Have you acquired the bookshelf wealth?

For all book lovers, if there's one thing inconspicuous about hoarding books - it's the rows of shelves bowing under the weight of literature.

Recently, design pundits have transformed these book-filled rows into the latest interior craze in the social media cosmos. Known as bookshelf wealth, it refers to embracing the charm of sporadically arranged shelves and departing from sterile, perfectly manicured brackets.

In today's Shelf Life with Midday, we hop on this elegant yet haphazard bandwagon that looks like it was plucked from the bylanes of Bandra. This shelved collection comprises not just books but other objects of sentimental value like - art, collectibles, miniatures, relics - displayed in a lived-in, acquired style.

So, what is bookshelf wealth?
If you have seen Twinkle Khanna's library, the look might spark your imagination. Warm and interpersonal, cluttered but not stuffy, maybe even a tad offbeat with a lamp here and a memento there. Most importantly, it extends authenticity to the surroundings - brimming with traits of one's personality.

"It marks a space for tangible memories in the world that is increasingly encroached by virtual lifestyle," shares the Delhi-based interior designer Nidhi Dhawan. "Bookshelf wealth isn't about flaunting economic status; it's a testimony to a life brimming with adventures and discoveries. Each object showcased becomes a powerful symbol of our inner identity."

Yet, the definition fluctuates amidst the multitude of #bookshelfwealth videos circulating online. However, at the forefront, this trend involves steering clear of the typical polished coffee table fare encountered frequently at homes as well as in movies.

Bookshelves inspired by this trend boast a classic sophistication, void of any flashy indications of wealth. However, the astute observer will discern cultural gems or scholarly works among the book-lined shelves. Additionally, candles, ceramics and other designer trinkets find their niche on the shelves, harmonising effortlessly with the literary ambiance.

However, this trend is not for beginners. It is more suited for those with a hoarder's mentality.

One who has collected objects (not necessarily extravagant), qualifies for this crafty crusade. It encompasses books that were not just started but duly finished, memories that were actually made, doodles that sprang from eureka moments, and textured pebbles collected from the shores of rivers that separate national borders, and the like.

Essentially, this trend proudly proclaims, "I was there!"

Another noteworthy aspect of this trend is that it diverges from the focus on quantity seen in longstanding minimalist and maximalist movements or the fusion of regional aesthetics, as seen in popular styles like Bohemian chic. Instead, it derives from your individual life experiences translated into home decor. It embodies a cosy, personalised style that resonates with people.

Complementing the setup, one may build a snug seating adorned with plush sofas and tastefully chosen throw pillows.

Why is the trend gaining traction?
Picture this: Enter the den of a book lover only to spot books stacked with the precision of a Jenga master. Dust envelopes the tomes under its inert blanket. Among the pages, forgotten bookmarks wait for their chance to venture into new stories, only to be lost in the labyrinth of plot twists.
Yet, something essential is absent: the manifestation of the owner's character.

Bookshelf wealth captivates readers by enabling them to leave their intellectual imprint on the cozy nooks of their homes. And mind you, these items are genuine, not mere decorations. Plus they're not meticulously arranged by colour or size in a bid to move away from perfection.

Surpassing 1.7 million views on TikTok, this term has stirred up a whirlwind of shelf-reshuffling enthusiasm, driving individuals into a passionate redecorating craze.
The purpose is to exude a casual, somewhat disorganised appearance as if they've been plucked from the shelf and replaced without much thought. This concept of deliberately incorporating beloved possessions into the home space is the factor responsible for the rising traction of the bookshelf wealth style.

While historical features like built-ins, wood molding and stained-glass windows may play a role, the essence of the style ultimately boils down to authenticity. This is precisely why there aren't specific decor items you can purchase to capture its broad aesthetic.

The name holds an appeal, too. When it comes to trends - social media leads it with catchy names like Scandinavian Minimalism, Industrial Chic, Coastal Retreat and more. Bookshelf Wealth happens to be the latest one to charm bibliophiles with its whimsical nomenclature.

Here's how to master the trend of bookshelf wealth
Thinking about joining the trend? The initial requirement is a suitable bookshelf. Whether it's a built-in structure, floating shelves or just a spacious side table, your prized collection requires a proper display. After acquiring the shelf, experiment with stacking books on different shelves and even additional surfaces within the room, suggests Dhawan.

The arrangement of these books can be personalised according to your preferences, but the crucial aspect is to incorporate books that hold personal significance or evoke a sense of connection for you.

Reshma Chhabria, a Mumbai-based designer and founder at HIIH emphasises the importance of achieving the bookshelf wealth style in a manner that appears affluent and fashionable without appearing cluttered, which ultimately boils down to finding balance, particularly when selecting art pieces.

She notes a common mistake among clients, wherein they inadvertently purchase artworks of similar shapes and sizes. According to her, incorporating variety, mixing and overlapping are key elements, with no rigid rules in place.

The primary objective is to create visual harmony and maintain fluidity, ensuring that attention is not solely directed to one specific area within the house, whether it be a bookcase or a wall. She describes the desired outcome as appearing natural or "happenstance." Thus, it's advisable to invest time in layering patterns, hanging prints and integrating various textures such as velvet and grasscloth to determine what best suits individual preferences.

Your subsequent task involves introducing items that bring joy into the mix. These can range from artworks, risers to plants. Additionally, you have the flexibility to include objects extending beyond the shelf itself, such as library ladders, task lighting or furniture.