We can't judge a book by its cover, but we can judge how they're styled upon a shelving unit. So far, this 2024, viral design trends have often focused on shelf styling (case in point: bookshelf wealth that domainted our feeds earlier this year). However, it seems that even Hollywood's elite are just as concerned with their shelf styling, including none other than Drew Barrymore.
Bookshelf wealth may be a fairly recent phenomenon, but in Barrymore's case, the subject of beautiful shelf styling dates back to the release of her Little Yellow Book, AKA her hand-curated list of all the small but impactful accessories that make her home so special. When it comes to styling a bookcase, she relies on this pair of zebra marble bookends (available from One Kings Lane) to bring an even higher sense of wealth to her bookshelf.
'Time to turn the page… This pair of zebra marble bookends elevate your special space with sleek, polished elegance. Now, just add books,' the Little Yellow Book reads.
This sleek, polished pair of zebra marble bookends will bring an exotic yet refined feel to our shelves.
Ornamental bookends, such as this, have their practical benefits (after all, it's in their name that they should be used to support books). However, practicability aside, they stand alone as beautiful, sculptural figures.
Decorating with marble, especially in a statement dark hue, is one of the quickest ways to bring a sense of quiet luxury to any space – whether it's a shelf (as in Barrymore's case), mantelpiece, or atop a console table. The actress's recommendation also reminds us to always leave some room for decorative items on our bookshelves, no matter how much we may love reading. And experts agree.
'There is so much more to the purpose of shelving than just storage for your books; it’s a chance to really add character and style to a room, and there’s no set way in which you should display your pieces; it will really depend on your style,' comments Sue Jones, the co-founder and creative director at OKA.
'For example, I’m much more of a maximalist and love to layer up small pots, patterned boxes, and decorative objects I’ve collected on my travels, which makes for quite an eclectic but still considered look – I like to give each piece space to be seen!'
Sarina Hawkins, an interior designer at the brand, agrees. 'Let your bookshelf tell a personal story by curating not just books, but also accessories and objets d'art that speak to your character,' she comments.
'Not everything has to 'go' with the rest of your decor; having a shelf entirely dedicated to cherished family photos is a beautiful way to incorporate personal pieces into your room. This kind of bookshelf style is great for people who love to reminisce without having to haul out the family albums.'
Plus, while we've already added Barrymore's Zebra Marble Bookends to our cart, Hawkins reminds us that we can, too, get creative with how we keep our books upright. She also recommends using decorative ornaments, antique vases, or even candle holders to keep our titles in order.
Conveniently, we've also found candle stick inspiration in Barrymore's book, including the Delaney Candle Holder from Anthropologie and the Seymour Candle Holder, available at Areaware. The actress admires both of these for their shape – designed to function as mini sculptures' in her home. Additionally, this candle, designed by Barrymore for her 'Beautiful' range at Walmart, is just as perfect for a shelf.
