How Do Bookstagrammers Style Their Book Reading Photos?

I love scrolling through bookstagram for inspiration because the creativity there is endless. One common trick is to pair books with themed props—like a cup of coffee and a cozy blanket for a winter read, or seashells and sunglasses for a beachy novel. Natural lighting is key; a sunny spot by a window makes the colors pop. Some bookstagrammers lay books flat with pretty backgrounds like marble or wooden tables, while others stack them vertically with bookmarks or flowers peeking out. Hands holding books with manicured nails or sleeves rolled up add a personal touch. Filters are minimal—most just tweak brightness and contrast to keep it natural but polished. The goal is to make the photo feel inviting, like you could step right into that reading moment.

Bookstagram aesthetics are all about storytelling through visuals, and I’ve noticed a few trends dominating the scene. Flat lays are timeless—arranging books alongside related items, like a vintage pen and parchment for a historical fiction shoot, or a sci-fi novel with a futuristic gadget. Some creators go for the ‘messy aesthetic,’ with open books, scattered pages, and half-empty mugs to feel relatable. Others prefer minimalist setups: a single book with a bold color backdrop or a tiny plant for contrast.

Another trend is ‘shelfies,’ where curated bookshelves take center stage. The trick is to organize by color or theme, with trinkets like candles or figurines breaking the monotony. For action shots, flipping pages mid-air or holding a book against a sunset creates dynamism. Props matter too—a lot of bookstagrammers thrift old cameras, typewriters, or even library cards to add nostalgia. Editing is subtle; presets like ‘VSCO A6’ or ‘Lightroom muted tones’ keep the focus on the books. The best accounts balance creativity with authenticity, making you feel the vibe of the book before you even read the blurb.

Seasonal themes are huge—autumn reads with pumpkin spice lattes, or spooky books with cobweb decorations in October. It’s about crafting a mood that resonates with followers and stands out in a crowded feed.

As someone who experiments with bookstagram, I’ve learned styling is half the fun. Composition rules like the ‘rule of thirds’ help—placing the book off-center with props filling negative space. Textures play a big role: a knit sweater under a hardcover, or a crinkled page corner for a lived-in feel. Some of my favorite shots involve ‘book pairings’—laying a novel next to a vinyl record that matches its vibe, like ‘The Bell Jar’ with a Joan Baez album.

Close-ups are underrated. Zooming in on a book’s spine with fingertips grazing the edges adds intimacy. For series, fanart or merchandise can elevate the shot—think ‘Harry Potter’ wands or ‘Shadowhunter’ runes. I avoid over-staging; a dog-eared page or a real coffee stain can make the photo feel genuine. Lighting-wise, golden hour is magic for warm, soft shadows. I skip heavy filters but bump up clarity to highlight details like embossed titles. The best part? Watching a flat lay evolve from a cluttered draft to a cohesive story—it’s like curating a tiny museum for each book.