Flowers.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!