One of the most fun aspects of taking bookish pictures for me is experimenting with different ideas. There are so many ways to make a Bookstagram photo your own, using a variety of editing tools, backdrops, and of course, props! But at the end of the day, there’s always a few Bookstagram props I almost always rely on. So today I’m sharing some of my go-to Bookstagram props, plus some more seasonal ones, and where I found them. I hope this provides some inspiration for some of your Bookstagram pictures as well!

Flowers.

 

Flowers are by far my most-used and favorite Bookstagram props ever. Flowers (or fake ones, anyway) have been easy for me to find, are generally inexpensive, and a good portion of the ones I have I already own. (For about a year of Bookstagramming, the only flowers I used were ones I already had. Then, well…I wanted more.)

What I love about flowers as a prop is that they fill in blank space very easily. They’re incredibly easy to adjust and maneuver to how you need them, and they also come in a ton of varieties. I like to use a combination of single artificial flowers, smaller and larger versions, and flower garlands. I also like to commonly weave in smaller flowers into the garland, and sometimes layer lights over them as well.

Another plus of artificial flowers is that they are generally inexpensive and easy to find. I recently found some at the dollar store at the other day that I’m starting to use in my pictures. You can also find them at thrift stores. Craft stores have a wonderful selection as well, and often have sales on their floral section!

If you have real flowers, that of course works as well! I’ve also previously used flower petals that fell from trees, as well as leaves and pinecones as Bookstagram props.

Blankets.

Blankets do so much to transform my photos and it’s difficult for me to not use them! Whether I use them as a complete backdrop or layer them around books, they add so much texture and intrigue to a photo.

And once again, this is something that I already own! When I first started Bookstagram, I decided to keep my color scheme the same as my bedroom/home decor. This made it so easy for me to search for Bookstagram props throughout my home without having to worry about whether it would fit my theme.

This gray blanket in particular makes it into most of my photos now. And the funny thing is, it’s actually a knockoff Snuggie that my sister got at a trade show! You can’t really tell from the pictures, but I try to hide the sleeves and logos each time.

This is another one of my favorites because you probably already have a blanket lying around that you can use. But even if you don’t, you can use various fabrics to get the same effect.

Candles.

Candles have always been a no-brainer for me because I love to light them while I’m reading, so I love pairing them with books in photos. They’re also a fairly accessible photo prop and are great at filling blank space in flat lays.

I’ve also been taking lots of photos of candles lately as I am currently a rep for Hopbrook Lane Candle Co. These candles are bookish and fandom-themed and all smell so lovely. They also have glitter poured on top, making them such a pretty addition for flatlay photos! This is my last month as a rep, so if you’re looking at checking out some new candles, you can also use my code JULIE10 to save ten percent.

I never light candles in Bookstagram photos, however – with all of the props around combined with taking photos on my bed and me being clumsy, this is bound to end in disaster. I have edited small flames on top of candle wicks in a few of my photos, however! I think this adds a nice touch, without, you know, the danger part.

Working with a different variety of candles also works well as you can spread them out, group a few together – whatever works!

 

Mugs. Drinks. Tea!

Because what’s better than a warm drink and cozying up with a good book?

I have to admit, I used to do food/drink sparingly for the same reason as not wanting to light candles – I will make a mess. And I have, in fact, spilled tea before, and I knew I would, which is why I’d always use iced tea when taking pictures. But now, just like candle flames, I just edit my drink of choice into the mug! It’s so much easier this way and I don’t have to prep a drink just for the sake of taking a picture. And for those that do this, especially on the regular, I admire you! 

Placing a small plate underneath adds a bit to the picture as well, so I like to do that. And, again – you probably have a mug in your home! It doesn’t necessarily need to be something aesthetic to work either – my mug is actually a Fender guitar mug, but since I primarily use it for flatlays you’d never know. The thrift store also usually has an incredible selection of plateware if you need something. There are also, of course, lots of lovely bookish shops out there that sell mugs!

Placemats.

Placemats serve a similar purpose as blankets to me – they add some interest to the backdrop. But with placemats being flat, it’s easier to stand up other props on them.

And again, this is something I already own. Well, technically it’s my mom’s, and I borrow it often. (Sorry, mom.) But if you don’t have any, again – check out your thrift stores, dollar stores, and craft stores! I personally really like the circular ones as opposed to rectangular ones for photos because I like the setup against the square aspect ratio and I think it adds a secondary place for the eyes to focus. But if you’d rather use rectangular placemats, go for it!

All Things Seasonal.

Seasonal photos are my favorite to take because I get to use Bookstagram props I don’t often use and I’m taking from stuff I already own.

But there is so much out there that you can repurpose for year-round Bookstagram props if you really wanted to. For instance, there’s lots of silver and white pieces that don’t necessarily scream, “Christmas!” if I use them in a different context.

I also have several decorations that were originally intended for Halloween that I use year-round. (And if you enjoy Halloween decor, it’s back in stores again!)

And while holiday decor is fun to shop for, maybe there’s something you own that’s seasonal decor that would work too! When I’m feeling especially creative in the photo-taking process, one of my favorite things to do is explore around the house and try to use things as props that I wouldn’t normally. It often leads to some unexpected (but really cool) results!

Let's Chat

What do you like to use to take pictures? Do you have any go-to Bookstagram props, or do you like to mix them up? Let me know! 

Julie Anna
My Go-To Bookstagram Props
Pin Me
September 2022 Wrapup: Return to Normalcy

September 2022 Wrapup: Return to Normalcy

Hello hello! I hope you had a good month. This September had a bit of a return to normal for me - with work (sort of), reading, and just a reset overall! September in General Since August threw me for a bit of a loop, September was a reset month for me. I was back at...

October 2022 Anticipated Releases

October 2022 Anticipated Releases

October is upon us, so it's time to share my October 2022 Anticipated Releases! As always, there are lots of amazing books coming our way. But here's a selection of a few titles I'm particularly interested in. So without further ado, here's my list of October 2022...

August 2022 Wrapup

Hello hello! I hope you had a good month. This month had a lot going on, and I didn't read as much - but what I did read was pretty good!August in General The month of August has really been, well....something else. It's a bit confusing to look back on in hindsight...

Tweet
Share
Pin