. On my shelves, you’ll see some books standing upright and others laid flat in tidy stacks. This keeps your eye moving and adds visual rhythm to the overall design.
For longer shelves, I recommend using upright books toward one end and stacks at the other—or even centered—so you don’t fall into the trap of everything feeling too symmetrical or stiff.
Black marble vase | leather desk mat | vintage lamp (similar) | vintage onyx horse bookends (similar)
3. The Most Important Tip for How To Style Long Bookshelves: Change the Midline From Shelf to Shelf
Here’s a styling trick that makes a huge impact: vary the center of gravity (you can see how I did this in the above photo). Don’t center every shelf the same way. On one shelf, you might anchor with a larger item slightly left of center, and on the next, cluster things toward the right. This gives the whole unit a natural, collected feel—like it came together over time (even if it didn’t).
4. Group Items in Threes
The rule of threes is popular for a reason—it just works. Our brains are naturally drawn to odd numbers. Try pairing a small vase with a sculptural object and a stack of books for an effortless vignette. Or use three different candlesticks at varying heights to add a vertical element. I love these ones that are battery powered and flicker!
You don’t need to be rigid—just aim for asymmetry with balance.
black marble vase | candle cloche | brass art easel | leather desk mat
5. Mix Old and New for That “Collected Over Time” Look
This is so key to avoiding a showroom feel. I love mixing thrifted treasures, family heirlooms, and modern pieces for contrast and charm. A vintage lamp next to a deep rich leather desk mat. A modern marble vase next to a piece of thrifted artwork. It’s all about that tension between eras.
I love the contrast not only between old & new, but with textures as well. Mixing things up is key!
On my shelves, I’ve layered vintage ships, marble bookends, and newer sculptural pieces with antique finds. This mix brings soul and storytelling into every corner.
6. Layer Personal Items: Photos, Collectibles & Art
Bookshelves are one of the most underrated spots to tell your story. That framed black-and-white family photo? Put it front and center. A meaningful souvenir from your travels? Display it like art. A small painting or framed letter? Lean it behind a stack of books for depth.
This is how you make your shelves feel like your home—not a Pinterest replica. If you need some help getting started you can find some of my favorite decor pieces here.
These onyx horse bookends are one of my favorite vintage finds! They’re artwork in an of themselves. Shop similar ones here.
7. Play With Height, Shape & Texture
A truly beautiful shelf isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also how you layer it. Use objects with different heights (tall candlesticks, low bowls), varied shapes (round vs angular), and contrasting textures (brass, wood, marble, linen).
In my shelves, you’ll notice how a spindly stem in a black vase softens the edges, while a glossy ceramic bowl catches the light. These moments of contrast help each item shine and prevent the shelves from feeling flat.
Bonus Tips From My Shelf to Yours:
- Use bookends strategically—not just to hold books, but to punctuate a section or bring in sculptural interest.
- Leave breathing room. Don’t overfill! Negative space is your friend.
- Add lighting. A bookshelf lamp or tucked-in puck lights can elevate your shelf styling (and your mood).
Shop the Cozy TV Room
Final Thoughts on How to Style Long Bookshelves
There’s no right or wrong way on how to style long bookshelves, and it isn’t about perfection. It’s about layering in meaning, beauty, and function until it feels just right. Trust your instincts. Edit as you go. And don’t be afraid to change it up with the seasons or your mood.
These are more than shelves—they’re your story on display.
If you loved these tips, be sure to pin this post or share it with a fellow design lover. And if you’re styling your own shelves, tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring your shelves to life!
