Have you acquired the bookshelf wealth?

For all book lovers if therersquos one thing inconspicuous about hoarding books ndash itrsquos the rows of shelves bowing under the weight of literatureRecently design pundits have transformed these bookfilled 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 bracketsIn todayrsquos 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 ndash art collectibles miniatures relicsmdashdisplayed in a livedin acquired styleSo what is bookshelf wealthIf you have seen Twinkle Khannarsquos 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 ndash brimming with traits of onersquos personalityldquoIt marks a space for tangible memories in the world that is increasingly encroached by virtual lifestyle shares the Delhibased interior designer Nidhi Dhawan Bookshelf wealth isnt about flaunting economic status its a testimony to a life brimming with adventures and discoveries Each object showcased becomes a powerful symbol of our inner identityYet 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 moviesBookshelves 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 booklined shelves Additionally candles ceramics and other designer trinkets find their niche on the shelves harmonising effortlessly with the literary ambianceHowever this trend is not for beginners It is more suited for those with a hoarderrsquos mentalityOne 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 likeEssentially this trend proudly proclaims I was thereAnother 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 peopleComplementing the setup one may build a snug seating adorned with plush sofas and tastefully chosen throw pillowsWhy is the trend gaining tractionPicture 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 twistsYet something essential is absent the manifestation of the owners characterBookshelf 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 theyre not meticulously arranged by colour or size in a bid to move away from perfectionSurpassing 17 million views on TikTok this term has stirred up a whirlwind of shelfreshuffling enthusiasm driving individuals into a passionate redecorating crazeThe purpose is to exude a casual somewhat disorganised appearance as if theyve 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 styleWhile historical features like builtins wood molding and stainedglass windows may play a role the essence of the style ultimately boils down to authenticity This is precisely why there arent specific decor items you can purchase to capture its broad aestheticThe name holds an appeal too When it comes to trends ndash 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 nomenclatureHerersquos how to master the trend of bookshelf wealthThinking about joining the trend The initial requirement is a suitable bookshelf Whether its a builtin 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 DhawanThe 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 youReshma Chhabria a Mumbaibased 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 piecesShe 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 placeThe 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 its advisable to invest time in layering patterns hanging prints and integrating various textures such as velvet and grasscloth to determine what best suits individual preferencesYour 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