How to Fill Empty Bookshelves: A Shelf-by-Shelf Formula

Fill empty bookshelves by measuring total shelf length, then giving each shelf a simple mix: roughly half books, a quarter objects and a quarter open space. That ratio is a stylist's rule of thumb, not a law, but it gets most shelves looking finished. Start with what you already own, place large objects first, add book runs and stacks, and buy books only where they'll be seen most.

Below: measuring, the shelf formula, what to use from around the house, budget tiers, and mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Measure and count shelf-feet

Measure the width of each shelf in inches, add them up and divide by 12.

For details, see how to measure shelves for books by the foot or use the bookshelf calculator.

Step 2: Use the books, objects and space mix

A rule of thumb for each shelf: - about half books: upright runs and horizontal stacks, - about a quarter objects: vases, art, plants, baskets, - about a quarter empty space.

Vary it shelf to shelf. One shelf might be mostly books, the next mostly a single piece of art. Across the whole case, the mix evens out.

So a 12.5-foot bookcase styled this way needs roughly 6 to 7 feet of books.

Step 3: Shop your house first

Before buying anything, gather: - books you already own, especially hardcovers (remove loud dust jackets), - framed photos and art, - bowls, vases and ceramics, - plants (real or faux), - baskets and boxes for the bottom shelf, - candlesticks and lanterns, - a small lamp, - souvenirs with simple shapes (a stone, a shell, a piece of driftwood).

Group what you find by color. You may already have enough for half the bookcase.

Step 4: Place in this order

1. Large objects first. Art and big vases on two or three shelves, alternating left and right.
2. Baskets on the bottom shelf for weight and storage.
3. Book runs of 8 to 12 beside the objects, held with bookends.
4. Horizontal stacks of three to five, topped with a small object.
5. Small accents to finish.
6. Edit. Remove one item per shelf.

For more detail, see how to decorate bookshelves with books.

How to fill bookshelves without books

If you have very few books: - use baskets on two shelves, - lean framed art at the back of two more, - add plants and ceramics, - use a lamp on a middle shelf, - use your few books as horizontal stacks under objects. Even three books make a vase look intentional.

How to fill shelves in a living room

Living room shelves are seen most, so prioritize them: - Eye-level shelves get the best books and objects. - Top shelves get lighter, larger objects. - Bottom shelves get baskets and heavier books.

Anchor freestanding bookcases to the wall and keep heavier items low, as CPSC's Anchor It campaign recommends.

Budget tiers

If your own books don't cover it, these tiers use our current prices for real hardcover books:

Our lots run about 10-12 books per foot and ship free to the continental U.S. and D.C. Prices are the same in every palette except Weathered Cloth, our older cloth-bound palette, at $44.99, $79.99 and $149.99.

Choosing a color for new books

Pick one palette for the whole bookcase so purchased and existing books blend: - Cream from Dunes for light, airy rooms, - Tan from Driftwood for warm, wood-heavy rooms, - Navy from Tidewater for coastal or classic rooms, - Charcoal from Storm for modern rooms.

The palette quiz can help you choose.

Hunting book by book vs. buying by color

Many people do both: a color-sorted base plus a few finds over time. See where to buy books for decor.

Filling different kinds of shelves

• Floating shelves: one or two groupings each, such as a short run of books with a bookend and one object. See how to style built-ins and floating shelves.
• Built-ins around a fireplace: mirror the two sides loosely, with art and stacks in similar positions.
• Cube shelves: alternate cubes: one with a basket, one with an upright run of books, one with a stack and an object.
• Deep shelves: layer, with art at the back, books in the middle and a small object in front.
• Corner shelves: a stack low, a plant in the middle and one object on top.
• Kitchen open shelves: dishes first, then a small stack of books at one end, away from the stove.

Filling shelves in stages

You don't have to finish in a day: 1. Week one: clear, clean and place what you own. 2. Week two: note the gaps; photograph the shelves. 3. Week three: buy books or objects only for the gaps you see in the photos.

Photos make gaps and crowding obvious, and waiting keeps you from buying things you don't need.

When to stop

A shelf is finished when every shelf has a focal point, colors repeat across the case, and there's a little open space on each shelf. If adding one more thing makes it look busier rather than fuller, take it away.

Mistakes to avoid

• Filling every inch. Empty space is part of the look.
• Lots of tiny objects. Fewer, larger pieces look better.
• Every shelf the same. Vary the mix.
• No weight at the bottom. Baskets and heavier books low.
• Books leaning. Use bookends; the Library of Congress recommends books stand upright, not leaning.
• Sunny shelves. Spines fade; light damage is cumulative.

A sample five-shelf fill

1. Top: a large vase and a short stack of three books.
2. Second: a run of ten books with a bookend; a small plant.
3. Third: framed art leaning at the back; a stack of four books in front of one corner.
4. Fourth: a run of eight books; a small lamp.
5. Bottom: two baskets with a stack of five books between them.

That's about 30 books, or roughly 3 feet, plus a handful of objects. Bigger bookcases scale up with longer runs.

Fill your shelves

Start with your own things, then fill gaps with real hardcover books from our books by the foot page or a five-book stack from our decorative books shop.

Frequently asked questions