How I Learned to Display Books Like a Fandom Shrine (And Why Your Collection Deserves Better)
Contents
Displaying books in a fandom-themed way transformed my dusty shelves from boring bookcases into conversation starters that actually get people excited about reading again.
I get it—you’ve got books piled everywhere, and the thought of organizing them feels like homework you didn’t sign up for. But here’s the thing: arranging your books around the fandoms you love isn’t just pretty (though it absolutely is). It’s about creating a space that screams “this is MY place” every time you walk past it.
Why Your Books Are Probably Boring Right Now
Let me be blunt. If your books are arranged alphabetically by author or shoved spine-out on a shelf, nobody’s getting excited about them. Not you, not your guests, not even your cat.
I realized this when I walked past my own bookshelf for the 500th time without actually seeing it. My entire Harry Potter collection sat next to a cookbook, which sat next to some self-help book I never finished. Zero personality. Zero impact.
The wake-up call came when a friend visited and asked, “So what are you actually into?” I had to gesture vaguely at my shelves like some kind of literary mess. That’s when I knew something had to change.
Figure Out What You’re Actually Obsessed With
Here’s where most people get stuck—they overthink it.
Start ridiculously simple:
- What posters are on your walls?
- What T-shirts do you wear until they’re basically rags?
- What shows do you rewatch when you’re sad?
- What merchandise do you own multiples of?
Write it down. I’m serious—grab your phone and list it out right now.
Mine looked like this: Star Wars, anything Brandon Sanderson, Studio Ghibli, dark academia aesthetics, and an embarrassing amount of vampire fiction.
If you’re drawing a blank, scroll through your Netflix history or check what subreddits you visit most. Your fandoms are whatever you can’t shut up about at parties.
When You Don’t Know Enough About Something (But Want to Display It Anyway)
I wanted to create a K-drama themed display last year. Problem: I’d watched exactly three K-dramas and knew almost nothing about the book equivalents.
Here’s what I did instead of giving up:
- Asked my sister who’s deep in that world what books gave her the same feelings
- Lurked in r/RomanceBooks looking for Korean romance recommendations
- Visited my local bookstore and just asked the staff point-blank: “What books feel like Crash Landing on You?”
- Checked BookTok for those “if you liked [show], read [book]” videos
Nobody expects you to be an expert. They just want to see you tried.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a local comic shop or specialty bookstore, those folks are walking encyclopedias who actually want to talk about this stuff. Use them.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
I built an entire Dune display two weeks after the movie came out. Everyone who visited wanted to talk about it.
Three months later? Nobody cared anymore.
The sweet spot for themed displays:
- Two weeks before a major movie/show premiere (builds hype)
- Opening weekend through the first month (peak interest)
- Anniversary dates of beloved series
- Author birthdays for cult favorites
- Seasonal connections (cozy fantasy for fall, beach reads for summer)
I keep a Google Calendar specifically for tracking release dates. Sounds nerdy because it absolutely is, but it works.
Small Displays That Pack a Punch
You don’t need to redecorate your entire living room. Some of my favorite displays fit on a single shelf.
Start with these low-effort, high-impact ideas:
The Collector’s Corner
Grab those Funko Pop figures you’ve been hoarding and actually display them with the books they’re from. My little Hermione Pop stands directly in front of my Harry Potter collection. Instant visual connection.
The Photo Wall Approach
Print photos from that convention you went to, that theme park visit, or even movie theater ticket stubs. Frame them or use decorative washi tape to create a collage above your themed book section. I did this with my Studio Ghibli shelf—printed stills from Howl’s Moving Castle and suddenly my bookshelf looked like it belonged in an art gallery.
The Minimalist Move
Get acrylic book stands and face your favorite covers outward instead of spine-out. Rotate them monthly. Takes literally two minutes but makes your whole shelf look intentional.
Go Big or Go Home (When You’re Ready)
Once I got comfortable with small displays, I went full obsessive.
My Hunger Games district display is probably my proudest achievement. I matched books to districts based on their themes:
- District 4 (fishing): Ocean-based fantasies and adventure novels
- District 12 (coal mining): Dark, gritty stories about survival
- The Capitol: Flashy, over-the-top satires and social commentaries
Used fairy string lights to separate sections and printed district symbols from Etsy.
The guessing game display was another hit. I created flip cards where one side showed a quote or symbol, and when you lifted the flap, it revealed the book it came from. Got guests actually interacting with my book collection instead of just nodding politely.
Book club evolution:
Started a monthly graphic novel night with friends. We pick a different fandom each time—last month was Sandman, this month we’re doing manga. Gives me an excuse to display entire genres at once and actually discuss them.
