9 stylish bookends that will elevate your shelves in an instant

 A selection of bookends.
A selection of bookends.

Bookshelf Wealth is my favorite trend right now – primarily because there are no rules at all for picking the items that will transform your space and infuse it with personality. I’m an avid reader and always have loads of items on my bookshelf that aren’t actually books, and our editors here at H&G follow a similar thought pattern when picking their bookshelf decor.

Honestly, there are tons of decor items you can use to bring the Bookshelf Wealth aesthetic to your space, but my absolute favorite and most versatile way has to be the use of bookends. First of all, they’ll make sure that your books actually stay in place on your bookshelf, but they’re also a great way to tell your own decor story and add some of your favorite interior design trends into your home.

Bookshelves with a trailing plant
Bookshelves with a trailing plant

'Select bookends that mirror your personal interior design style tale or hobbies, and turn every shelf into a story – so your bookshelf isn’t just a place for storing things,' says New York City-based interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. 'I would also say to match the textures and colors of the room—for instance, marble works in minimalist rooms, or consider polished wood for warmer interiors.'

I looked around at all my favorite home retailers and, of course, found that every single one of them had their own take on bookends that took note of tons of fun materials and sizes – think rattan, marble, metal, and even glass – in order to allow you to incorporate these decor pieces into your own Bookshelf Wealth design space. No matter whether you’re into a farmhouse look or prefer to go more contemporary, there’s a selection of bookends that will work especially for you.

The most stylish bookends to elevate any shelf

Reflections Copenhagen Soho Crystal Bookend
Reflections Copenhagen Soho Crystal Bookend

Reflections Copenhagen Soho Crystal Bookend

$375 at Net-a-Porter

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you: This crystal bookend changes colors depending on which angle you look at it from, which is just so cool. It’s been hand-cut using pure crystals, and the Art Deco-inspired look is great for modern homes.

Stepped Brass Metal Bookends
Stepped Brass Metal Bookends

Stepped Brass Metal Bookends

$68 at West Elm

Even though they’re made of brass, the striated slab cut on these bookends give a natural finish to them, almost like they’ve been cut out of stone. If your bookshelf is on the darker side, they’ll really stand out.

Glenda Bookends
Glenda Bookends

Glenda Bookends

$58 at Anthropologie

This Neoclassical set of bookends is ideal for lovers of ancient Greek and Roman cultures, and even more so if your book collection consists of this literature. But honestly, even if you just love the look, this set of bookends is an artistic-inspired dream.

Column Marble Bookends (Set of 2)
Column Marble Bookends (Set of 2)

Column Marble Bookends (Set of 2)

$39.95 at CB2

Marble decor is back in a big way, and these column bookends perfectly exemplify the look. The textured semi-circles feature natural striations from the marble, so if you buy a bunch, they’ll all look different.

Glass Bookend
Glass Bookend

Glass Bookend

Was $29.99, now $25.50 at H&M Home

H&M is known for their affordable, stylish essentials, and this glass bookend is absolutely no different. Arch-shaped to hold even the heaviest books and with flute accents for interest, it’s a simple piece for minimalist vibes.

Bacchus Bookends
Bacchus Bookends

Bacchus Bookends

$140 at Lulu & Georgia

I can’t tell whether this is a work of art or a home decor piece, so I’m just going to go with both. Made of glazed stoneware for a sturdy construction, this modern set of bookends would work wonderfully in an all-white room.

PurpleWares Arch Rattan Decorative Bookends
PurpleWares Arch Rattan Decorative Bookends

PurpleWares Arch Rattan Decorative Bookends

$39.99 at Amazon

Rattan lovers, rejoice! This decorative set of bookends takes the trend and makes it micro. The set is made of both bamboo and steel – bamboo to make it feel more authentic and akin to windows, while the steel ensures it’s heavy-duty enough to keep your books in place.

MacKenzie-Childs Pineapple Bookends
MacKenzie-Childs Pineapple Bookends

MacKenzie-Childs Pineapple Bookends

$129 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Take the tropical and make it moody – at least, that’s what this set of pineapple bookends is doing. Harlequin, black and white checks are accented with gold leaf embellishments for a new take on modern.

Metal Wire Decorative Bookends
Metal Wire Decorative Bookends

Metal Wire Decorative Bookends

$24.99 at Target

Created by Chip and Joana Gaines, this modern farmhouse style piece has a brushed brass iron finish, in order to give it a vintage feel. The open-wire design allows your book covers to shine through.


Bookends are a great, personable way to get in on the Bookshelf Wealth aesthetic, especially if you need a quick switch-up that will instantly change the look of your shelving. Pick from a selection of materials and styles, and update your look just in time to try out all your favorite new spring decor ideas.