The popularity of color-coded bookshelves has ebbed and flowed over the years, but the styling strategy’s ability to transform ordinary shelves into extraordinary showcases of creativity has never wavered. The colorful bookcases have been revived after an endorsement from Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer, the duo behind the popular organizational company, . Expert designers share their thoughts on the trend and all the dos and don’ts on how to successfully achieve the look yourself.
The Color-Coding Debate
“Color-coding books is an easy and unique way to manage disheveled bookshelves while adding a bright, bold look to any room,” says Rachel Rosenthal, an organizing expert and founder of . Julie Jones, an interior designer and founder of , adds, “If your design taste tends to be free and fun, color-coding your bookshelves is a great way to add some whimsy while being organized at the same time.”
The style hasn’t been without controversy though—some say that traditional organization methods, like categorizing books by subject, title, or alphabetical order, likely won’t work if the books are sorted by color. Not all believe that book owners should prioritize style over substance.
“People are deeply invested in how they because it’s not just about functionality, it’s about personal expression,” says Marie Cloud, principal designer and owner of . “For some, color-coordinating books is a visually striking way to organize, turning shelves into vibrant design features, . For others who prefer traditional organization methods, practicality and ease of finding specific titles are more important. The debate reflects differing perspectives on the purpose of bookshelves and whether they’re primarily for storage or a canvas for design expression. In the end, it’s all about personal preference.”
Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal
Do: Think Beyond White Shelving
While rainbow-colored books stand out against a crisp white backdrop, they’re versatile enough to complement a wide range of shelf colors. “Whether your shelves are white, wood, or a bold color, the key is creating a backdrop that enhances the vibrancy of the color-coded books,” says Cloud. Rosenthal likes to for a seamless look. “Doing so allows the colorful books to stand out,” she says.
Don’t: Get Caught Up in Color Rules
The best way to organize books by color depends on your desired aesthetic. While some may prefer to set their books up in the classic rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), others may opt to group books by color families or arrange them from darkest to lightest. “How you arrange your books should reflect your individual style while enhancing the overall design of your space,” says Cloud.
Lisa Gilmore, principal designer and CEO of , adds, “I like to sandwich pink after red—I know, not a true rainbow—and place white, gray, and black last.”
Do: Consider Neutral Colors
can be integrated into their own color-coded arrangement or used as accent colors. “Strategically incorporating neutral tones creates balance and cohesion within the color scheme, adding depth and texture to the overall look of the bookshelf,” notes Cloud. “Tonal looks or related colors like gold and brown, or blue and green, offer endless possibilities for creative expression while creating a visual cohesiveness.”
Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal
Do: Feature Books With or Without Their Jackets
Removing book covers is an aesthetic choice and a matter of personal preference. While some favor the uniform look of bare spines, others appreciate the added texture and visual interest a book cover offers. “Even if a book is gray or lacks color underneath the jacket, its spine can contribute to the overall color scheme, adding subtle variations to the arrangement,” says Cloud. Gilmore is a fan of both looks and decides which to use on a case-by-case basis. “Some book jackets are so pretty I hate to remove them,” she says. “While others are just not attractive.”
When it , Rosenthal likes to display rainbow-styled books with the covers facing outward, rather than the traditional spine-out arrangement. “This adds visual flair while making the covers more accessible when kids are reaching for something to read,” she says.
Don’t: Worry About How the Books Are Stacked
Whether you organize your books horizontally or vertically depends on personal style and available space. “Horizontal stacks create a streamlined look, while a vertical arrangement allows for easier browsing,” notes Cloud. “I often recommend a combination of both to keep the eye moving.”
“Typically, when I color-code books for clients, I’ll arrange them vertically. This allows the colors of the rainbow to be more visible and provides more space on the shelf,” says Rosenthal. “However, there are occasions when I’ll arrange books horizontally for a more display-oriented approach. With this setup, it’s about showcasing the books rather than easy accessibility.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to get the bigger coffee table books to stand up so I’ll stack them horizontally,” adds Gilmore. “However, horizontal stacking does make it more difficult for everyday use, so I save that look for books that are more decorative and get less use.”
Do: Incorporate a Mix of Sizes
While organizing books by color, blending tall and short groups of them can add visual interest and break up the monotony of a single size. “I like to group books of similar heights within color categories to create a harmonious and balanced look, ensuring the arrangement feels cohesive and intentional,” says Cloud.
“While I typically begin with smaller ones and progress to taller books, there are instances where I blend various sizes within the to create an appealing look,” adds Rosenthal.
Don’t: Think You Need Lots of Books and Shelving
The number of books and shelving required to organize by color depends on the desired impact—don’t stress if you don’t have hundreds of books to work with. “Whether it’s a few shelves of treasured volumes or an entire library, the key is to create a visually cohesive arrangement that enhances the space while allowing for easy access to the books,” says Cloud.
Do: Consider the Shelf Depth
Whether you push your color-coded books to the back of the shelf or position them close to the edge depends on the desired aesthetic. “Moving books to the back can create a more streamlined look while having them sit forward allows for easier browsing,” says Cloud.
“Because books can oftentimes be different depths, I think it looks cleaner to keep them towards the front so they’re all on the same profile,” shares Jones.
Do: Add Decorative Elements
Adding decor on top or on the side of color-grouped horizontal book stacks can visually enhance and personalize the space. Glass vases, a small desk clock, decorative boxes, plants, sculptures, paperweights, travel souvenirs, stones, and framed photos all add texture and dimension while reflecting the homeowner’s style. “The key is to keep the arrangement balanced and cohesive within the overall design of the room,” notes Cloud.
Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal
Don’t: Limit the Look to Children’s Bedrooms
While some may associate rainbow bookshelves with a playful aesthetic suited for children’s spaces, the look really transcends all age boundaries. “When executed thoughtfully, color-coded shelves can add a whimsical yet sophisticated touch to any room, appealing to adults who appreciate visual harmony and creativity in their living spaces,” says Cloud.
Don’t: Be Limited by Your Home’s Style
Color-coded books can complement a variety of house styles, from modern to to traditional. “They tend to shine brightest in spaces with a more contemporary or eclectic style, where they can serve as bold statement pieces,” says Cloud. “Ultimately, it’s about integrating the books in a way that feels cohesive and visually pleasing.”
Tara Carter
Do: Recognize Design Options Other Than Color-Coding
If you’re not a fan or if you’ve tried the color-coded look, there are alternative ways to make your bookshelves pop. Painting or wallpapering the interior shelves, organizing books by subject or theme, or turning books so their page edges are visible to suit a minimalist design style are all creative options. “Covering books in Kraft paper or wallpaper will add texture and visual interest, transforming shelves into works of art,” says Cloud.