DIY: How to Decorate Your Bookshelf for Fall

by Teri Coan

A cozy fall scene with socked feet on a wooden deck, autumn leaves, a pumpkin, a blanket, coffee mug, and an open book.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love fall. It must be the scent of pumpkin spice in the air, the beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange leaves, and let’s not forget the cozy call of a blanket and a good book. Fall has officially arrived!

It’s the perfect time to give your bookshelf a little seasonal magic or get down to that much-needed bookshelf organization! Whether you're sipping cider or flipping pages, decorating your bookshelf for fall can turn your reading nook into the ultimate autumn sanctuary. And yes, Once Upon a Book Club has just the right touches to help you do it in style.

We can’t wait to mix cozy fall decor with a dash of bookish flair with some of our incredible bookish products from the Once Upon a Book Club Boutique and Collections! Bookworms unite in style!

7 DIY Ideas for a Fall-Ready Bookshelf

Layer in Seasonal Colors

It's always about layering, just have a look at your latest fashion magazine! We’re thinking burnt orange, deep burgundy, golden yellows, and forest greens. You can easily incorporate these fabulous hues with fabric runners, stacked books with fall-toned covers, or warm-toned vases. Even a velvet ribbon tied around a book stack gives instant fall vibes. And let's not forget about texture, adding some dried florals in a mustard or rust shade will definitely do the trick!

Two yellow taper candles and a small pine sprig with pinecones styled on a white background for fall decor.

We have a beautiful set of two beeswax tapered candles wrapped with a faux pine sprig, which is the perfect addition to any shelf!

A white jar candle labeled “Smells Like Tom” with an earthy + floral mix scent on a light green background.

Add Cozy Lighting

Soft lighting transforms any shelf into a reading retreat. We love draping a strand of fairy lights along the edge or tucking battery-operated tea lights between bookends. For a truly bookish glow-up, try the Big Apple Adventures Candle; its scent screams fall in the city.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Mini pumpkins (real or faux), pinecones, acorns, dried oranges, and eucalyptus can bring an earthy, rustic feel to your shelf. Don’t be afraid to go foraging or thrifting! Even a small bundle of dried wheat can soften sharp lines and make your shelf feel like a harvest table.

A book box featuring "Under the Tamarind Tree" surrounded by themed wrapped gifts and a pillow labeled with page numbers.

Showcase Fall-Themed Reads

Pull out those seasonal stories and let them shine! Books with autumn-colored spines, stories set during fall, or Halloween mysteries all deserve the spotlight. OUABC’s Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes include some perfectly moody picks to match your new look.

A hand pulling out a decorative edition of The Count of Monte Cristo from a white bookshelf lined with other novels.

Mix in Bookish Props from OUABC Boxes

Gifts from past boxes aren’t just fun—they’re beautiful! Add this Hollow Book Storage Box disguised as a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo to create a secret hideaway for bookmarks or your fall reading list. The outside of the book is custom-designed to look like an antique edition, including gilded “page” edges. Inside, dark green endpapers hide what lies beneath—the first page of The Count of Monte Cristo has been cut through to reveal a secret storage area inside the book. And that’s not all, inside the secret compartment is a watercolor painting of a castle!

Place our quirky Essential Oil Diffuser on a top shelf to infuse your space with warm, relaxing scents while you read.

Four framed watercolor illustrations of women in cozy fall/winter outfits against a green background labeled Fall/Winter Collection.

Use Layered Heights and Textures

Vary the height of objects using stacked books, small wooden crates, or framed prints. Add texture with knitted or woven fabrics. Try placing a soft scarf or plaid fabric under your book stack. You can also prop up art from our Art Print Bundles for a cozy and empowering visual punch.

Our "Women Who Read" Fall/Winter Collection is a stunning set of four prints hand-drawn exclusively for us and cannot be found anywhere else. Each print features a woman in various cold-weather outfits and at least one book!

Create a Seasonal Reading Nook Nearby

What’s a dreamy bookshelf without a dreamy place to sit and read? Pair your shelf with a plush chair or oversized floor cushion, a knit throw, and the Faux Cashmere Plaid Blanket. Add a warm drink and a cat (optional), and you’ve got yourself a fall reading haven.

A cozy scene of a person reading an open book in bed surrounded by orange pumpkins and warm-toned bedding.

Why Fall Bookshelf Décor Matters

There’s something soothing about having a seasonal literary space. It sets the tone for slowing down and curling up with a book. And if you don’t believe us, research shows that personalized and visually appealing shelf spaces, also known as “bookshelf wealth,” are trending not just for aesthetics, but for mental wellness. Your fall bookshelf styling isn’t just about looks, it’s a ritual, a mood booster, and a way to reconnect with your space (and your TBR pile).

Speaking of your TBR pile, we’re big fans of those stylish three-tiered carts, and fall is the perfect excuse to grab one or give yours a seasonal refresh. Organizing your to-be-read stack can feel a bit daunting, but with autumn in the air, why not sort your books by fall colors or cozy vibes? Bonus points if you add a little jar of freshly baked pumpkin cookies to keep you company while you browse. Don’t stress, we have you covered with our easy Pumpkin Cookie Recipe!

🎃 Soft Pumpkin Cookies 🍪

Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup chocolate chips
Cream cheese frosting for spreading or drizzling

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg until smooth.
Add the vanilla and stir in until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. (Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.)
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet—leave a little space between each.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Get ready to enjoy warm or top with a little cream cheese frosting once cooled!

Let Your Shelf Tell a Story

A styled bookshelf is more than decor; it’s an invitation to read, relax, and reimagine your space. By mixing textures, adding OUABC treasures, and spotlighting your favorite fall reads, you’re crafting an experience. Looking for the perfect finishing touch? Explore our Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes for immersive reads or add one of our beautiful Book Vases to your display for an instant conversation starter.

And remember, even the smallest seasonal changes can spark big joy. So go ahead, let your shelf fall into something wonderful. Excuse the pun, we just couldn’t resist! Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

If you enjoyed this blog and are looking for another DIY project, make sure to check out our blog, DIY Bookmark Workshop: A Creative Party Favor!