The Aesthetic Appeal of Book Stacks: Book-Themed Home Decor for BookTok Fans
Thanks to BookTok, where aesthetics and literature collide, book stacks have become a staple for readers who want their homes to reflect their love of stories. Literary-inspired interior design and book-themed home decor can showcase your personality through books.
Photo by Shayna Douglas
Who says books belong only on shelves? If you’ve spent any time on BookTok, you know that books aren’t just for reading—they’re decor, conversation starters, and a way to express your aesthetic. Enter the book stack trend: a creative, functional, and stylish way to showcase your personality while keeping your favorite reads within arm’s reach.
I've been encouraged to learn about the art of book stacks after one of my bookshelves recently gave way. There are so many fun ways to decorate using books, and I'm more determined than ever to find creative homes for my books that are currently floating around without a place to call home. Let’s dive into how you can use book stacks to level up your home’s vibe.
I hope this article will inspire you to embrace literary-inspired interior design and other book display ideas for your living room and other favorite rooms. We can all thank BookTok for making book display fashionable again!
What Are Book Stacks and Why Are They Trending?
Book stacks are exactly what they sound like: a deliberate arrangement of books in a stack. But this isn’t just about piling them up haphazardly. Book stacks are an art form combining colors, textures, and themes to enhance your space.
Thanks to BookTok, where aesthetics and literature collide, book stacks have become a staple for readers who want their homes to reflect their love of stories. Again, literary-inspired interior design can make your home feel whimsical and showcase your personality through books.
Book stacks can adapt to any space, whether a cozy corner or a bold centerpiece. They’re versatile, functional, and, most importantly, a unique way to let your reading personality shine.
Book display ideas for living room include small stacks of books as well as other tasteful, artistic designs. I love the photo above from the IHOD blog. You love stories and want your home to express that about you. What better way than an artistic, literary-inspired interior design?
I also noticed the stack of books beside the couch and framed photos on the shelf above the books depicting various places. It's fun to see how others incorporate their stories into their design!
Styling Book-Themed Home Decor for Different Spaces
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for incorporating book stacks into different rooms. From cozy reading nook ideas to book display ideas for the living room, I hope this will inspire you to stack some pretty books around your home–and give you ideas for where to begin doing just that!
You may have already read our guides for decorating your home space by space or 42 tips for designing small spaces. This guide will help you determine how to style these spaces with book-themed decor.
Living Room Book Stacks: Book Display Ideas for Living Room
Styling coffee table books is one way to showcase your style–as well as your favorite books–front and center in the living room. But there are many cool ways to incorporate book stacks in the living room. They include:
- Place a stack on your coffee table and top it with a candle or a bud vase.
- To create a polished look, use hardcover books with visually appealing spines. Choose spine colors that match the other decor on nearby shelves.
- Find an adorable little trinket to place on top of the books.
- Add a rolling ladder for easy access and a dramatic literary effect.
You'll notice that the books on the console table match the colors of the artwork throughout the room. Paying attention to colors you can tie together using books is a great way to create a cohesive sense of style in the living room.
Book Lover's Home Decor Ideas for the Bedroom
There are many unique ways for book lovers (like you!) to style books in their bedrooms. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Stack books on your nightstand with a small plant or a lamp.
- Opt for soft pastel covers or muted tones to keep the vibe relaxing.
- Create a cozy reading nook next to a window in your bedroom–find the perfect comfy armchair and a small side table for your TBR or "Currently Reading" book piles.
- Store books in a visible space beneath a bedside bench or table instead of on top. This will create depth and visual interest in unexpected places.
Bookish Room Decor for Your Office: Book Stacks for Your Workspace
Adding bookish room decor to your office space is a fun way to infuse personality. You can choose book titles that inspire or motivate you. Or, hey, go ahead and choose a book by its cover if it makes you feel more inspired in your workspace. No judgment here!
- Create a color-coordinated stack to add a pop of creativity to your desk.
- Mix in small literary-themed decor, like a mug that says, “Just one more chapter.”
- Display your favorite inspiring books alongside framed artwork or a journal to showcase your personality and favorites in your office. Use a small shelf or book ledge close to the desk to display the covers of books and magazines.
- Install floating shelves to display books grouped by theme–such as work inspiration, favorite fiction, or BookTok recommendations.
Book-themed Home Decor for the Entryway
Book-themed entryway decor feels inviting and gives guests an instant idea of what you love. Entryway books make great conversation starters. Fun entryway coffee books include Humans by Brandon Stanton and The Art of Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler.
Other fun books to place in the entryway include literary classics, books of local interest, or books about your unique interests. From travel to art to inspirational titles, the books you display in your entryway will inevitably mean more after all your conversations about them.
- Greet guests with a thoughtful stack featuring motivational or coffee table books. Make them a reflection of you or your style.
- Add a decorative bowl for keys or a framed photo on the book stack.
- Display a beautiful book–or your current favorite–prominently on top of a stack or open to an interesting page.
- Place books on an entryway bench or console table.
Cozy Reading Nook Ideas: Book Stacks for the Win
Is there anything better than a cozy reading nook? Book stacks fit in perfectly in a cozy reading nook. Follow these suggestions if you want inspiration to create the most comfortable and stylish reading corner.
- A quiet, well-lit corner is perfect for a reading corner. A window seat or corner of your living room or bedroom by a window is ideal for your reading nook.
- Comfy seating is key. A plush armchair or chaise lounge chair will work, or even a beanbag chair, floor pillow, or a pile of cushions on a comfortable rug.
- Add layers of textiles, like a cozy rug, throw blankets, and pillows of different textures.
- Personalize your space with framed quotes from your favorite books–I'm sure there are lots on Etsy–or your favorite candle. I love these candles from Target!
Themed Book Stacks Inspired by BookTok Aesthetics
BookTok aesthetics are perfect for guiding your book stack themes. Furniture styles that align well with popular BookTok genres include Dark Academia, Cottagecore, Fantasy, and Minimalist. Here are some fun ideas:
Dark Academia BookTok Aesthetic
Think moody and intellectual: leather-bound books and antique accents like brass candle holders or quills. Deep shades of brown, burgundy, charcoal, forest green, and navy blue complement the Dark Academia aesthetic. Dark wood furniture with intricate detailing and velvet, plaid, and oriental rugs are all beautiful features of Dark Academia-style rooms.
The dark academia aesthetic, celebrated on BookTok, emphasizes themes of classic literature, academic intrigue, and atmospheric settings. Here are some notable books that align with this style:
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
- The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
- The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Cottagecore BookTok Decor Ideas
Embrace a whimsical, nature-inspired vibe with floral-covered books, soft greens and yellows, and dried flowers. Cottagecore interior design is cozy, nostalgic, and nature-inspired, reflecting a romanticized view of rural life and a love for books. The soft, earthy color palette and antique-inspired seating make it feel like a cozy cottage. Framed botanical prints, oval mirrors, and books with botanical themes are all ideal for a cottagecore-inspired home.
The cottagecore aesthetic embraces a nostalgic, nature-inspired lifestyle, often reflected in literature highlighting simplicity, rural settings, and a deep connection to nature.
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
- Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
Fantasy BookTok Inspired Home Decor
Moody tones, dramatic bookshelves, fantasy-themed wall art, and flowing curtains are a few of the decorative touches you may notice inside a fantasy inspired home. Celestial elements, like a starry tapestry, or mythical creatures are speak to the whimsical style of fantasy-inspired decor.
The fantasy aesthetic is magical, whimsical, and often otherworldly. It reflects the enchanting worlds and mythical themes found in popular fantasy books. Some popular fantasy titles include:
- Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Add fairy lights around the room or dragon figurines atop your fantasy book stack to complete the look. Not all rooms have to be as elaborate as the AI-generated photo below, but I'm sharing this to demonstrate that a fantasy aesthetic requires a commitment. It's a combination of cottagecore and dark academia–but with more drama!
Minimalist BookTok Decor Trends
Keep it sleek and modern with books in neutral tones stacked neatly with monochrome vases or metallic accents. You can still see the books, but taking off the dust covers to reveal simple black or white covers can help ensure that the books don't make the space look too busy. Streamlined designs and minimal lighting help keep the space feeling simple, which is key to minimalism.
The minimalist aesthetic focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and an understated elegance that allows your love for books to shine without overwhelming your space. A white or black bookshelf, minimalist bookends, and hidden storage solutions are all helpful when you're going for a minimalist aesthetic. Add a simple piece of framed abstract art, or a simple drawing, to add personality to the space.
We can make book suggestions here, but the most important thing is choosing books with simple covers, particularly black and white for the vibe you see in the photo below!
I hope these tips will help you match your BookTok style to your interior design style. You can make your favorite fictional worlds and your real-life space align!
Functional Tips for Maintaining Book Stacks
To make sure your book stacks stay stylish and practical, follow these helpful tips:
- Rotate Your Books: Switch them out regularly to keep things fresh.
- Build a Solid Base: Place heavier books at the bottom for stability.
- Protect Your Covers: Avoid direct sunlight to keep your covers from fading.
- Stay Organized: If these books are part of your active reading pile, arrange them for easy access.
Where to Find Books for Stacking
Need more books to style your space? Here are some tips for acquiring books no matter your budget:
- Thrift Stores: Score vintage or unique covers for a fraction of the price.
- Local Bookshops: Support indie bookstores while building your stack.
- Online Shops: Check Etsy for custom book covers or websites like Book Depository for beautiful editions. This is especially handy when you're looking for books in particular colors!
Make Your Space a Bookish Dream
Book stacks are more than decor—they’re a way to surround yourself with stories you love and create a home that reflects your passion for reading. Whether you’re into dark academia, cozy cottagecore, or minimalist vibes, there’s a book stack aesthetic for you.
Oh, and decorating is a process. So, don't worry if it takes time to pull all the pieces together–totally normal. There's plenty of time to stop and read along the way.
And, the last thing: If you need a bookshelf to display your stacks, don't forget to double-check Spoken to make sure you're getting the best deals online.
Are you ready to try it? Share your BookTok-inspired stacks with us by tagging us on Instagram @spoken_io. We can’t wait to see how your personality shines through your stacks! 📚
Quick facts
What is a stack of books called?
A stack of books is commonly referred to as a book stack. It's often used as a decorative element in homes and libraries.
How do you stack books neatly?
To stack books neatly, align them by size, starting with the largest on the bottom. Place them horizontally or vertically, and use bookends for stability if stacking vertically.
What is a bundle of books called?
A bundle of books is sometimes called a book bundle or book set, particularly when tied together or sold as a collection.
Is it OK to stack books?
Yes, it is OK to stack books, but avoid stacking them too high to prevent damage or instability. Ensure proper support and handle valuable books with care.
What do you put on top of a stack of books?
Decorative items like candles, small sculptures, or plants can be placed on top of a stack of books to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
How to stack books without a bookshelf?
To stack books without a bookshelf, use flat surfaces like coffee tables, desks, or the floor. Arrange them neatly in vertical or horizontal stacks to create a visually pleasing arrangement.
Why are books stacked vertically?
Books are stacked vertically to save space, improve visibility of spines, and make retrieval easier. It's a practical method for organizing and displaying collections.
Jen Buckner
Writer at Spoken
Jen is a furniture content aficionado at Spoken. She is a Delaware native living on Tulsa time with her husband Blake and three super-cool kids. Jen enjoys using her words to inspire people to make the world—and their worlds—better. When she's not writing, she's driving her kids around, picking out something cute to wear, or volunteering for a local nonprofit. Oh! And she'd always rather be at the beach (with a bucket of fries).
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