When it comes to styling shelves, less is usually more. Don’t be intimidated by an empty shelf. Whether you have a freestanding bookcase, a floating ledge, or a uniquely shaped shelf, these practical tips will help you style shelves in a child’s room with ease and create a warm, inviting look.
These black metal bookshelves are from IKEA and can be found through the retailer.
How to Style a Kids Bookshelf
First, a reminder: kids’ rooms don’t have to be styled. If you don’t want to invest time or your child prefers their space as-is, that’s perfectly fine. If, however, you’d like the shelves to feel a bit more organized and visually pleasing, follow these simple steps.
Display ledges are a low-effort solution because they naturally limit what you can put on them—mainly books and a few small toys—making styling quick and straightforward.
For a clean look, arrange books by height, placing taller volumes at the back and shorter ones in front. If you prefer something more playful, arrange books by color for a cheerful, rainbow-like display. On deeper shelves with a higher lip you can add a few more pieces, but in kids’ spaces, restraint often yields the best result.
Start with a clean slate
Remove everything from the shelves so you can see the space clearly. Separate books into piles: frequent favorites, books with attractive covers, and heavy or oversized books that might be better stored elsewhere. Clearing the shelves first helps you make intentional decisions about placement and prevents overcrowding.
Then add back thoughtfully
Place your child’s favorite books on the lowest, most accessible shelf so they can reach them independently. Next, add books with appealing covers or colors, keeping a balance across the shelves. If many of your books share a similar cover color—white, for example—use those as a neutral anchor and distribute brighter covers throughout the shelves so the eye moves naturally across the display. Layer different heights and sizes to create visual interest while maintaining balance.
For a more colorful look
If you want a vibrant display, sort books on the floor by color and re-shelve them in order for a rainbow effect. Kids love this playful approach and it’s an easy way to make the room feel more joyful and curated.
Add a few decorative items
Once the books are arranged, add a small number of toys or stuffed animals to keep the shelves from feeling too formal. Choose items with a slim profile or lightweight construction so they don’t overcrowd or strain the shelf. Larger items with thin profiles sit nicely against books and break up straight lines, while soft toys introduce texture and whimsy without adding much weight.
Opt for one or two statement pieces per shelf and a couple of soft toys to maintain balance. This keeps the overall look casual and child-friendly while still feeling considered.
That’s all it takes to style kids’ bookshelves: clear the space, prioritize accessibility for your child, arrange by height or color, and add a few lightweight decorative pieces. If you have questions about styling a specific shelf or need suggestions for a particular setup, feel free to ask.