The way we decorate our home is often a broad reflection of our personality. But the devil is in the details and what we put on our shelves – and how we store it – provides a much more intimate portrait of who we are.
In fact, the so-called ‘Shelfie’ (image of shelves full of books, trinkets and personal belongings) is a particularly popular concept on social media.
It could also be the reason why the trend called “shelf wealth” has overtaken paint and wallpaper to emerge as the best way to decorate and personalize the home.
“Our shelves are the fingerprints of our interiors, no two people will be the same,” says Martin Waller, founder of global design house Andrew Martin.
So what does your bookshelf say about you?
THE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
Displaying college books is not a sign of bragging, but rather reflects a personality that wants to maintain a link – a visible link – to its past achievements, says Dr. Sandi Mann.
Memories of student life can remain in memory. But for some, vestiges of those bygone days also linger on the shelves. So what kind of person keeps worn-out textbooks on theoretical physics or old English poetry? According to Dr Sandi Mann, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, the mere fact that we keep these books when they are literally past their sell-by date says something both about our innate insecurity, seasoned with a certain pride and sense of be. This behavior, he says, is not a sign of bragging, but rather reflects a personality that wants to maintain a link – a visible link – with its past achievements.
“People with shelves full of old textbooks not only cling to the past but want a reminder of what education has done for them, of how perhaps they have improved themselves from it,” he says. Perhaps it is a feeling of insecurity: the need to remind himself and others of what he has achieved or the fear of forgetting the knowledge he once had. ‘Or maybe you hope that one day you’ll need those books again, which means you’re also ambitious and forward-thinking. However, these old textbooks also contain a sentimental link: a reminder of what you had to go through to get where you are. So on the one hand, you cherish those memories and value knowledge and learning. But in the middle of that there could also be a moderate hoarder.
THE ALPHABETICAL SHELF
A bookshelf in alphabetical order shows a meticulous and detailed personality.
Organizing books in alphabetical order is a time-consuming task, although once accomplished, it makes it much easier to find that Vietnamese recipe book. Dr. Mann suggests that this type of rack reflects a controlling personality and someone who needs control in their life. ‘Everything has to be in its place. A person with a bookshelf like this needs to know where things are, whether they are books or all aspects of her life. They want order. He added that these types of people are detail-oriented as their bookshelf is a tribute to meticulousness and thoroughness in other areas of their life as well.
And he adds: “It reflects a person with a practical, logical and analytical mentality.” You don’t leave anything to chance. You are conservative and orderly. However, that is not a weakness. In such efficiency there can be strength.’
THE COLOR CODED SHELF
Organizing shelves in this way is increasingly popular on social media, with Instagram filled with brightly colored #shelfie photos.
These types of people also like to be in control, but with an aesthetic touch, says Dr. Mann.
‘Is this person superficial? Not necessarily, but the appearance of things can be more important than the content.’
Although it is a systematic way to organize a bookshelf, it can also encourage a creative and extravagant personality. After all, organizing shelves in this way is increasingly popular on social media, with Instagram filled with brightly colored #shelfie photos. Of course, a lot depends on the palette you choose. If you opt for rainbow colors, this can reflect a larger than life personality. However, even brighter colors give a feeling of calm and control, as it can be easier to locate books this way. You are, Dr. Mann suggests, an expressive personality, someone who uses your personal space as a canvas to reflect your taste and personality but with a sense of order.
THE BOOKSTORE OF MEMORIES
Photos, trinkets and keepsakes are about expressing the things you do in your life and the people you’ve done those things with.
‘Whether it’s carefully selected works of art, trinkets from your travels or family photographs, this type of shelving shows how important memories are to you. But it’s also about literally showing what’s really important in life,” adds Dr. Mann. “The fact that your shelves are not just for books but for things that reference your life experiences, nostalgia and memories reflects your warmth and your ability to connect with other people.”
After all, books show our knowledge, intellectual choices, and variety of interests. However, the same book can appear on many shelves. Photos, trinkets and keepsakes are about expressing the things you do in your life and the people you’ve done those things with.
“You are a person who wants to get the most out of life instead of showing off your personal knowledge.” says Dr. Mann.
“For them, what matters is the experience of life.”
He adds that this shelf also reflects a warm personality as they surround themselves with immediate and obvious things that connect them to what is emotionally important in their lives. The bookshelf is welcoming and attractive: an open book rather than a closed one, like the personality who organizes his shelves this way.
ANNOYED OLD BOOKS THAT ARE ACTUALLY ON THE SHELVES
For some, the contents of their shelves are filled with titles that are more than a little weather-worn.
Not all shelves hold books in perfect condition. For some, the contents of their shelves are full of titles quite deteriorated by the elements. Whether it’s a worn-out copy of Bridget Jones’s Diary or the old paperback with a torn spine that kept you engrossed during the holidays. But holding on to beloved books is a sign of someone who cares about the details of life and is loyal to the things they love.
Knowledge is everything for these types of people, says Dr. Mann. ‘You’re not worried about what people think, you’re not trying to impress anyone. Knowledge and learning is what is important to you and regardless of how other people see you. There is also a strong feeling of nostalgia: you may find it difficult to let go of things and may resist change.’
“People who display these types of books are usually charming and show their heart,” adds Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘They often display books that have been passed down from generation to generation or between friends, so they feel an emotional connection to these objects. Her style is eclectic and her home is full of colors and designs. A book that has aged over time is full of character and charm, just like its owner.’
THE MESSY SHELF
Some people are just messy. They don’t care how things look or simply don’t have time to create a nicer exterior appearance.
Are you someone who gives a damn about arranging books in height order? Maybe just stack them on top of each other to fit as many as you can on your shelf.
The key to this person’s personality is obvious and more nuanced. For one thing, they’re just messy. They don’t care how things look or simply don’t have time to create a nicer exterior appearance. But this careless approach to a bookshelf also offers a glimpse of a more expressive personality.
“A full bookshelf shows someone curious who loves to learn,” adds clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer. ‘This mixed collection implies broad interests and a desire to explore new things. This environment perhaps reflects his inner life as a perpetual student of the world.’ That said, a tendency to hold on to things may reflect a resistance to change or a desire for stability. Each book can represent a memory, an experience, or a period in your life that you value. And you want to hold on to that.
Dr. Mann adds that you may be someone who is hurried, competitive, and focused on what needs to be done at the moment. “There is no time to think about order; this person does not think about laying the slower foundation for the future”
NOTHING TO SEE HERE
A nearly empty bookshelf with just a few carefully selected reads can demonstrate a minimalist way of living.
Not everyone chooses to own or store large quantities of books. In some cases, the shelves hold only a few carefully selected items. A nearly empty bookshelf with just a few carefully selected reads can demonstrate a minimalist lifestyle, explains clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer. ‘It implies that the owner values quality over quantity and likes a clean, simple space focused on the basics. This suggests someone who wants order and simplicity. Therefore, you might be the type of person who values having fewer possessions and prioritizes quality over quantity. This shows a pragmatic approach to ownership, keeping only what is currently needed or used. You can declutter periodically and avoid storing unnecessary items.
