Exquisitely decorated bookshelves have me totally smitten. I don’t know about you, but I drool over images of beautifully arranged bookshelves, each one embodying either a light or dark academia aesthetic. There’s just something about how to style a bookshelf with vintage books that transforms it into a stunning, eye-catching centrepiece of any room.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my favourite techniques for curating a bookshelf that blends antique charm with personal treasures. By mixing old books with thrifted finds, I’ve been able to bring my bookshelf to life, taking it from a simple storage space to a visual celebration of beauty and purpose.

How to Style a Bookshelf with Vintage Books

Here are four easy steps I use to style a bookshelf with vintage books and other interesting thrifted finds:

1. Start with Layering Books

After clearing every shelf and dusting them clean (an essential step – dust and vintage books don’t mix well), I gather my books and arrange them first on each shelf.

To create a balanced and visually appealing display, I play with different elements:

• Colour tones – A mix of muted, faded spines with hints of gold embossing creates a warm, lived-in feel.
• Sizes and textures – A combination of thick, leather-bound books and delicate paperbacks adds depth.
• Varied placements – Stacking books both vertically and horizontally helps break up the monotony and creates interest.

A trick I love is staggering arrangements diagonally across shelves. This subtly guides the eye across the entire display and makes it feel more intentional rather than rigid.

2. Incorporate some artwork

Next, I introduce a layer of personality with artwork. Vintage books already bring history, but art adds a whole new level of storytelling. I love thrifting small oil paintings and watercolour pieces, but framed prints, antique postcards, or even old photographs work just as well.

A few ways to display artwork on bookshelves:

• Prop them against the back panel of a shelf for a layered effect.
• Lean smaller framed pieces atop a stack of books.
• Use decorative easels or stands for a refined touch.

The frames themselves make a difference too! Gold or ornate frames evoke a traditional, scholarly look, while wooden or distressed frames give a softer, rustic charm. If you find an old frame you love but don’t like the art inside, swap it out! Thrifting frames and replacing the contents with your own finds takes it to another level!

3. Add a Touch of Greenery

No styled shelf is complete without a little life. I love adding small plants, either real or faux, to soften the structured look of books and frames. If you have a green thumb, cascading pothos or trailing ivy look effortlessly charming draped over the edges of shelves. If you’re like me and struggle to keep plants alive, faux greenery does the job just as well (and only requires the occasional dusting!).

A few favourite greenery choices:

• Small potted ferns or succulents tucked in between stacks
• A trailing ivy draped over the side of a shelf
• A delicate dried flower arrangement in a tiny vintage vase

This pop of green (or dried florals) brings warmth and a natural contrast to the aged pages and wooden textures. 

4. Infuse Decorative Elements

Now for the part that makes the bookshelf truly unique – decorative elements that reflect personality and charm. This is where I get to weave in my thrifted treasures, adding layers of interest and storytelling.

Some of my favourite additions:

• Brass candlesticks – They add an old-world charm and an elegant touch.
• Silver goblets or trays – Perfect for a slightly moody, historical aesthetic.
• Clocks or pocket watches – A subtle nod to the passage of time.
• Antique bookends – Decorative and functional.
• Small wooden boxes or trinkets – Great for filling gaps and adding texture.

Grouping small items together in clusters of three tends to create a more balanced look. Also, leaving some empty space on the shelves is key as it allows the eye to rest and lets the special pieces shine.

Tips for Thrifting Vintage Books and Decor

One of my favourite parts of styling a bookshelf is the thrill of hunting for vintage books and unique decor pieces. Here are some tips to help you find stunning, one-of-a-kind items:

• Start with secondhand bookstores and charity shops. These often have hidden gems at affordable prices, from beautifully aged hardcovers to forgotten literary treasures with stunning covers.
• Explore trash and treasure markets and antique fairs. These spots are fantastic for finding vintage book sets, decorative bookends, and other charming accessories to elevate your shelves.
• Look for unique textures and details. Seek out embossed book covers, gold foil lettering, or faded spines that add character and history to your display.
• Think outside the box. Vintage decor isn’t limited to books. Keep an eye out for small sculptures, ornate picture frames, or even old wooden crates that can double as risers for styling.
• Be patient and persistent. The best finds don’t always happen on the first visit. Enjoy the hunt, and over time, you’ll curate a bookshelf full of meaningful, storied pieces.

Where to Buy Vintage-Style Decor Online

If thrifting isn’t your thing, or you want to supplement your collection with beautiful vintage-inspired items, there are plenty of options available online. Here are some great finds that will help you achieve a similar aesthetic:

• Antique-style book sets

Little Women Four-Volume Hardcover Book Set | Author Louisa May Alcott

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• Brass candlesticks – [Buy some here]
• Antique-inspired bookends – see below
• Small botanical prints – see below
• Faux trailing ivy for a touch of greenery – [Check these out]

Antique look Bookends

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Vintage Style Botanical Prints

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With just a few well-chosen pieces, you can create the perfect vintage bookshelf without having to dig through thrift shops, though if you ask me, the hunt is half the fun!

The Final Touch: Let It Evolve

One of the best parts about styling a bookshelf is that it’s never done. As I continue thrifting, I love swapping out items, rotating seasonal touches, or incorporating new-found treasures. A beautifully styled bookshelf isn’t just a static display; it’s an ever-evolving collection of pieces that tell a story.

So who knew that with just four simple steps, I could breathe new life into this once-boring storage space? Now, instead of a mundane collection of books and knick-knacks, I’ve created a captivating library that feels curated, cozy, and full of character.

Do you have a bookshelf you’re dying to style? I’d love to hear about the treasures you’d add!