Have you seen the bookshelf wealth trend that’s gone viral on TikTok? It’s the lived-in look of reading rooms that’s having a moment in home decor right now. Imagine a curation of books you’ll actually read paired with a mismatched collection of art, a comfortable reading chair, and task lighting. Get 10 perfect examples of this bookish lifestyle aesthetic to inspire you below.
Bookshelf Wealth Meaning
Bookshelf wealth is a hot new home decor design trend that’s gained popularity on TikTok. One of the interior designers from House of Hive Design Co. describes the aesthetic in this viral video:
@houseofhive Bookshelf Wealth, what it is and how to achieve it #greenscreen #bookshelfwealth #interiordesign #designtok #2024designtrends ♬ original sound – House of Hive Design Co
Bookshelf wealth is basically the opposite of minimalism and perfectly curated design. It showcases a collection of books you’ve read or will read (your tsundoku), as opposed to coffee table books, and it’s even better if they’re secondhand or worn from use. While massive built-in bookcases with a ladder are so aesthetic, an antique bookcase works well too.
Beyond books, decorative items are collectibles that show your individualism. These are the kind you amass over time and make great talking points, like where you picked them up in your travels or who made them.
It all looks thrown together as opposed to artfully placed, and the character of the bones of the room are celebrated, from decorative molding to original flooring and exposed elements.
Patterns, textures, and art in the space are maximalist and mismatched, for an unbothered look. Art is displayed unconventionally, such as on the floor or in layers, and window seats are a plus.
Seating is cozy, oversized, and lived-in, and task lighting illuminates it for hygge reading time. Think: the look of Nancy Meyers movies.
Lastly, don’t let the term “wealth” deceive you. While it can imply financial wealth, it’s more about the wealth of living here.
Bookshelf Wealth Decor Ideas
Now that you know what bookshelf wealth is, let’s look at 10 perfect examples of this trend and how you can get the look of this room decor for book lovers:
This room perfectly exemplifies bookshelf wealth, from the ladder to misplaced books, worn seating, and efficient task lighting. The original plank floors are also embraced.
The antique velvet chaise and trunk in this reading room complement the vintage parquet flooring and, of course, hundreds of books. The way the lamps are supported unconventionally by the trunk and a stool also perfectly exemplifies the unbothered aesthetic of bookshelf wealth.
This is a more masculine and traditional example of bookshelf wealth, and the ladder and mismatched seating make it work particularly well. The velvet and leather textures contrast the dark wood shelving. It feels like Ralph Lauren would read here.
This booknook blends bookshelf wealth with “cottagecore,” for an English countryside version of the look. Feminine, old-fashioned patterns are exquisitely mismatched, and the books look shoved onto the shelves. Also notice the antique rugs and unique collection of art displayed in the background.
This example embraces a retro vibe with the vintage stereo displayed as a collectible. The plaid chair and brass lamp look like someone’s grandfather passed them down, and the mix of books with records also make this room feel very personalized.
The highlight of this reading area is the eye-catching decorative objects that make for great conversation starters. The old, oversized chair is also so comfortable looking.
There’s just so much to see in this example, from the eclectic sculpture collection to the abundant and messy book stacks, and beyond. 10 out of 10.
This room is special for its location under a staircase. It balances an array of mismatched, oddly placed rugs really well, and it gets bonus points for being completely and utterly overflowing with books.
This reading corner exudes coolness and indifference. The bookshelves themselves appear to be handmade, and the art gives a recklessly squeezed-in vibe. The tiny lamp on a book stack is the perfect accessory.
Finally, this interior decorating example of bookshelf wealth is for those just putting their toe in the water of this design trend. It’s a more neat and organized look with this shelving unit, but it still lets the original flooring shine, and the window seat embraces a cozy reading vibe, particularly with the abundance of pillows and blankets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bookshelf wealth is a hot interior design trend that’s the opposite of minimalism and perfectly curated design. It showcases a collection of books you’ve read or will read, as opposed to coffee table books, and it’s even better if they’re secondhand or worn from use. While massive built-in bookcases with a ladder are so aesthetic, an antique bookcase works well too.
To get the look of bookshelf wealth, decorate with used books, bookcase ladders, antiques, collectibles, and task lighting. And, remember that more is more with this maximalist trend.
Conclusion
Bookshelf wealth is the hot new home decor trend that’s gone viral on TikTok. But, it’s not necessarily about financial wealth — it’s more about wealth of living. To get the look, embrace a maximalist and mismatched abundance of books, art, and decor that showcase your life experiences. Highlight the “old,” and make it feel cozy.
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My husband and I are avid readers. We have books on our coffee table, kitchen table and bedside table. We also have lovely hand crafted pine shelves that were made at The Woodland Mills in Pennsylvania. We definitely have embraced this esthetic from way back. We can never be minimalist because we can’t have too many books.
You’re right — it’s nearly impossible to be a minimalist AND a book lover.
I’ve loved this look for decades. I once had a dedicated library, but when we downsized I had to find a new place for all of my books. While they are now technically in my bedroom,I prefer to tell people I sleep in my library. I wish I could attach a pic!
I mean, who wouldn’t want to sleep in their library?! What I love about this look is that it forces you to think about what “feels” good.