7 Genius Tips to Make Your Bookshelf Less Cluttered, According to Pro Organizers

Bookshelves are an great way of displaying and organizing your personal library, as well as showcasing your personal style. However, bookshelves can easily become cluttered and chaotic if you're not intentional with their organization.

Fortunately, all it takes is a little time and attention to create a clean and cohesive bookshelf that complements the room. We consulted two professional home organizers to gather seven simple tips to create a bookshelf that is both organized and appealing.

Clear Off Items That Don't Belong

Before you get to organizing your books, start by clearing the clutter.

"Give your bookshelf a once-over," says Amanda Scott, a professional home organizer and the founder of Amanda Scott Home. "Take out any books that are torn, damaged, or no longer in good condition."

Additionally, Scott suggests removing dust jackets from hardcover books for a cleaner look and placing your more worn paperbacks in a decorative basket or other method of storage. This is also a great time to get rid of random knickknacks and decor that don't fit your desired aesthetic. If there's anything that doesn't belong, now's the time to take it off the shelf.

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Group by Genre

If your home library has grown considerably over time, it may be difficult to find the book you want when you want it. To help you navigate this common problem, try taking a page out of bookstores' playbook.

"Organize books into themed sections," says Effy Terry, a certified professional organizer and the founder of Organize That.

Terry says a great way to provide structure and appeal to your bookshelf's design is to arrange books into categories such as travel, self-help, or fiction. She adds that you can pair each "story zone" with decor that complements the theme, like small souvenirs and art.

"This keeps the bookshelf both functional and visually engaging," she says.

Organize by Physical Characteristics

If you split your books into categories by theme and don't love the outcome, you could try organizing your book collection by physical characteristics for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Try grouping books by color. "If you lack a certain color, remove the book jacket to reveal a preferred spine color," Scott says.

You could also arrange your books in groups displayed vertically and others stacked horizontally. Or, consider organizing your books from large to small.

"This creates a more interesting visual layout," says Scott.

Play with these options until you find a layout that fits your design preferences.

Use Clear Bookends or Risers

Since books are already adorned with colors, textures, patterns, and more, sometimes the best way to organize your bookshelf is to use items that have less visual interest.

"Clear or acrylic bookends and risers provide structure without overwhelming the space, making the bookshelf appear more open and organized," Terry says.

This is a great tip to pair with Scott's organize-by-color trick, since the bookends and risers won't clash with each color category on your shelf.

Incorporate Decor

Another way to help keep your bookshelf clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing is to integrate decorative elements. This will not only create a more balanced look on your shelf, but will also help it blend well with the room's overall design.

Bookshelf decor could include photos, artwork, plants, candles, or even small sculptures. Whatever you choose to add, it's important to limit the number of items you display so as not to overwhelm the bookshelf with too many pieces.

"Distribute decorative objects evenly across the shelves," says Scott. "Balance larger items with smaller items."

A good rule of thumb is to use about one decorative item for every few books.

Use Labeled Bins or Baskets

Some book lovers prefer an eclectic look for their collection, while others enjoy more structure. For those who appreciate the latter, using labeled bins and baskets can help create a more visually calming bookshelf.

"For those who find it hard to maintain order, labeled baskets or bins can group similar items together, reducing visual clutter while offering an easy way to find or store books," Terry says.

This is not only helpful for minimalists who appreciate a cohesive design, but it is also another practical means of organizing your collection.

Leave Some Breathing Room

While it may be tempting to add more and more books to every leftover nook and cranny on your bookshelf, a final tip shared by many home organizers is one we've all heard before: Less is more.

When it comes to organization, remember that leaving a little open space between decor and stacks of books can create a less cluttered appearance.

"Avoid the tendency to display everything which creates overcrowding," says Scott. "It's OK to leave some empty space on the shelves. This allows the eye to rest and gives each item its own place."