Bookshelf styling is a relatively new phenomenon in interiors and on social media feeds.
Once it might have been a way to showcase selected books and knick-knacks to show off to visiting guests, but now such subtlety is out the door thanks to Instagram and TikTok.
The picture- and video-sharing apps allow us a free pass into the homes of millions of strangers so we can see (and judge) everything from how they paint their bathrooms and bring order to their kitchen cupboards to how they curate their bookshelves.
And how telling the curation is. Not counting the frankly nonsensical trend of displaying books page first with spines at the rear (which should be a criminal offence), you can really gauge a person by what they choose to put on their bookshelf.
From hard-hitting politics to celebrity biographies, classic literature to fantasy fiction, examining bookshelves has never been more interesting.
Aside from the books, the ornaments punctuate each shelf giving us more reason than ever to zoom in. Vases and framed photos are acceptable accessories but the real mark of a true bookworm is a set of decorative bookends.
A way to signal an impeccable sense of style and taste, great bookends are a way to keep prized tomes in place while adding style points to your home.
We’ve found the nicest ones to snap up now to add a little pizazz to your cases and shelves. Perfect for gifting or a spot of self-treating, see below for the pairs to add to basket now.
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Jonathan Adler Globo bookend set of 2 pink
Everything Jonathan Adler touches turns to gold, in our opinion - from drinks cabinets to the small details like this set of bookends. They’re inspired by the bold colours and shapes of cocktail rings with pink acrylic globes resting on brass plates. The prettiest punctuation to any book collection.
Buy now £425.00, Jonathan Adler
British Fossils Store Fossil Gift Shop Agate Bookends (Natural)
If books are your treasure, it seems only fitting to add gemstones to your shelves. Diamonds and emeralds may be slightly out of your price point, but natural agate is a choice that won’t break the bank. Offered here by the British Fossils Store, this set is made from Brazillian agate and can weigh up to 2kg, though every piece is different.
Buy now £32.95, Amazon
Soho Home Prato veined marble bookends set of two
Expand your minds and tidy your bookcases with Soho Home’s step-shaped bookends. Crafted from 100 per cent marble, the dark colour is finished with light vein details, adding to the polished effect.
Buy now £160.00, Selfridges
Concrete Bookends & Symbol
Why choose 'or' when you can have more with 'and'? Represented with an ampersand in concrete, the simple looks will pop on against dark backgrounds best. Cleaning them is easy; simply wipe off dirt and dust with a damp cloth to keep them in peak condition.
Buy now £29.99, Etsy
Temerity Jones Dachshund Bookends
Dog lovers will be tickled by this bookend design which stretches the sausage dog to new levels depending on your book collection. Featuring the front and business end of the tiny dog rendered in resin, it's a fun addition to any living room or home office shelf.
Buy now £23.95, Amazon
Studio Story Ornamental Concrete Apple Set Of 3
Not technically bookends, but this set of three pastel apples is made from concrete, offering a weighty setting between which to sandwich your books. The lifelike renditions come complete with natural stalks and have a cork base to protect surfaces from scratching.
Buy now £135.00, Wolf & Badger
Metro Lane Bosten Marble Bookends
Marble accessories are an easy way to elevate bookshelves, for renters and homeowners alike. This quarter moon-shaped pair is made from onyx and features a range of natural hues which should tie in nicely with any interiors palette.
Buy now £41.99, Wayfair
Ebern Designs Ornamental Phrenology Bookends
Offering a fun take on phrenology, Ebern Designs uses classic Sailor Jerry-style tattoo motifs to add some edge to the heads. Together they weigh 1kg, which should be enough mass to keep books in their assigned order.
Buy now £41.99, Wayfair
Habitat Kids Rainbow Bookends - Multicoloured
Budding bookworms will love the addition of these rainbow-themed bookends to keep their favourite stories on display. Made by Habitat, they’ll add an easy injection of colour to kids' bookshelves and bedside tables.
Buy now £16.00, Habitat
OSCO Neon Acrylic Medium Bookends
A simple neon design will add a splash of colour to shelves while keeping your favourite reads in position. The bases are fitted with non-slip pads to keep them stable and secure on flat surfaces.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
