I think you've done very well, but may be overthinking it a bit. Out of all the photos presented, the 4th one down looks best to me. It's uncontrived but interesting. Honestly, I find books to be so decorative in and of themselves that I don't see a tremendous value in "styling" the shelves (although I have a large full-wall built-in bookcase in my library and understand wanting it to be pleasing to the eye). My feeling is that first and foremost, bookshelves should invite you to step closer to look at the books (which is why the trend of turning the spines inward is so ridiculous), and the objects displayed should be of a personal nature that speak of who you are (your travel mementos, etc.) -- not simply meaningless tchotchkes placed for decorative effect.

I am not a design fanatic so will not advise on the intricacies of placement. But I do think you have some lovely items with which to accentuate your books.

However, please do not emulate the ridiculous "trick" of turning your books spine out. This completely defeats the purpose of a book, which is to be picked up and read. You also do not need to arrange books by color.

ETA: IdaClaire and I were typing at the same time, and with the same thought!

I like your second inspiration photo. I think the first one is more about neutral decor or a photo shoot versus someone who actually reads their books. I also like that you have some positioned vertical and some horizontal, makes it more interesting. Agree about bringing in some personal pieces, even a photograph.

Maybe these will be helpful-

https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-style-your-bookcase-if-youre-a-hoarder-a-collector-or-a-book-worm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=668BnGc9-Ns

What they said. Those bookshelves are a fun shape and it looks to be a nice corner in which to sit and curl up with a book. Don't overthink it. Just make sure whatever you put on those shelves brings you joy and is worth dusting. Btw, I'm intrigued by your framed piece. That would draw me in as much as your books. Give it space to breathe above your shelves, don't hide it behind stuff on a shelf. :)

hi! THANK YOU!! Also, I am definitely not putting my books inside out, i just more liked the groupings in that photo. i love my books and want to show all their lovely spines. i was imagining the arrangement with books facing the normal direction but similarly grouped in saying that was "inspiration".

I've never cared for Joanna Gaines' habit of placing books with the pages exposed. Where's the interest in that? If you're into bland and neutral, I guess it could work. The issues I have with your arrangement is that there is no breathing room, the decor is too small to make a statement and it is too crowded. Its illogical to have flowers in the shelves. You know if they were real they'd be dead! Put one such arrangement on the top. You're repeating yourself too much. Let the books do the repetition. 1/3 books, 1/3 decor and 1/3 open space is a good rule of thumb. Since you're more into books than decor, think about lying some of them down between the shelves in that short opening.

I agree with the first poster. Let your books just be books and look like books, in all honesty. And, dont' fill the empty space with decorating junk.

I don't see much difference in how you arrange it. Let it shine in all of it's honesty of what it is. Set them in there upright and proper, not stacked, as if you could actually pluck it off the shelve without disturbing an arrangement. Don't treat the book as if were merely a decorative item or an accessory to the tchoctchkes. That dishonors the book.

Do nix the artificial flowers!!!!!! Artificial flowers are never a good idea.

I think all the arrangements are fine, although I prefer the print (or whatever) on the wall, maybe centered.

(You turn the spines inward only when the inlaws are coming over for tea and you need to hide their content. :P )

See the one with the red sculpture on the top? It's under the books with the spines turned in. Take the bottom shelf with ONE vase. That's the best shelf. Then a shelf like the one above is fine. And the other shelves should be more like the bottom shelf. The shelves above have too many little decorative items. For the record I have walls of books and they could look a lot better than they do. There is really nothing wrong though with rows and rows of books interrupted by a vase or some great large bookends every so often. I don't think you want to style too much -- otherwise, you'll be irritated if somebody wants to read a book and doesn't put it back!

Ditch the artificial flowers and everything else is just fine. You're trying too hard. I don't like "styled" bookshelves unless they are also displaying a collection of fine porcelain with the books, in a formal room.

I agree, maybe editing and giving a little space in between some areas like photo below. It will give the eye a rest and be able to appreciate what's there. Choose what has meaning to you, not just things to fill the space. Also, much prefer a real plant to the fake florals, maybe one that does well in low light.

I like the idea of placing books horizontally in between the shelves where the little cylinders are, as mentioned. It would connect the shelves.

If you were to do only books without any other items, to me, it would be fine to have them grouped closer- like the bottom two photos. More of a library feel. Have fun with it!

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Instead of artificial flowers you could acquire a print, or several prints, of botanicals. There are some very beautiful pieces by illustrators of roses, lilies, and all manner of beautiful plants. A framed print is, at least, honest.

It looks good! If I were being picky, I would edit a bit. I x'd out a few things, and the little green plant, I would center on that book. A good rule to follow is 1/3 books, 1/3 decor, and 1/3 space.

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I agree with the 1/3 rule kulrn suggested. Maybe work a little more on the 1/3 space.

I love what you have done with it. It is pleasant to look atand still looks natural and useful.

I think it looks great!

Nice!