10+ Book Nook Ideas That Will Bring Magic to Your Shelves

Photo: Miniature Decor Design
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Great books have the power to transport us to different worlds, so why should their bookshelves be any different? A recent decor trend called “book nooks” is changing that. They are crafty creations that live among the novels on your shelf. Measuring roughly the height and width of one or two books, they are reminiscent of dollhouses or slender dioramas. And when sandwiched between two books, it looks as though your shelf is a passageway to places real and imagined.

It’s incredible to see the handiwork that goes into creating a single book nook. Many makers meticulously craft elements like lamp posts, signage, and even fire escapes that boast a life-like look and feel—in a photo, it’s only upon seeing them on a shelf that you realize the landscape is a book nook. These pieces also include lighting to add to the wonder that these small sculptures evoke. The fairy lights call you from across the room and invite you to get lost in these magical places.

Although environments are a popular subject for book nooks, one creative named Tom Taggart sculpts creature-centric book nooks. His fantastical characters, which he calls Bookshelf Monsters, appear to have one of their paws and/or feet on your books and seem just moments away from getting off your shelf and inviting themselves into the rest of your home.

Take a look at some of our favorite book nook inspiration below. And if you’d like to try this DIY project, check out the subreddit r/booknooks. The Redditors there showcase their own creations and offer tips and tricks to make your own.

Book nooks are a crafty way to bring some magic to your shelves.

One last project to finish up the year. Made an Endor(Star Wars) themed “booknook” insert for my bookshelf. Happy New Years! from r/interestingasfuck

Many of these DIY creations feature meticulously made environments…

I was told this sub my like this Christmas present I’ve made for my siblings: Diagon Alley! from r/crafts

Dictionary room from r/booknooks

[OC] Dare you enter the Doors of Durin and face the long Dark of Moria? from r/Nooks

This book nook my mother got on eBay from r/mildlyinteresting

I made a booknook for a Christmas gift, my inspiration was Blade Runner. It’s larger than ones we have see, it’s 11″ x 6″. from r/booknooks

A magical bookshop in your own bookshelf from r/booknooks

デザフェスで見かけたブックエンドを路地裏にするやつすっごい好き pic.twitter.com/kVfbBgp6CO

— りくとん (@riku_ton) May 13, 2018

… while others imagine creatures living among novels.

Witch is watching you from r/booknooks

Want to make your own book nook? This video shows you the work that goes into crafting one.

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