Yes, we know how it sounds to say that books—which have been around since about 500 BC—are officially back, but hear us out: Barnes & Noble is making a major move in 2025, with plans to open 60 new stores. So if books aren’t necessarily making a comeback, the stores that sell that are, and we might have TikTok to thank.
“Since the rise of BookTok during the pandemic, bookstores have seen a significant surge in popularity, especially among young people,” Barnes & Noble shared in an interview with Fast Company. “Our stores have become popular social spots, offering an experience that online shopping simply can’t match.”
And it’s not just big stores—even indie darlings like Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, NY, opened a second location in 2022 following the success of their first.
Photo by Rocky Luten
For book lovers, this is great news. There’s something so wonderful about flipping through a physical book, seeing your progress with each turned page, and—I hope it’s not just me—using an actual bookmark. But here’s the dilemma: What do you do with all those books once you’ve reached the back cover?
I used to donate mine or pass them off to friends, but lately, I’ve found myself wishing I could reach for a book I read a few years ago. The issue is storage. My small New York apartment doesn’t allow for endless stacks of hardcovers. So, I took a deep dive into bookshelf styling. Here’s what I found:
Start With A Blank Slate
Take everything off your shelves. Yes, everything. While you’re at it, consider starting a donation pile for those books and random trinkets that somehow ended up calling the shelf home. Dust everything off—books, shelves, and all. A clean slate makes it easier to visualize your masterpiece in the making.
Mix Up the Book Orientation
When putting the books back up, stack some books vertically, others horizontally. This simple trick adds dimension to your shelves and keeps them from looking too uniform. Plus, those horizontal stacks? Perfect pedestals for your favorite decorative objects. There is really no right or wrong way to go about this. Get funky with it.
Add a Touch of Greenery
Nothing breathes life into a space quite like plants. If your shelves get minimal sunlight, go for stylish faux florals (like these from our Shop). Otherwise, a pothos plant is an ideal low-maintenance option that will gracefully drape across your shelves as it grows. Trust me—I don’t have the greenest thumb, and even I can keep one alive.
Photo by James Ransom
To Rainbow or Not?
Ah, the age-old debate: Should you organize your books by color? The answer: It’s completely up to you. Some designers suggest sticking to two or three dominant colors for a cohesive look, while others swear by the “work with what you’ve got” philosophy. Personally, I have 35 books in wildly different colors that all need a home, so aesthetics take a back seat to practicality.
Give Your Knickknacks a Home
You know that TikTok trend “Wearing vs. Styling an Outfit”? The same principle applies to bookshelves. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. That quirky travel souvenir you swore you needed? Those sentimental catch-alls your mom gifted you over the years? They finally have a place. Candlesticks, framed photos, and vases also make for chic little details to complement your book collection.
So, as bookstores make their triumphant return, let’s celebrate by giving our books a space as beautiful as the stories they tell.
What’s your favorite book right now? (I guess I could fit another…)
