Anne Mai Yee Jansen is a literature and ethnic studies professor and a lifelong story lover. She exists on a steady diet of books, hot chocolate, and dragon boating. After spending over a decade in the Midwest and the Appalachians, she returned to the sun and sandstone of California’s central coast where she currently resides with her partner, offspring, and feline companions. Find her on Instagram @dreaminginstories
As a dedicated word-nerd, I love me some bookish decor. And there’s a ton of it out there, from throws to objets d’art to art prints and more. But what about the littles? Lots of kids like to read, and for many of them (just like their grown-up counterparts), it’s a central aspect of their identities.
Now, I’m not one to promote senseless materialism—because trust me, I understand how much stuff kids can accumulate. At the same time, I believe there’s something to be said for the impact of home decor.
In his book Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You, psychology professor Sam Gosling explains how a lot of the material items “we gather about us and the environments we create are there…specifically to manage our emotions and thoughts.” He also notes that how we decorate our spaces can “reinforce how we see ourselves.”
When I think of young readers—whether they’re toddlers, tweens, or teens—I think of the many potential impacts of being surrounded by tangible manifestations of their bookishness. Sure, a pillow is just a pillow. But what if that pillow reinforces a kid’s love of reading? What if it helps them regulate themselves after a hard day at school or gain confidence in a crucial aspect of their identity?
Maybe I’m reading too much into things (pun totally intended), which is entirely possible. Either way, I’ve rounded up some really fun bookish decor for kids for you here. So whether you’re hoping to subtly support your little one’s love of books or are simply looking for a nice gift for them, I hope you have fun seeing all the great bookish decor available for kiddos!
The Goods
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Goods for Bookifying the Room
Image from VAL Print Designs on EtsyDownload these files for a set of 6 prints ($12) featuring characters from popular children’s books.
Image from Heaven Rug Design on EtsyThis fantasy-inspired flying books rug ($45+) is perfect for sparking the imagination! It’s also machine washable (whew!).
Image by Tara Neal Art from Spoonflower on EtsyTara Neal Art has an adorable peel-and-stick fairy tale books wallpaper ($34+). The wallpaper looks like a library and is easy to apply and remove on your own.
Image from Star Stick on EtsyIf full-on wallpaper is too much of a commitment, these colorful book wall decals ($48) are a great option.
Warm Snugglies for Your Little Reader’s Bed
Image from Franco Manufacturing on AmazonEncourage a wild love of reading with this Where the Wild Things Are plush throw ($26).
Image from kdqua on AmazonReading nooks are supposed to be soft and squishy, and this reading corner throw pillow cover ($10) will help you accomplish that for your young reader.
Image from Aheaplus on AmazonI’m not sure I’d have ever gone to sleep if my headboard was a bookshelf with built-in color-changing LEDs…but this was too fun to pass up. This bookshelf headboard ($80+) is available for twin, full, queen, and king beds (because kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy reading by the colorful glow of LEDs).
Readerly Swag to Adorn the Bookshelves
Image from PapaTrike on EtsyA lamp that’s also an objet d’art? Yes, please! This wood lamp ($55+) is shaped like a book AND you can personalize the engraved cover. It’ll light up both your kiddo’s room and their imagination.
Image from CuteBee on AmazonFor older readers, this beginner’s DIY book nook kit ($42) is a cute project that they can complete on their own or with others (hooray for activities that promote teens hanging out with the people they share a home with!). Bonus: the end result is a super cute bookshelf decoration.
Image from Anchored Soul Creations on EtsyWhat’s more fun than having your own library sign? This 3-D printed sign ($30+) is highly customizable, both in terms of color (any color of the rainbow and then some) and design (cats, flowers, coffee, skulls — there are options for every reader).
Image from Sixteen December on EtsyEveryone needs a little light to read by, and this personalized library nightlight ($40+) is a fun way to light up your shelves. Your young reader’s initial becomes a whimsical light-up miniature library.
Of course, the most important part of a bookish kid’s decor is their bookshelves. Check out the best bookshelves for kids to complete their reading nook!
English (US) · 