A bookshelf in the living room – arrangement ideas that add soul to the interior

23.04.2025

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A bookshelf in the living room – arrangement ideas that add soul to the interior

Although many of us today read books on e-readers or listen to audiobooks, paper books still have their own unique charm. The smell of paper, beautiful covers like little works of art, and the weight of a real book in your hand—these are things no app can replace. For reading enthusiasts, a bookshelf in the living room is a truly important element of interior design.

In this article, you will learn:

1. Why is it worth having a bookshelf in the living room?
2. Where should you place a bookshelf?
3. How to match a bookshelf to the interior style?
4. How to set up a reading nook?

Why is it worth having a bookshelf in the living room?

Just a few years ago, before we were swept away by smartphones and streaming services, a home full of books was a sign of intellect. Walking into such a space, it was immediately clear that someone well-read lived there—someone with broad horizons, someone you could talk to about anything. And while times have changed a bit, the belief that books reflect the character of the household still lingers within us.

Open shelves filled with books catch the eye and add individuality and warmth to the interior. When you enter a living room with a bookshelf, you instinctively want to walk over, take a look, see what’s on the shelves. Such a space “lives”—it has its own story, its own energy. You know that someone truly lives there.

Where should you place a bookshelf?

A bookshelf looks best on a wall that is visible but doesn’t dominate the entire interior. Avoid situations where all eye-catching elements—such as the TV, shelves with books, photos, decorations, and accent colors—are concentrated in one place. This is a common mistake that can make the living room feel visually heavy.

Ensure balance. If one wall is painted a bold color, it shouldn’t be the same one where the TV and bookshelf are placed. This way, you can avoid creating an unintended “altar” that draws all attention.

A good idea is to spread out the focal points. The bookshelf can be placed on the wall next to the sofa, incorporated around the doors, or positioned by the window—this creates an interesting effect without overloading one part of the living room.

How to match a bookshelf to the interior style?

This is a crucial step that determines whether the bookshelf will truly fit the character of the living room or appear as a random piece of furniture.

Scandinavian style – focuses on clean lines, natural materials, and light colors. Pine, birch, or white-painted bookshelves work perfectly. The simple "BILLY" system from IKEA remains a classic, but increasingly popular are designer models with slim legs, offering a light, airy feel. The interior will be complemented by light linen curtains, ceramic vases, and green plants in clay pots.

Boho style – offers more freedom and room for individuality. There are no strict rules here – creativity and personal character matter. The bookshelf can be made of raw wood, with metal or rattan elements. Anything that looks like it was found at a flea market or brought back from a trip works well. Shelves can be complemented with decorations: shells, candles, textiles, or dried flowers. The overall look should feel warm, relaxed, and a bit like a home story about your world – each shelf can tell a different story. The look is completed with plants climbing around the bookshelf.

Glamour style – embodies elegance, deep colors, and luxurious accents. Dark bookshelves – black, navy, burgundy – often with a glossy finish, gold details, or mirrored inserts – bring a touch of sophistication to the space. Books will look best in hardcover, elegant bindings, arranged by color and size. Between them, you can place glass figurines, designer candles, or elegant LED lighting, which will add softness to the interior and highlight the luxurious nature of the design.

Vintage style – is a nod to the past and a sentiment for items with history. Bookshelves don’t have to be new – they can come from a flea market, an attic, or an inherited sideboard that has gained new life after restoration. Furniture in this style often features veneered wood, curved legs, glass doors, and brass handles. The interior then gains a unique atmosphere and warmth. Old books with yellowed pages work well here – arranged horizontally in low stacks when they can no longer be placed vertically. Next to them, you can place porcelain, old photos in frames, vinyl records, or decorative teacups – anything that tells a story and builds the personal character of the space.

How to set up a reading nook?

An excellent addition to any home library is a reading nook – a space that invites you to slow down, sit with a book, and escape from the daily routine. It only takes a few elements to create a space perfect for relaxation.

The key is a comfortable armchair – ideally soft, with a high backrest and armrests, where you can sink in for a longer period. It’s also worth adding a footrest or pouf to make it even more comfortable for stretching your legs. Next to the armchair, a tall standing lamp with adjustable light direction is useful – so you can direct the light exactly onto the book. It’s best if the light is warm, pleasant for the eyes, and has an intensity adjustment feature – allowing you to adjust it to the time of day and your mood. We guarantee that such a nook will become your favorite spot in the house – both for reading and for peacefully sipping coffee or simply relaxing.

Do you feel it already?

You’re sitting comfortably in the armchair, with a cup of tea in your hand, and the world outside the window no longer exists – because you’ve just immersed yourself in your favorite novel. Next to you, shelves full of books, the warm light of a lamp, and your own corner of peace and tranquility.

Take a look at our homes with gardens and spacious living rooms, and create a bookshelf that will be the heart of your interior.