bookshelf wealth

English

Bookshelf wealth

Etymology

Popularized on TikTok in December 2023.

Noun

bookshelf wealth (uncountable)

1. (neologism) An interior design trend or aesthetic which promotes large bookshelves full of books.
   • 2024 January 15, Madison Malone Kircher, “Do You Have ’Bookshelf Wealth’?”, in The New York Times‎^[1], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-02-27:

     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.

   • 2024 January 22, “What is bookshelf wealth? Inside the controversial new design trend”, in The Independent‎^[2], London: Independent News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-01-22:

     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.

   • 2024 February 5, Angela Tafoya, “Is "Bookshelf Wealth" the Most Authentic TikTok Interiors Trend Yet?”, in Vogue‎^[3], New York, N.Y.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-02-12:

     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.

See also

• stealth wealth