Why We Love the "Bookshelf Wealth" Design Aesthetic

09.02.2024 - 21:04 / thespruce.com / Sophia Beams

Bookworms rejoice—one of 2024’s most popular design trends involves a new kind of bookish aesthetic.

Design fanatics on TikTok recently coined the term «bookshelf wealth» to describe how a space filled with things you love—clutter to some, relics to others—adds «wealth» or character.

This spins off a few longstanding trends, like dark academia aesthetics and a love of cozy, maximalist spaces. But, we've decided that «bookshelf wealth» is our new favorite TikTok design trend to follow thanks to its ease and accessibility, especially for anyone who loves a good book.

«Bookshelf wealth» isn’t just about a stellar book collection—it’s about displaying knick-knacks and decor on and around your bookshelves.

The idea is to create a space that showcases not only your books, but also other interests you might have—a record or CD display, artwork that speaks to you, plants, rocks or crystals, and scented candles. 

Getty Images / Andreas von Einsiedel

The nice thing about «bookshelf wealth» is that the trend focuses less on a specific style and more on the idea that you should showcase what you love, and we love that.

Embracing this trend in your home doesn't mean adding random books and stuffing them on a display shelf. What you feature should be meaningful to you, as should the other items you place with them.

This makes the trend incredibly unique; everyone has a different take on what bookshelf wealth means to them.

Laura Cattano

If you are planning on introducing the idea of «bookshelf wealth» to your space, another key feature of the aesthetic is intentionality. You want your space to look cozy and homey, but you don’t want it to look cluttered. In this case, other vibrant, bold trends like maximalism are good to