Extend the reach of your decor with shelves mounted just outside the kitchen. When paired with a small console or cabinets, you can transform this compact area into a coffee bar or an extra space to store mugs and tableware. Select shelving that matches your kitchen design to make it seem like part of the room.
21 Farmhouse Bookshelf Décor Ideas That Epitomize Style
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Published: February 4, 2024
Updated: December 27, 2023
Stylish farmhouse bookshelf décor can elevate any room, making the space more inviting and, in some cases, more personal. While the days of using bookshelves to organize strictly books may be in the past, you can still give your shelves an extraordinary look that won’t soon be forgotten.
The biggest style tip to remember when decorating bookshelves is to prioritize variety. There is nothing more boring than a shelf full of one item style. Switch it up and display books, vases, pictures, candle sticks, and other small accessories to enhance the look. The farmhouse style can come from the shelves themselves or the items that rest upon them, so consider rustic wood shelves or industrial-style frames when selecting the base for your display.
Let the many examples in our gallery below inspire you to create a stunning arrangement of farmhouse bookshelf décor.
02 of Standing Metal Shelf Decorated With Vintage Accessories
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This corner contains a surprising industrial infusion with a standing metal shelf tucked beside a doorway. The shelf itself may be simple, but the vintage farmhouse accessories bring warmth to the space with its charming appearance. Vintage paintings are hung on the wall to complete the look.
03 of Spacious Alcove Hosts a Large Bookshelf
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Utilize the alcoves provided by a protruding fireplace wall to fill with large pieces that would otherwise be in the way. A large white bookshelf with lower cabinets stands in this alcove, displaying colorful books and accessories. Because these areas are out of the way, select eye-catching pieces to draw attention to the corners.
04 of Lush Green Plants Elevate White Decor
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Nothing is more powerful than a pop of color added to a room with all-white decor. Instead of including accent pieces, take the design in a more natural direction using small plants to elevate the space with their lush green leaves. The furniture may blend with polished white walls, but bold accessories will spice up the design.
05 of Stacked Stone Fireplace and Built-in Shelves
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A gray stacked stone fireplace meets a built-in bookshelf with white shaker cabinets. Each shelf showcases its own eclectic style, ranging from candle sticks to rounded vases. The shelf and the adjoining walls are painted white to create a seamless blend between the two.
06 of Entertainment Console Surrounded by Cubbies
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Alter the idea of a feature wall and design it so it’s both beautiful and functional. Cubbies installed on the wall’s perimeter leave the center of the shelves open for a TV or entertainment features. Fill the surrounding shelves with accessories that are not distracting but provide a decorative appeal.
07 of Farmhouse Accessories Hidden Among Books
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Creating a display of farmhouse bookshelf decor is an open invitation to include your favorite treasures among the books. Black sconces are mounted over each row of shelves to illuminate the space during the darker hours. Drawers and cabinets occupy the bottom of the shelves, producing an entire storage wall.
08 of Asymmetrical Modern Shelves
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This funky shelf design embraces an asymmetrical style and produces a feast for the eyes. While most items feature a neutral color palette, a few black accent pieces infuse a bold look. The different shelf shapes and sizes allow various item sizes to be displayed comfortably.
09 of Accessories for a Cozy Living Room
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The wood shelves and picture frames in this living room ground the design and bring a feeling of warmth to the room. To continue the coziness of a room, be sure to include a soft base of carpeting or rugs to eliminate cold flooring. Plush pillows and throws cover the couch, accentuating the cozy aesthetic.
10 of Elevate Shelf Decor With a Decorative Interior
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Retreat into a distinguished space filled with rich wood and dark shelves. A traditional Windsor chair sits in the corner of this room, showcasing the beauty of vintage design. Don’t overlook the interior and backboards of your shelves because these unsuspecting areas can be painted, wallpapered, or stained to elevate the overall aesthetic.
11 of Irregularly Shaped Rug Beneath a Seating Area
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Give eclectic pieces and irregularly shaped rugs a chance to showcase their extensive decoration potential. Even in a carpeted room, an irregularly shaped rug in a contrasting color can transform a space and fill it with personality. This room uses this particular rug as a base for a cozy seating area.
12 of Earth Tones Accentuated by Vintage Pieces
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Engage the world of earth tones by pairing a deep green accent wall with wood flooring. Vintage paintings and an embellished wooden side table elevate the color combination. Earth tones are notoriously flattering when paired with vintage decor, such as antique books and vases.
13 of Envy-inducing Alcove Bookshelf
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Create your own envy-inducing bookshelf in an empty corner of your living room. Recessed walls and alcoves can be transformed into personalized spaces to store your favorite pieces. Paint the shelves the same color as the adjoining wall for a seamless look.
14 of Shelves With Varying Amounts of Decor
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You would be surprised at the impact shelf decor can have on creating a homey and inviting environment. If you choose to display mainly books, organize a little seating area nearby for a place to curl up while reading. Instead of evenly balancing the items on each shelf, vary between filled shelves and others with sparse decorations.
15 of All White Books Stacked on the Shelves
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Consider color coordination a blessing to your bookshelf, and select one color to build your collection around. All white books sit on these shelves in neat little stacks, joined by two different colored books for contrast. A small mirror sits on the top shelf behind a vase of leaves.
16 of Arched Shelves Flank a Shiplap Fireplace
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A white shiplap wall surrounds a cozy fireplace with a wood mantel. This room features the perfect balance of farmhouse-style decor and glamorous arched shelves. Long drapes flow down the side of a window, bringing an enchanting energy to the room.
17 of Arched Alcoves Host a Home Office Display
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Find inspiration in the compact areas of your home and turn even the most compact space into an awe-inspiring environment. Arched alcoves are perfect places to display color-coordinated items, from small office tools to stylish storage boxes. The beadboard backing fills in the blank areas of the shelves while providing a subtly textured contrast.
18 of Plant-centered Shelf Decor
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A stylish garden aesthetic is seen on these shelves, with bursts of greenery joining different vase styles. The black frame adds a slight industrial flair to the wooden shelves. Notice how the corner of one shelf showcases a draped bell accessory, which helps reduce rigidity in the style.
19 of Gray Feature Wall in a Farmhouse Living Room
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This designer has taken the idea of a feature wall to the next level by surrounding the fireplace with a bold gray wall. The feature wall offers a trendy touch to this room’s farmhouse aesthetic. Wood flooring attracts attention to the lower portion of the room with its powerful presence.
20 of Extensive Shelving Deserves Inspirational Decor
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A built-in bookshelf extends across this entire dining room wall, creating a visual masterpiece. With such extensive shelving, it is best to incorporate different item varieties like books, tableware, and vases. Lighting is vital, so choose a style to enhance the decor while offering sufficient illumination.
21 of Farmhouse Bookshelf Decor With a Modern Twist
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Even when designing a farmhouse-style living room, there are options for incorporating modern accessories. Shelving and table decor benefit from some neutral pieces alongside more rugged items. The best way to blend the two styles is to focus on a lighter color palette for all accessories.
