12 Different Ways to Style Your Book Collection

Put your cherished book collection on display with our chic yet easy ways to style books of all sizes throughout your home.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Small Groupings

A grouping of design, art, architecture and pop culture books turn this multipurpose workspace and dining room into a cozy spot packed with personality and plenty of things to read.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Wrapped With Paper

Update torn or tattered books with a combination of pattern and color using decorative paper. Here, a collection of old books was given new life with a variety of spring-inspired papers, ranging from solid teal to a multicolor botanical pattern.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

White on White

Looking for a bright, airy and minimalist aesthetic? Curate your books down to a collection of bright whites and creams and stack them accordingly. This will add a welcoming softness to the room.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Wall-Mounted Stacks

Put a modern twist on a book display with wall-mounted stacking brackets. These are shaped similarly to L-brackets and allow you to pile small groups of books together horizontally on walls, resulting in a floating look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Wall Display

Got a book cover you love? Put it on display as art with a wall-mounted book hanger. Similar in construction to a shelf, the display works as a sleeve, allowing the book to slip directly onto a cleat that holds it upright and in place.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Orientation

When arranging books on bookshelves, break up the vertical lines by alternating the orientation of the books from horizontal to vertical. Next, add personality by incorporating objects with graphic shapes onto the horizontal stacks of books. This will help break up the lines and also allow the books to serve double duty as risers.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Multiple Stacks

A common way interior designers and decorators use books for decorative purposes is to arrange them in stacks slightly varying in height. To keep the overall look uniform, leave the same amount of distance in between the stacks.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Multicolor

Colorphobic homeowners may love the idea of using books to pop bold hues into their space in a removable way. Edit through your old and new books, and consider removing dust jackets to expose the original upholstery. Then, arrange the books in stacks with colors randomly placed. This idea works beautifully in crisp, white rooms as the colors read true to their values.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Coordinating Colors

If you're more of the tailored type, color-coordinated books may be the perfect fit. When styling tabletops, consoles and credenzas, try layering several shades of the room's dominant color. This will add to the overall depth and complexity of the room without looking matchy-matchy.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Neutral Territory

For a less-is-more approach, try grouping neutral-toned books together in a more subdued space. The overall effect comes across as a slight variation in tone and texture rather than one of the room's standout features.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Complementary Colors

Look to the color wheel for inspiration when it comes to arranging your books. Edit them down to complementary colors, which are hues that sit directly across from one another and have opposite values. Here, a collection of books in shades of blues and oranges adds personality to a bedside table.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Coffee Table

Add instant character to the center of your living room with a collection of coffee table books for guests to grab. To keep the overall look practical and uncluttered, try to keep the stacks of books less than eight inches tall. This will allow for a full look that doesn’t feel overpowering.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Black on Black

Add a masculine or glamorous touch to any room with a collection of black books. Although they may all seem to be the same tone when viewed individually, they'll take on different tints and shades as a group ranging from charcoal and medium gray to jet black.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn