Shelf Esteem

How to Organize Your Bookshelves Like a Pro

Style. Sort. Showcase. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a well-organized bookshelf. It’s part storage, part self-expression, and a whole lot of cozy joy. Whether you’re wrangling a growing book pile or revamping your beloved reading nook, this guide will help you organize your shelves like a total pro—with plenty of room for personality.

Step 1: Clear the Decks

Before you dive into styling and sorting, you’ve got to start fresh. Take everything off your shelves—books, trinkets, plants, half-finished mugs of tea (no judgment)—and give the surface a proper cleaning. Use a soft cloth or gentle cleaner to remove dust and grime. You’ll be surprised how much brighter and more inviting your shelves look when they’re clean and cleared.

This step also gives you the perfect chance to do a quick inventory. Are there any books you’ve outgrown? Titles you’ve been meaning to donate or pass along to a friend? Make a few piles—keep, maybe, and let go—to help you decide what truly belongs on your shelves going forward.

Step 2: Choose Your Method

Now the fun begins. How you organize your books can totally change the look and feel of your space. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match, or even switch things up every few months if your mood or needs change.

Here are a few tried-and-true systems to consider:

• By Genre: Great for readers who dip into a variety of subjects. It makes finding your next mood match a breeze. Group fiction, memoirs, fantasy, thrillers, and so on together. Bonus: it makes your collection feel like your very own bookstore.

• By Color: The most visually striking method, color-coordinated bookshelves are like art. It may not be the most practical for finding specific titles quickly, but the aesthetic is a major win.

• By Author: This is ideal for loyal fans and collectors. Keeping your authors together not only makes it easy to grab the next book in a series—it also makes your shelves feel more literary and intentional.

• By Mood or Theme: Want a shelf dedicated to feel-good comfort reads or gut-punching tearjerkers? Go for it! Grouping books by the emotions they stir can create a more personalized experience.

• Chronologically: Organize your books by publication date or in the order you read them. It’s a fun way to trace your reading journey over time.

And remember—you’re not locked into just one method. Combine systems to reflect your style and make your shelves both beautiful and functional.

Step 3: Make Room for Personality

Bookshelves are for books—but they’re also for you. A shelf filled with only spines can start to feel stiff. Add personal touches that make your shelves a joy to look at and a reflection of your unique taste.

Think about what makes you smile: a framed photo from a bookish vacation, a literary quote print, a thrifted knick-knack, or even a quirky little figure that’s been with you since childhood. Layer in items that add texture and break up rows of books: potted plants (real or faux), candles, crystals, or even a stack of pretty notebooks.

These little moments of flair invite the eye to linger and turn your shelf into a mini gallery. And the best part? It makes your space feel more alive and loved.

Try a 60/40 split—60% books, 40% decor—to keep your display balanced

Step 4: Use Vertical and Horizontal Stacking

To level up your shelf styling, think about dimension. Combining vertical and horizontal stacking creates natural variation that draws the eye and keeps the layout from feeling too rigid or repetitive.

Start with vertical rows, which are the foundation of most shelves. Then, break things up by placing a few stacks horizontally—just a few books tall. You can alternate sides of the shelf or use them as little pedestals for decor like candles, framed art, or small book-themed sculptures.

Horizontal stacks can also be practical—use them to highlight your current reads or rotate in seasonal favorites. It’s a small shift with a big impact on the visual flow.

Step 5: Label or Categorize (If You’re a Maximalist)

If your collection is on the larger side—or growing by the day—you might want to add a little extra organization to help you keep track.

Some options to try:

• Mini shelf labels: Add stylish but subtle signage to your shelves: “Mystery,” “Travel Memoirs,” or “BookTok Hits.” These can be handwritten tags, printed labels, or even cute mini chalkboards.

• Color dots: Add small colored stickers to the spines to help sort by theme or mood without disrupting the look of your shelf.

• Catalog apps: If you’re the type who forgets what’s in your TBR pile (guilty), apps like Libib, Book Buddy, or Goodreads can help you track and tag your titles digitally.

This extra layer of structure is especially helpful for book bloggers, reviewers, or anyone who rotates titles often. It also makes lending or loaning books way easier—because we all know the heartbreak of a borrowed book that never comes back.

Step 6: Maintain the Magic

A beautifully organized shelf doesn’t stay that way by accident. But the good news? A little regular upkeep goes a long way.

Set a reminder to do a mini refresh every couple of months. Dust the shelves, rotate in new reads, and switch up your décor pieces for a seasonal twist. Did your genres shift? Did your TBR tower turn into a mountain? Take a few minutes to reshuffle or reshelve—it’s surprisingly satisfying.

This is also a great time to let go of any books you didn’t connect with or are ready to pass on. Donate, trade, or gift them to someone else who might love them. Your shelves will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

Organizing your bookshelf isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about making space for what you love. Whether you go full librarian, artsy maximalist, or somewhere in between, the best shelf is one that reflects your reading life and sparks joy every time you walk by.

So go ahead—make a cup of tea, throw on your favorite playlist, and give those shelves the glow-up they deserve.