How to Style a Christmas Bookcase

Christmas tree in front of Christmas bookcase

Written by Emily Irby

Photography by Nick Mcginn

Styling by Jenna Ratliff

Get ready, because it’s beginning to “book” a lot like Christmas! Bookcases are beautiful by themselves, but add some farmhouse holiday decor and they transform into winter wonderlands. We got in touch with blogger and design expert, Jenna Ratliff of At Home with Jenna, to get her best tips and tricks on Christmas bookcase decorating.

Reader Friendly

To decorate your bookshelf, start with the obvious and put your favorite Christmas books on display. You can’t go wrong with classic novels like A Christmas Carol and Little Women, which often have old-fashioned covers and bindings. But if you’re looking for something a little more colorful, prop open children’s Christmas books to display some cheerful holiday illustrations.

Open shelves in a Christmas bookcase decorated with Christmas decor, including a gingerbread house with an elf-on-the-shelf on the roof. — It’s always fun to add a personal touch. Jenna includes homemade creations like gingerbread houses in her Christmas bookcase decor.

Christmas Treats

While they do require a little more work than other decorations, gingerbread houses are a staple of any home’s Christmas décor. You can also prop your Elf on the Shelf on the roof for an added surprise for the kids.

Bowls of Goodness

A good way to use your year-round décor during the holidays is to turn vases, planters and pots into Christmas vessels. Add small accents that exude a holiday vibe, such as pinecones, sprigs from pine trees and even vintage ornaments, to make the design just a little extra special.

Open shelves in a Christmas bookcase with Rae Dunn pottery filled with faux foliage, candles and a large rusted-looking "R" for Ratliff. — Jenna decorates her bookshelf with Rae Dunn pottery, vintage-inspired faux candles and a large “R” for her family name, Ratliff.

Light it Up

Candles and lanterns aren’t Christmas specific, but the warm, glowing light they emit certainly adds to the cozy atmosphere we all want our homes to have during the colder months. Plus, holiday scents like those of sugar cookies and spiced eggnog make stepping into your living room seem like a sweet treat.

Everyday Holiday

You don’t have to empty your bookshelves of everyday décor to make them magical for Christmas. Keep pieces that are larger or would be difficult to put away, and arrange the Christmas cheer around them.

fake presents to style bookcase for Christmas — Photo courtesy of The Art of Doing Stuff.

Gifts Aplenty

A fun idea from Karen Bertelsen over at The Art of Doing Stuff is to wrap presents and use them to bring a festive touch to your bookshelf. For an extra fragrant and festive, add fresh greenery such as cedar. Or use faux greenery and light a pine-scented candle!

Small Space Tips and Ideas

metallic collectibles for a bookcase styled for Christmas — Photography by Rebekah Westover, Styling by Holly Jolley.

Keep it Themed

The metallic woodland theme gives this bookcase a magical feel. Remember to give your bookcase breathing room and let the warm aged feel of vintage books set the tone.

shelves decorated for Christmas — Photography by Mel Willis; Styling by Astra Spanbauer

Keep it Homey

Small pops of color are enough to make these shelves festive, and the warm wood accents and photographs—not to mention baked goods—bring warmth and holiday cheer without overwhelming or cluttering the space.

If you like to decorate your Christmas bookcase with flea market finds, click here and learn how to be a savvy salvage shopper! Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!