The Best Bookstagram Post Ideas Using Props You Already Own
If you’ve ever swooned over a dreamy Bookstagram grid and wondered how they make their photos so enchanting, you’re not alone. While editing adds a finishing touch, the real magic often lies in the props – and how they’re used to bring your Bookstagram post ideas to life. The best part? You don’t need a fancy studio or a huge collection. Just a few thoughtfully chosen items can turn your cosy reading snaps into whimsical, scroll-stopping content.
As someone who’s tested more bookish props than I care to admit (for research, of course), I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that make the biggest impact, without cluttering up your shelves. Whether you’re creating moody autumnal flatlays or pastel cottagecore scenes, these props will help bring your literary aesthetic to life.
Let’s explore the essential tools every Bookstagrammer needs in their kit – plus, I’ll sprinkle in some Bookstagram content ideas and post inspiration to get your creativity flowing.
1. Fairy Lights
Why I love them: Soft, warm fairy lights add instant magic. They bring depth, warmth, and that golden glow that makes a photo feel like a portal to another world – perfect for Bookstagram content that feels ethereal and inviting. They also help light up darker corners if you’re shooting in low natural light.
Top tip: Wrap them around a stack of books, weave them through a teacup handle, or tuck them into mason jars for that soft-focus sparkle. They’re especially powerful in flatlays for evening-themed reads or fantasy books.
Bookstagram post idea: Try a “reading after dark” themed post with a glowing setup, favourite fantasy book, and a caption sharing your go-to night reads.
Try this: These USB copper wire fairy lights are perfect for flatlays.
2. Teacups & Teapots
Why I love them: There’s something undeniably comforting about a tea setup. It adds atmosphere and gives your photo a story – like you’ve just paused mid-read for a sip. Plus, it invites your audience to imagine themselves there.
Top tip: Use vintage floral cups for a cottagecore vibe, or dark ceramic mugs for gothic academia. Don’t have a full tea set? Even a single patterned mug next to an open book creates an intimate aesthetic.
Bookstagram content idea: Share a “reading & sipping” series featuring different books and your favourite teas. It’s a lovely recurring theme for building a cosy, consistent feed.
Extra twist: Match your tea flavour with the book’s mood (e.g., chamomile for calm reads, chai for adventurous ones) and mention it in the caption for added engagement.
3. Candles (Especially in Glass Jars or Tins)
Why I love them: Candles bring warmth, scent association, and that bookish “curl up and read” vibe. They create pockets of light that draw the eye and can tie the whole colour story together. Bonus points if they’re book-themed candles – so many indie sellers offer scents inspired by your favourite reads!
Top tip: Choose candle colours that complement your book cover palette or your background. A glass jar can also double as a reflective surface for added texture in your image.
Bookstagram post idea: Do a candle review series where you photograph and describe your favourites paired with your current reads. It’s a subtle way to shout out small shops and build partnerships too!
4. Natural Elements
Why I love them: Pressed flowers, leaves, pinecones, stones – these bits of nature ground your feed in the seasons and add tactile textures that contrast beautifully with sleek book covers. They make your photos feel lived-in and rooted in real life.
Top tip: Build a seasonal prop box. On your next walk, collect acorns, fallen petals, feathers or even sand if you’re coastal. Press flowers between book pages or use a flower-press kit for reusable beauty all year round.
Bookstagram content idea: Try a “seasonal shelfie” using props from your walks and a caption about what you’re currently reading and why it matches the mood of the month.
Try this: DIY flower-press kit to preserve blooms for your shots.
5. Scarves & Fabric Scraps
Why I love them: These are game-changers. The right fabric adds flow, warmth, and cohesion to your photo. You can change the whole vibe of a shoot with just one scarf. They soften hard lines and draw attention to focal points like book covers or candles.
Top tip: Raid your wardrobe! You probably already own props – that party dress with sequins, your favourite snuggly jumper, or a patterned shawl. Use velvet for darker, moody shots; light cotton or linen for soft summer reads.
Content idea: Create a series called “Reading Looks” where your backdrop fabric subtly reflects the book’s aesthetic – moody for thrillers, floral for romance, etc.
Extra tip: Scarves also make brilliant DIY backdrops if you’re shooting from above. Just lay one out, place your book and props on top, and you’ve got an instant flatlay setup.
6. Bookmarks & Reading Journals
Why I love them: These are both functional and beautiful. They add storytelling layers and visually tie your Bookstagram content to your actual reading life. Sharing your process makes your posts feel more authentic and engaging.
Top tip: Feature your current read alongside a matching bookmark or open reading journal entry. Scribbled notes, page tabs, and highlighters create beautiful realness that draws readers in.
Post idea: Try a “currently annotating” post with sticky tabs and quotes from your book. It gives you a chance to share a meaningful excerpt and boost interaction.
✨ Final Touches: Tips for Cohesive Bookstagram Content
If you’ve got the props but still feel like your grid is a bit mismatched, here are some extra Bookstagram content ideas and styling tips to pull everything together:
- Choose a colour palette per shoot: This keeps your content feeling polished and intentional. Think: warm tones for autumn, soft greens for spring, moody greys for thrillers.
- Edit for mood, not perfection: A slight vignette, warm filter, or just boosting shadows can completely change the feel of your image.
- Rotate seasonally: Even the same props can feel fresh when paired with new textures and seasonal light. Lean into what’s blooming or falling outside your window.
- Plan ahead: Use a Bookstagram content planner or even a simple spreadsheet to batch shoot and brainstorm your post ideas. Having a theme or story in mind helps when you’re low on inspiration.
- Repurpose your shots: One flatlay can become a carousel, reel, pin, and blog post image. Don’t let that effort go to waste!
💡 Want More Bookstagram Post Ideas?
If you loved these tips, you’ll adore my Aesthetic Bookstagram Post Templates – ready-to-use posts designed to help you post consistently and beautifully, without burning out. They’re ideal if you’ve ever sat staring at your camera roll thinking, “I have no idea what to post.”
Grab them here and take the guesswork out of your content planning.
📣 Tell Me Your Favourites!
Which props do you use in your book photos? Tag me @thefabledpagesco so I can see your whimsical setups – and don’t forget to pin this post for later!
Enjoy this post? Head over to the blog for more inspiration 🙂
Amy x
