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