The Rule Queer Eye's Jeremiah Brent Lives By When Organizing Bookshelf Decor

Scanning the titles on someone's bookshelf speaks volumes about who they are. And it doesn't have to be just books that advertise bits about you and others who live in your space. It also helps to arrange your tomes and trinkets in a way that brings you joy whenever you glance at it. Manhattan designer and recent "Queer Eye" recruit, Jeremiah Brent, is a fan of decorating bookshelves in a way that reflects a person's life.

"The existential step I have for people is to try to figure out a way to incorporate their past and present, but still leave room for the future," Brent told The New York Times. But one offbeat idea he loves is hanging objects from the shelves for a layered effect. "I love the organized chaos of a bookshelf that spills over with story," he shared.

And by "story", Brent explains that what you show off should represent the life you're leading. Prep your shelves for hanging accents by balancing books and art that are both personalized and attractive: organize books with aesthetics in mind, intersperse them with meaningful objects, and balance your displays. Framed art and photographs, wreaths or dried flowers, or travel-themed decor like tiles or masks all make great candidates for layering.

Topping your shelves with hanging art will completely revamp the look of your bookshelf, but grab onto a few of Brent's other design tenets first to make the most of this concept. Cluster books in a similar theme together, but make color-based groupings within the theme. Also, instead of lining books in a traditional style, stack them to create a sort of pedestal to highlight an item of beauty. Distribute your ornamentation evenly throughout the unit, and keep in mind that this setup can and should evolve over time.

When you're ready to add the decorative cherry on top, Brent is a fan of hanging accessories on the vertical supports between each shelf. To avoid making holes in lovely woodwork, hit up Amazon for adhesive hooks that are either easy to hide or that can add a bit of charm to the final appearance. Command Medium Clear Wire Toggle Hooks have a narrow vertical footprint that's ideal for hanging on bookshelf supports without damage or visibility. If you're looking to hang an adornment like a string of beads or an ornament with a string loop, these Optish Wood Wall Hooks can even enhance your hanging item.