The Uplift: our editors pick the best decor to elevate your bookshelves and nail the Bookshelf Wealth aesthetic

$70 at McGee & Co.

'I have a couple of mirrors dotted throughout my bookshelves,' says Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors. 'They aren't there for me to check my makeup, but rather give the shelves some depth and interest. You just catch sections of the room, and the mirror creates light in an unexpected place, too.'

She loves the vintage look of this option by McGee & Co., which she says is 'vintage and convex too, which again just adds to that unexpected aspect when you catch yourself in it.'

$325 at Lulu & Georgia

'As an avid reader, for me, no bookshelf is complete without adequate lighting,' says Content Editor Charlotte Olby. 'Whether you add small lamps artfully dotted around the shelves or hang pretty picture lights from the top of the bookshelf, it's important to ensure your curated collection of objects are suitably lit.'

Charlotte loves this portable lamp because not only can she illuminate her 'books, decor, and oddities, but also scoop it up alongside a good book and retreat to a cozy nook to read.'

$255 at Net-a-Porter

Bookends make for a great addition to your bookshelves, of course. 'Not only do they help keep books neat and organized, but they’re also an opportunity to make a design statement,' says News Writer Emily Moorman. She says these green marble ones from Soho Home are high on her homeware wish list for adding a weighty feel to her styled bookshelves, all while capturing a 'retro, sophisticated look.'

$110 at Urban Outfitters

'Bookshelf wealth is one of my favorite interior design trends, and not only because it gives me justification for my ever-growing book collection!' says News Writer Abby Wilson.'This trend is all about the atmosphere, and music adds so much to a library-like space. I love the coziness a record player brings to a room, and this Crosley one comes in so many lovely colors: my personal favorite is light green.'

This record player is compact enough to fit on larger shelves, surrounded by stacks of books, but would work just as well on a stand or side table. "Plus, a record collection fits in perfectly with the collected, eclectic aesthetic of bookshelf wealth," adds Abby.

$15 at West Elm

'Just recently, designer Billy Cotton released a collection with West Elm that focuses on what he calls elevated essentials, elevated,' says Deputy Digital Director Jennifer Ebert. 'One of my favorite pieces from this collaboration is this whimsical set of ceramic shell bowls, which work well to store little trinkets in, but are also very affordable.'

You can buy these shells in various sizes depending on how large your bookshelf is, and even use them as bookends if you so choose, adds Ebert. Not to mention, "the pale white hue is calming, and will fit into any decor scheme."

Was $550, now $440 at Net-a-Porter

'Recently, I bought the Completedworks' blue resin vase from our best vases buying guide and it is stunning,' says eCommerce Editor Laura Honey. 'The color and texture get comments from all of my guests.' Unfortunately, that color is sold out at the moment, but the soft pink is stylish and feminine, and a great addition for a more minimalist space. 

'Whatever theme you've curated in your room, try to pick a vase that highlights it,' adds Laura. 'You deserve some praise!'

$199 at CB2

'A tray or a basket on one of the lower shelves breaks up lines of books, but it also acts as a catch-all for things like candles, matches, and reading classes'” Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors, says. 

'I actually keep my crochet that I am working on in a tray on my shelves: Firstly because I like to appear like I am pro, and it reminds me to pick up my projects'” However, it also adds personality to the shelves, and in Hebe’s words, is the perfect way to bring 'curated clutter' to your spaces.

$28 at Anthropologie

'I love these bust-style pots, and the smaller option would work perfectly on a bookshelf,' Content Editor Molly Malsom tells me. 'I always have small trinkets lying around, so having a small pot to store them in is super helpful.'

She especially likes this Greek style offering because she has similar themed books in her collection, and this pot 'offers a nod' to them effortlessly.

$245 at Net-a-Porter

'I'm a firm believer that where there's a bookshelf, there should be a candle,' says eCommerce Editor Laura Honey. 'It's the perfect place for making the most of your favorite scent, whilst getting to showcase the beautiful vessel that your candle sits inside.'

Laura also says that you shouldn’t worry about having to throw away your candle once you’ve burned through it: 'You can keep it on display!” she says. “I still have my Loewe Tomato Leaf Candle's ceramic pot on the shelf, and I burnt through it all months ago.'

Was $90, now $72 at West Elm

While I can’t say I’m incredibly spiritual, I do think there’s something to be said about decorating with crystals in your home: Not only do they offer a boost of positive energy, but there are so many options out there that you’re bound to find a piece that resonates with you and fits in with your decor. I love this selection from West Elm because you can pick from one of three stylish colors and textures, and they also come already placed on luxurious gold stands for a bit of a pick-me-up. As the brand explains, “Choose green aventurine for opportunity, white crystal for learning, or rose quartz for unconditional love.”

$395 at Bloomingdales

While it’s normally associated with Turkish and Greek culture, the evil eye charm is actually also very common in India. Growing up, my mom used to make me wear an evil eye bracelet in order to protect me from ill intentions. I still wear an evil eye bracelet that I bought in Istanbul, and most recently, I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful paperweight that’s been handcrafted with a 24-karat rim and handcrafted evil eye. I consider it an extension of my evil eye collection, and I love the way that brings an element of culture into my space.

$215 at Diptyque

I love a good scented candle as much as the next person, but of late, I find the whole process of lighting them and waiting for them to bring their fresh aroma into my home a bit time-consuming, not to mention, worrying if I have to run out of the house and believe that I haven’t blown the candle out before I left. A good reed diffuser eliminates both those worries by constantly emitting fresh scents into the home, and Diptyque makes one of my favorites: ‘Roses’ is flowery but not overpowering, and I find that the bottle looks chic as well.