15 Ideas For Decorating a Bookshelf and Curio Cabinet

Get easy bookshelf and curio cabinet decorating ideas using my grid method, simple formulas, and pro tips for a curated, stylish look.

Decorating a bookshelf or curio cabinet can feel tricky, but with a few simple steps and my easy grid method, you can style shelves that look beautiful and curated. Whether you’re working with a narrow bookcase, a built-in, or a curio cabinet with glass doors, the right mix of books, accessories, and meaningful items will make your shelves one of the prettiest features in your home.

I’m sharing two very different styles to decorate bookshelves. One is very neutral and minimal, and the other is the popular curio style. Use these images as a jumping-off point to style your bookshelves, bookcases, and curios anywhere in between.

Quick Answer: How To Decorate a Bookshelf

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick version for decorating shelves:

1. Empty and clean the shelves first.
2. Divide into a simple grid (mentally mark equal sections).
3. Add anchors first—books, baskets, vases, or artwork.
4. Balance height and visual weight across shelves.
5. Layer in smaller accessories with books or art.
6. Repeat a color or texture for a pulled-together look.
7. Leave breathing room and edit with a phone photo.

This process works for every type of shelf—from an open bookcase to a glass-front curio.

The Grid Method For Decorating A Bookcase

One of the easiest ways to decorate a bookshelf or curio cabinet is to use what I call the Grid Method. I’ve been styling shelves this way for years, and it takes the guesswork out of arranging everything. The idea is simple—you mentally divide each shelf into equal sections, like an invisible grid. Each section gives you a defined space to decorate, making it easier to balance height, color, and visual weight across the entire bookcase.

Start With Empty Shelves

Always begin with completely bare shelves. Give them a quick cleaning while they’re empty—you’ll love how fresh they look, and it sets the stage for styling.

How To Divide Shelves Into a Grid

Look at each shelf as a rectangle. Mentally divide it into equal sections, almost like you’re laying a grid over it. The number of sections depends on how wide your shelf is. A narrow bookcase may only have two sections, while a wider cabinet might have three or four. Personally, I like a grid of three. In a narrower bookcase, like mine, don’t mind if items still over the lines a little.

This simple visual trick gives you “boxes” to work with, making it much easier to decide where things belong.

Using The Grid To Add Balance and Flow

Once you have your grid in mind, start filling the spaces with decor. Some boxes can hold a stack of books, others a vase, a basket, or a framed picture. Not every grid space needs to be full. Leaving a few empty makes the whole shelf feel lighter and more intentional. This is especially important when decorating open shelves.

Think of each grid square as a mini vignette, but remember they should also flow together across the entire bookshelf. Step back as you go and make sure one side doesn’t feel heavier than the other.

The beauty of this method is that it works every single time, whether you’re styling open shelves in a living room, a small hallway bookcase, or a curio cabinet with glass doors.

Best Things To Put On A Bookshelf Or Curio Cabinet

The best bookshelves and curio cabinets are a mix of books, decorative accents, and personal treasures. A good rule of thumb is to gather more than you think you will use, then edit down to only the items that make sense together.

Here are some of the most popular things to add to shelves:

• stacks of books, both upright and horizontal
• vases and bowls
• baskets and boxes
• bookends
• artwork, framed photos, or small prints
• greenery or a potted plant
• architectural pieces
• candlesticks or lanterns
• collected treasures, souvenirs, or something handmade
• something personal that has special meaning to you

The key is to choose pieces that matter to you. A curio cabinet is especially lovely for displaying delicate or sentimental items, since the glass doors both highlight and protect them.

As you place things on the shelves, remember that bigger items like baskets, large books, or tall vases act as anchors. Smaller pieces can then be layered in around them. A thoughtful mix of sizes, textures, and materials will make your shelves look curated instead of cluttered.

How To Choose A Color Palette For Decorating Shelves

The colors you use on your shelves make a big difference. They don’t have to match your room exactly, but they should feel like they belong there. That way, your bookshelf or curio cabinet looks like part of the whole space instead of standing on its own.

Start simple. Choose a couple of main colors you love—neutrals like white, cream, or wood tones always work. Then add one or two accent colors for a little pop. It could be a soft blue, a fresh green, or even something brighter if that suits your style.

I have recently been gifted some beautiful family heirlooms that are blue in color. Since my bookcase sits at the end of our entry hall and has glass doors, I felt adding these pieces gave them a secure place to live, and adding a color that was carried through the bookcase turned curio.

If your shelves are mostly neutral, try slipping in one colorful piece, like a vase or a stack of books. A little touch of color keeps things from looking flat.

And remember, texture acts like color. Woven baskets, shiny glass, aged metals, and natural wood all bring variety and interest without adding more “stuff.”

Quick Styling Formulas For Bookshelves and Curio Cabinets

One of the easiest ways to get started is to follow a few simple formulas. Think of them as decorating shortcuts. You can use them on their own or mix several together, and they always look good.

Books and a Topper

Stack two or three books horizontally and place something decorative on top, like a small bowl, a figurine, or a candle. It’s such a simple way to add height and interest.

Rule Of Three Arrangement

Group three pieces of different heights: a vase, a framed picture or piece of art, and a smaller accessory. Overlap them just a bit so they read as one arrangement.

Books With Decorative Bookends

Line up a few books and anchor them with a unique bookend. This looks especially pretty in a curio cabinet where the bookend can be seen up close through the glass.

Greenery In A Tray, Bowl, or Basket

Put something green (real or faux) into a small bowl, basket, or tray. This layered look looks intentional and attractive.

Large Standalone Piece

Sometimes one item is all you need. A big vase, bowl, or sculpture can be striking on its own, especially on the top shelf of a curio cabinet.

Round Tray, Tall Piece, and Short Piece

Start with a round tray or shallow basket leaning at the back, then add something tall on one side and something shorter on the other. It fills the space and looks layered without much effort.

Books Standing and Books Lying Down

Stand a few books upright, stack a couple horizontally next to them, and add a small accessory on top. This is a classic look for both bookshelves and glass-front cabinets.

Stacked Boxes

Stack two or three decorative boxes in different sizes. They look chic, and they can also hide little things you don’t want out in the open.

These formulas work beautifully with the Grid Method. Think of each grid space as a spot to try one of these little arrangements. When you mix and match them across a bookshelf or curio cabinet, everything feels balanced and intentional.

Design Principles That Make Shelves Look Finished

Decorating a bookshelf or curio cabinet is part art and part a few simple design tricks. Once you know these, your shelves will look pulled together every time.

Balance

Balance is all about spreading out the “visual weight” of your decor. A large vase on one side of a shelf might need a stack of books or a basket on the other side. Step back every so often to see if things look even from left to right and top to bottom.

Varying Heights

Our eyes like to move from one object to the next. Give them something to follow by mixing tall, medium, and shorter items on your shelves. Too many pieces at the same height can look flat, while different heights feel more interesting.

Odd Numbers

For some reason, our eyes are drawn to odd numbers. Three candlesticks, five books, or a small group of objects often look more natural than pairs. Use this as a gentle guide, not a strict rule.

Repetition

Repeating an element makes your shelves feel more cohesive. It could be a color, a texture, a type of object, or even a shape. A little repetition helps tie everything together without looking too matchy.

Layering Without Clutter

Layering is simply placing pieces together in a way that adds depth and interest. A small frame leaning in front of a larger one, a vase tucked beside a stack of books, or a bowl sitting on top of a box are all easy examples of layering.

I’ve found the trick is to keep layering simple. Too many layers can make shelves feel crowded and busy. For now, my own curio cabinet is styled in the popular “more is more” look, and while it feels fun and current, I still make sure every piece has a purpose.

If you’re using wallpaper, fabric, or even shiplap on the back of a bookshelf or curio cabinet, that becomes a layer too. Just keep the pattern or texture subtle so it doesn’t compete with your decor.

Layering done right makes your shelves feel collected and personal, whether you prefer a minimal look or a fuller one.

Editing Your Bookshelves Styling Like A Pro

Once you’ve placed everything on your shelves, take a step back and start editing. Editing is simply removing or shifting things until the shelves feel balanced and pleasing.

One of my favorite tricks is to use my phone. Snap a few quick pictures of your bookcase or curio cabinet. You’ll be surprised at what you notice in a photo that you might miss in person—maybe one side looks heavier than the other or a small item feels lost.

Another helpful tip is to walk away. Leave your shelves alone for a little while and come back with fresh eyes. Sometimes I even wait until the next day. That bit of distance makes it easier to see what’s working and what might need to change.

Remember, shelves aren’t meant to be styled perfectly the first time. Editing is part of the process, and it’s what takes your shelves from good to truly beautiful.

Lighting Ideas For Bookshelves And Curio Cabinets

Lighting can make all the difference in how your shelves look. If your bookcase or curio cabinet has built-in lights, use them to highlight favorite pieces. A soft glow instantly adds warmth and draws attention to what’s inside.

If there’s no built-in lighting, try adding a small lamp on a shelf or nearby table. Battery-operated puck lights are another easy option for inside a cabinet. They’re inexpensive, simple to use, and give just the right amount of light.

Good lighting not only makes your shelves look pretty, it also helps them feel more like part of the room instead of fading into the background.

Decorating shelves doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With a few favorite pieces, a simple color palette, and an easy styling method, you can create shelves that are both beautiful and personal. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let your shelves tell your story.

Whether you prefer a full curio cabinet styled in today’s “more is more” look or a simple, pared-down bookshelf, the most important thing is that it makes you smile every time you walk by.

What’s your favorite thing to display on a bookshelf or in a curio cabinet? I’d love to hear how you style yours.

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Happy decorating, friend…