bookshelf wealth

Popularized on TikTok in December 2023.

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bookshelf wealth (uncountable)

1. (neologism) An interior design trend or aesthetic which promotes large bookshelves full of books.
   • 2024 January 15, Madison Malone Kircher, “Do You Have 'Bookshelf Wealth'?”, in The New York Times‎^[1], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 27 February 2024:

     In an interview, Ms. Newton said that she worried trends like bookshelf wealth encourage overconsumption. This year, she added, she is trying not to buy any new books.

   • 2024 January 22, “What is bookshelf wealth? Inside the controversial new design trend”, in The Independent‎^[2], London: Independent News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 22 January 2024:

     Bookshelf wealth is an interior decor aesthetic evocative of the warmth of a Nancy Meyers movie, with cosy yet classic furniture and most notably a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that shows off the owner's vast collection.

   • 2024 February 5, Angela Tafoya, “Is "Bookshelf Wealth" the Most Authentic TikTok Interiors Trend Yet?”, in Vogue‎^[3], New York, N.Y.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 12 February 2024:

     Still, some commenters were quick to criticize the trend, arguing that bookshelf wealth simply indicates you have the financial means (and the space for a built-in) and that it can lean inauthentic.

   • 2024 October 17, Jennifer Barger, “Get the look of built-ins without splurging on custom shelving”, in Washington Post, page H 11:

     Though the “bookshelf wealth” look – stylishly arranging novels, coffee-table books, and knickknacks – is trending, people have used shelving to showcase what they’ve read and collected for centuries.

   • 2025 July 22, Lucy Knight, “‘Look how well-read I am!’ How ‘books by the metre’ add the final touch to your home – or your image”, in The Guardian, London, page 4:

     Customers will also come to the publisher directly, Ovenden says, with “requests by the metre for certain shelf sizes”.
     The rise in such requests can be attributed to the popularity of the “bookshelf wealth” interior design trend on TikTok – an extension of the “quiet luxury” and “stealth wealth” aesthetic.

   • 2025 September 11, Nicky Rampley-Clarke, “Ingenious design upgrades from just £3.95 that will help you sell your home”, in Daily Mail, London:

     UNLESS you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard of ‘bookshelf wealth’ – a trend on social media that takes its name from perfectly-styled open shelving, where items are on display.
     Luckily, this form of exposed storage is practical as well as chic, while there are plenty of affordable styles to get the look for less – see Ikea, B&Q and Argos.