What is Bookshelf Wealth and How Can You Add the Look to Your Home?

TikTok has spoken and there's a new interior trend on the horizon — bookshelf wealth. Following in the footsteps of Cottagecore, Coastal Grandma Aesthetic and Tomato Girl Summer, bookshelf wealth is all about cozy, charming spaces filled with — you guessed it — books. These spaces are often found in historic homes, incorporate a lot of art and collected objects and are owned by true maximalists. Luckily, the trend is easy to recreate with thrifted items and things you likely already have. Here are the top ten ways you can add bookshelf wealth to your home.

The first step to getting the bookshelf wealth look in your home is to, of course, have books — and a lot of them. But unlike with typical shelf styling where the prettier the book, the better, these books are less about looks and more about sentimental value. They should be ones you've read, cherish and want to lovingly display. Try mixing the way the books are stacked by standing some upright and turning some on their sides for added interest.

Incorporating beloved collections into your shelves is the second most important component of bookshelf wealth. Objects help fill out the shelves, keep the eye interested and can double as handy bookends. Try sprinkling collections of similar items throughout your shelves, like this designer did with matching plates and vases, to create unity.

Incorporating art in unconventional ways is one of the foundations of bookshelf wealth. Hanging art on top of shelves makes the frame pop, while also drawing the eye to the books behind. You can also lean art in front of the shelves, place smaller pieces on top of a stack of books or create a gallery wall nearby. The more art, the better, so don't be afraid to layer pieces in front of each other either.

Art's not the only thing you can hang from bookshelves. Try any other piece of decor you'd hang from a wall, like mirrors. The oblong pair in this bright living room featured in HGTV Magazine creates cool contrast against the horizontal wood shelves.

If your space allows, add in a rolling ladder for peak charm. It makes it easier to access books on higher shelves and creates an atmosphere of an Old World library. The brass hardware on the ladder in this vibrant space is a nice pop against the deep blue shelves.

What's a room full of books without anywhere to read them? Whether it's a grouping of chairs, a cushy chaise or a quaint window seat, spots to curl up with a good book are a must. HGTV Designer Tiffany Brooks hung a fun swinging bench from the ceiling of her Barbie pink library. Bonus points for having a pile of pillows and a basket of blankets nearby to ensure maximum coziness.

Stained glass, hardwood floors and molding are all part of the true bookshelf wealth trend. Bring out historic elements, like Ben and Erin Napier did in their main bedroom study corner, by hanging art within molding and highlighting it with picture lights. Beadboard-backed shelves are equally charming. If you don't already live in an older home that comes with vintage architectural features, try installing your own picture molding or half paneling along a wall with a ledge to display art.

A mix of lighting is key to making any room cozier, especially one where you plan on reading. Sconces attached to the pillars of these floor-to-ceiling shelves add character, while the dainty task light is perfect for reading. The midcentury modern chandelier brings funky flair. You can also hang picture lights above bookcases or in between shelves to highlight artwork or special items.

Scale is one of the most important elements when it comes to the difference between bookshelf wealth and other shelving trends. Modern shelf styling calls for lots of negative space to highlight sculptures and art, while the bookshelf wealth trend embraces cramming as much as you can into your shelves. A collection of baskets, rows of records and vintage clocks and radios nicely fill out each of the cubbies in these built-ins.