Getting our teen girls’ bookshelves ready for school was really fun to do! These back-to-school shelf decorating ideas are pretty and also functional. Keep scrolling to see them all!

Back to school can be a big task as parents and also for the student; clothing and shoe shopping, meal prep and options, homework stations (desks, supplies, and more), and just mental prep.  But, dividing all of the things into smaller tasks can make it manageable and even fun. 

In this post, I am so excited to share with you decorating ideas for your teen bookshelves as they are returning back to school.  We installed these shelves in Abby’s bedroom several months ago, and as you can see in the before photo below, things had gotten moved around and they were needing a refresh as school was approaching. 

Back to School Teen Bookshelf Decorating Ideas

Add a Letterboard to your Teen Bookshelf

Having a letterboard on your shelves is not only good for vertical height and styling, but it also serves a purpose! You can change out the words as frequently as you’d like.  We chose an encouraging Bible verse as she started the first week of school.  What would you put on your teen daughter’s board?

Why Not Add Plants?

Can we all agree that plants whether they are real or faux just make a space feel cozy? Currently, a trend for teen rooms is to have lots of plants around whether hanging from baskets, on stools, or scattered on shelves as we did here.  We opted for faux, but real plants are lovely too if you and/or your daughter has a green thumb.

Don’t Forget the Snacks!

Okay, this can be a bit controversial, but having some little treats on hand can be good study motivators.  Am I right?! Placing mints, gummies, suckers, or whatever their favorite may be in airtight containers keeps them fresh and contained. Plus, it adds some fun splashes of color.

Hair ties and Makeup are Essentials to your Teen Bookshelf

Another fun category to add to teen shelves is hair and makeup tools and accessories.  My daughters get ready in their bathroom as far as makeup goes, we just placed hair bands on Abby’s shelves.  At night when studying or waking up in the morning they are there to grab and go.

 

A Few Books for your Teen Bookshelf

This is a no-brainer, right?! lol! Whether it is a place for their academic books or books they are reading for fun, having a place to place their books is important.  Plus, book stacks whether horizontal or vertical always look good on shelves.

 

Decorate your Shelf with Candles

Candles in space are also a great way to make it feel inviting.  Be sure your teen is ready for a candle in her room, and place it away from any objects. There are tons of candle scents that can be invigorating and/or calming.  Not ready for a candle? Use a diffuser instead!

 

Last But Not Least, Add a Kleenex Box!

This has mom written all over it, right?! But, having a place for kleenex comes in handy.  And placing kleenex in a pretty box like the one we found, looks great on her bookshelves.

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I hope you will have fun decorating your teen daughter’s bookshelves as they return back to school.  What else would you add to shelves? I’d love to hear your ideas too in the comments below!

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If you enjoyed this bookshelf decorating ideas post, I’d recommend checking out these posts too:

How To Style Teen Bedroom Shelves: 5 Cute And Cool Ideas

Fall Bedding For Teen Girls Bedroom