1. You’re Golden

Attention anyone used to just a sprinkling of shiny stuff: Put the pedal to the metal! Sticking with one tone, whether it’s gold, silver or copper, is ultraglam and cohesive. Feel free to mix polished and matte finishes. No matter what the theme is, drop in quirk — we’re looking at you, brass bugle — for that personal touch.

2. Rainbow Pop

Grouping books and objects by color is the easiest and cheeriest way to stir up a shelf, which is why we’ll never be over the rainbow. Continue one hue across two shelves and it’ll keep the look fluid (snag Roy G. Biv books at yard sales and thrift stores). It’s good to stack some upright and some on their sides, to enhance the artsy effect. Rounded finds playfully contrast the linear edges of the spines.

3. Natural Beauties

There’s a reason stone, rattan and wood accents are hot: Mother Nature’s neutrals have a casual sophistication that relaxes any space. In a bookshelf full of them, the key is to vary the shapes, textures and tones. When you’re doing white objects on white shelves, choose chunkier types — they’ll stand out from afar. A nearby plant (this is bird-of-paradise) is an organic way to get in a little color.

4. Around-the-World Chic

Books say a lot about a person’s interests, but the surrounding decor can really play up a passion. For a travel theme, think souvenirs and trip-y accessories or items that are iconic in far-flung locales you’ve visited — or hope to. No shame if your keepsakes were found while roaming the web!