Meaning of bookshelf wealth | Babel Free

Definitions

An interior design trend or aesthetic which promotes large bookshelves full of books.

neologism, uncountable

Examples

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

CEFR level