30+ Mesmerizing Bookshelf Inserts That Book Fans Will Love

Most bookworms aspire to build a library as impressive as like the one shown in the animated film, Beauty and the Beast. But any collection’s worth can’t really be measured by its volume alone. In fact, more often than not, book collections tend to be incredibly intimate. And bookshelf inserts are helping amplify any collection’s whimsical (or thought provoking) charm. This new decorative trend is literally bringing bibliophile’s magical worlds to life. They may be small, but they’re definitely hard to miss!

Japanese artist Monde started it all when he debuted his back street dioramas at Design Fiesta 2018. The event is an annual international art event in Tokyo. His hyper realistic depiction of Japanese backstreets totally won the crowd that year. After all, books don’t always have the same thickness, and can leave out a gaping space in the shelf. Monde’s bookshelf inserts are definitely a great way to fill in th void. And the reason behind his amazing work?

“I thought it would be interesting if I made a back street in the gap between bookshelves.”

monde book diorama circa 2017
Twitter

 

Japanese artist Monde created bookshelf inserts inspired by Japanese back streets

Since debuting his designs, Monde has definitely become pretty popular. His tweet about the bookshelf inserts have gained over 181K likes and have been retweeted over 73.4k times! His miniature back alleys have gone on several other exhibits since their debut as well. Crafty bibliophiles have taken inspiration from Monde’s concept as well, and have since created their own. But if you want an original bookshelf insert made by the trend’s pioneer himself, you can try luck by sending him a direct message via Twitter.

 

His dioramas are impressively detailed

monde book diorama details
Twitter

 

Creative book lovers are making their own bookshelf inserts

It didn’t take long for crafty bookworms to take Monde’s concept and make it something that’s entirely their own. In fact, they’ve even converged over at Reddit to show off and talk about their new favorite craft project! Some have recreated iconic locations from their favorite books, like Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter universe, and an alley inspired by Blade Runner. We’ve compiled 33 of the most beguiling book nooks from the subreddit. Check them out below:

“This book nook my mother got on eBay”

bookshelf inserts bought from ebay
7concussionssofar

 

“A magical bookshop in your own bookcase”

magical bookshop on your bookshelf
BeardedGlass

 

“Made my first book nook! A double wide Endor inspired wilderness piece.”

wilderness inspired bookshelf inserts
macksdhart

 

Some paid tribute to particular places and time periods for their bookshelf dioramas

old italy inspired book nook
Etsy

 

“Early attempt at Amsterdam nook”

amsterdam nook
firework101

 

Others preferred to keep it simple

“Small alley in bookshelf”

cozy little alley book nook
wiktorwennasofficial

 

“Japanese style book nook’ by Jods”

japanese alley book nook by jods
guidebooknook

 

“Made a book nook inspired by Les Miserables”

book nook inspired by les mis
BGRommel

 

Others took a more fantastical approach for their inserts

whimiscal book nook insert
Etsy

 

“Made a booknook based on opensource model”

kraken tavern book nook
Rick_Proza

 

“Fantasy booknook”

fantasy book nook
dyingchildren

 

Naturally, Potterheads’ bookshelves have their own inserts

“Diagon alley inspired booknook”

diagon alley bookshelf insert
techargellc

 

“I was told this sub m[a]y like this Christmas present I’ve made for my siblings: Diagon Alley!”

minimalist diagon alley book nook
BGRommel

 

On the other hand, this artist prefers to make bookshelves interesting by making inserts inspired by creepy characters

While most book nooks are inspired by places, this artist is making waves on Instagram with his wonderfully ghoulish bookshelf inserts.  He creates custom, extremely detailed inserts that look like they’re peaking at you from between your books. Hundreds of people have inquired how they can buy one, but Taggart is yet to officially announce how and where his works are sold. These inserts will definitely shock your unwitting guests! Plus, it can be used as decor for Halloween – talk about dual purpose, right?

“There’s a Bog Witch living in my bookshelf…”

creepy bookshelf filler by tom taggart
tom.taggart.146

 

“Creature from the Black Lagoon Bookshelf Monster”

creature from black lagoon bookshelf insert
tom.taggart.146

 

“An American Werewolf in my bookshelf!”

werewolf bookshelf insert
tom.taggart.146

 

“Dr. Lloyd Kranio bookshelf monster”

dr lloyd cranio bookshelf monster
tom.taggart.146

 

Take a tour of some more awesome bookshelf inserts below

I made a booknook for a Christmas gift, my inspiration was Blade Runner. It’s larger than ones we have see, it’s 11″ x 6″. from r/booknooks

 

 

Hobbit hole (book nook attempt #2) from r/booknooks

 

Design, print and paint a small shelf to decorate shelves. from r/3Dprinting

 

Harry Potter themed booknook from r/booknooks

 

My first attempt!… from r/booknooks

 

Star Wars themed hallway is complete. from r/booknooks

 

[OC] Dare you enter the Doors of Durin and face the long Dark of Moria? from r/DnD

 

Japanese Alley from r/booknooks

 

A fabulous booknook from r/booknooks

 

My updated booknook. from r/booknooks

 

I designed and printed my own Book Nook inspired by u/Alpha-Lyr’s design. Thingiverse link to .stl in the comments. from r/3Dprinting

 

Another booknook by Peter Söderlund from r/guidebooknook

 

Watch this Warhammer-style book nook get built