38 Built-In Bookshelf Ideas That Turn Any Room Into a Bona Fide Library

What are the latest bookshelf trends?

Laurent has been noticing a shift toward bookshelf designs that feel architectural as much as decorative. Clients are also gravitating toward deeper, richer finishes and tonal palettes that make shelves feel like sculptural backdrops, says Laurent. Finally, the designer is seeing a return to displaying meaningful objects over mass styling, with people opting to showcase “fewer pieces, higher quality, and more personal storytelling.”

Along those lines, Fuentes says it’s become increasingly common to see bookshelves treated more like forms of expression or curated display cases rather than as storage units for books. “Many homeowners are instead opting to style each shelf as its own vignette by mixing books along with decorative pieces such as frames, ceramics, and personal collectibles,” she says, emphasizing that less can be more here, and it’s perfectly acceptable to feature just a few carefully chosen items on each shelf.

Another trend on Fuentes’ radar is incorporating high-end natural objects that look like artwork in their own right, such as handmade vessels, iron candlesticks, and small stone containers or bookends with a sculptural quality. “These pieces add texture and craftsmanship, helping shelves look styled and sophisticated,” she says.

Details-wise, Johnson is seeing an uptick in adding brass rods, enclosing bookshelves with a textured wallpaper, or adding unique millwork design flourishes that aren’t in a standard Shaker-style.

How to style bookshelves?

Johnson likes to remind clients, gently of course, that bookshelves aren’t intended to turn into storage for random household items. “Instead, they should be a spotlight for what matters most, whether that’s meaningful mementos, sentimental pieces, personal accomplishments, favorite decor objects, or anything that reflects your style,” she says. “Shelves should feel like a curated expression of who you are, not a catchall. And less is more. When shelves get too full, the beauty of each item gets lost,” she continues, advising homeowners to pay close attention to height and scale—the bigger the piece, the better, as smaller items can easily get lost or start to feel too knickknacky.

Fuentes similarly asserts that a cluttered bookshelf is an instant eyesore. We agree. (Not to mention that unwieldy collections of books, papers, objets d’art, and what have you can also be quite the source of stress for the type As among us.)

“Edit your shelves to highlight pieces that you truly want to showcase or that hold personal meaning,” says Fuentes. “Think of your bookshelf as something that can evolve over time—revisit it periodically and swap items in and out as your interests grow and evolve.”

Last but not least, if it’s possible, don’t overlook lighting. Fuentes recommends a picture light above your bookshelf or integrating lighting within the shelves. “This can create a micro-gallery feel that subtly highlights your objects and books and gives your bookshelf an art-focused appearance,” says Fuentes.

If you're going for the micro-gallery approach, “integrated lighting is becoming essential," echoes Laurent. "It adds warmth, showcases books and objects, and elevates even the simplest shelving.”

Is it cheaper to buy or build bookshelves?

As with most design queries, there’s a range of price points for built-in bookshelves that can suit all sorts of budgets and aesthetics, whether you go the DIY or premade route.

For bookshelves, it really depends on the level of customization and the architecture of the space, says Laurent. “Off-the-shelf units are certainly more budget-friendly upfront, but they rarely achieve the seamless, tailored look most clients want—especially in rooms with specific proportions, awkward corners, or the desire for integrated lighting and concealed storage,” she elaborates, stating that custom millwork is an investment, but it transforms a wall into a functional, architectural feature and adds long-term value to the home, potentially even impacting resale value. A happy medium for some customers? “Many store-bought bookshelf models can now be mounted to the wall for a more tailored, semi-custom look,” says Fuentes.

If you’re on the fence between custom and store-bought, consider Laurent’s opinion: For many projects, she says, the cost difference is justified by “the quality, longevity, and the way built-ins elevate the entire room.”