Breaking Down TikTok's Latest Interior Design Trend: Bookshelf Wealth

One of the major pitfalls of interior design trends is that they can lead to a whole lot of sameness. However, TikTok's latest obsession, deemed "bookshelf wealth," is a great way to bypass all that, and create a space that feels perfect for you. For lovers of literature, this style is one for the books. 

Book hoarders, rejoice! Bookshelf wealth is the perfect way to incorporate your beloved tomes into your space. The chief hallmark of this aesthetic is, well, a wealth of books. However, you're not limiting your stash to a traditional shelf, or in one dedicated section of the home. With bookshelf wealth, books become artworks in their own right, and are scattered throughout the space; on shelves, in cabinets, atop tables, and any other spot you can imagine them placed. 

What's more, because these are books that you've read, or are planning to (no faux books, here!), this is a great way to set up a space that tells your story. As such, even if you're not the only one participating in this trend, it's more than possible to tap into bookshelf wealth while creating something incredibly personal, that won't look the same as everyone else's — and that you're guaranteed to love for years to come. Simply put, while bookshelf wealth is trending, it's something of an anti-trend, which favors authenticity over everything else. 

While books are the hero of bookshelf wealth, they aren't the only things on display with this interior trend. It calls for anything that holds meaning for you to be treated as art. Sentimentality is the name of the game, here, so artworks done by your kids, or even that pottery project you did years ago, deserve a spot. 

One thing that is common in bookshelf wealth, though, is the way those pieces are shown. When it comes to the books-as-art, there's no hard-and-fast rule as to how they should be placed. Use a stack of them to create a fun side table, place some vertically, or even set some alongside the other objects you love. If the thought of your books not being ordered fills you with dread, that's fine. However, if you'd prefer a random mish-mash, that's perfect, too. 

As for artworks in the more traditional sense, the same laid-back attitude applies. As Kailee Blalock of House of Hive Design Co. explained in her TikTok video documenting bookshelf wealth, "[Art is] hung in front of bookcases, displayed on the floor, literally overlapping each other, definitely not hung in a straight line, and is fully disregarding the bounds of the wall molding." Again, if you prefer something a little more structured-looking, you can always place artwork on bookshelves, in between books. However you place your pieces, the most important thing is that it speaks to you, personally. 

One of the other characteristics of bookshelf wealth is that it isn't highlighting just your own story: it's also celebrating the house you're in. Kailee Blalock's advice, then, is to embrace old-school details, whatever that may mean in your home. Arched windows, stained glass, gorgeous fireplaces and crown molding all play a part, here, so don't go ripping anything out, unless you need to. And, even if you do need to make changes, opt for modern versions of those elements, like new wallpaper, or refreshed upholstery. 

Granted, not every house has old-school features. However, that doesn't disqualify you from tapping into bookshelf wealth. Take advantage of the home's character, whatever that means, whether it's playing up windows as reading nooks, or embracing airier, open-plan settings. You can also inject some extra bookish charm into even the most unexpected places, by creating literary light fixtures using books you love, and playing around with unique storage ideas. 

One thing you should keep top of mind, with the bookshelf wealth trend, is that it should carry meaning for you. Don't go out and buy hundreds of books in the name of filling the space — start with what you have now. If you are an avid reader, head to charity shops for books you're genuinely interested in, so that it doesn't become a major expense. As beautiful as it looks, living in a library, the best part about bookshelf wealth is that it prioritizes authenticity.