[Image description: A profile shot of a white, blonde woman sitting on a rock in a green field. Her head is titled down to the book in her hands. She’s dressed in a red velvet top and a white skirt.] Via Pexels on Pixabay
A profile shot of a white, blonde woman sitting on a rock in a green field. Her head is titled down to the book in her hands. She's dressed in a red velvet top and a white skirt.
Books are everything. Most of us read all the time, in some way or form. It’s one of those remarkable habits that can totally change your life and it’s fun. Plus, the growing accessibility of books and other reading materials means that this generation is reading more than ever before. That makes it pretty obvious why bookish accessories are also cropping up everywhere lately.
If you’re a casual reader, you might be able to resist basically buying every single thing you run across on Amazon. If you’re a serious bookworm, however, you might as well kiss your self-control goodbye.
Technically, you might know full well that all you need to have a good time is a book and enough light to read without your eyes hurting. You might even know that capitalism is evil and you should probably resist its allure to buy everything. But at the end of the day, we’re only human and some things are just too cute to resist.
Here are 13 of my favorite bookish accessories to spice up your reading time or to gift to a fellow bookworm. They change lives, trust me.
[Image description: A white book sleeve peppered with cartoon pineapples.] Via AmazonIf you’re a physical book purist, you probably carry a book around with you everywhere. It presents great opportunities for reading over your commute or while waiting places. It also means your books are susceptible to bending or staining by just hanging out in your bag. A book sleeve keeps your favorite tomes pristine and has the added bonus of looking cute AF.
Get this pineapple sleeve here for $10.99. There’s also an adorable Day of the Dead Cats-themed one for the same price.
[Image description: A picture of a mini black light clipped onto a book.] Via AmazonClip-on book lights are an inspired invention. This one clips on to books, as well as e-readers and tablets, and casts enough light to read comfortably. It’s a blessing, especially if you’re stuck reading around other people and don’t want to disturb them by switching a light on.
It’s light, portable, and inexpensive. And best of all? A reviewer noted that the light is so handy, she even uses it to pluck her eyebrows!
[Image description: A picture of a jar candle, a tin candle and a diffuser, all labelled Jane Austen.] Via AmazonAs a seasoned reader, setting the aesthetic of your little reading nook can be quite important and nothing says atmosphere quite like a scented candle. Bookish scented candles based on books and fandoms have garnered quite a following lately, but the Paddywax Library Collection tries to bring the actual authors to life. With a quote on both the candle and the box, it sets the mood perfectly for a long rainy afternoon of cozy reading.
[Image description: A picture of a tall white candle in a jar, with its box beside it.] Via AmazonIf you don’t want the imaginary aroma of your favorite classical author pervading your space as you read, the Book scent by Homesick is a perfect alternative. Reported by reviewers to hold a very subtle scent, the candle is said to smell like old libraries – books, old tables and leather: a bookworm’s dream.
[Image description: A picture of a package of ‘clip over the page’ bookmarks, with a book page used as the background.] Via AmazonI know we hate it when it happens, but there is that inevitable moment when you have to pause reading because somebody wants to talk to you or you simply cannot finish your book in one sitting. As sad as that is, you need a cute marker to keep your place when that happens. These ‘Clip Over The Page’ bookmarks are an adorable option that clip on easily over the page.
[Image description: A picture of a book with a gold line marker marking the place and a tin of line markers in the background.] Via AmazonHave you ever had that moment when you stop reading in the middle of a page and have completely forgotten where you stopped? Sounds like you need line markers. Obsessed with marking your favorite parts but not a fan of flimsy page flags? You need line markers. These little babies are a genius invention, flat enough to use multiple in one book and portable enough to pop into a purse.
[Image description: A set of 12 Vincent Van Gogh bookmarks featuring different depictions of the artist’s works.] Via AmazonIf you’re a fan of classic bookmarks and into Impressionist art, these bookmarks are a dream come true. They come in a set of twelve, each printed on both sides with a beautiful copy of one of Van Gogh’s iconic paintings. There’s no tassel on top for those who don’t like them, but there is an opening in each in case you want to add one.
[Image description: A picture of a set of 6 Jane Austen themed coasters.] Via AmazonOnce the bookish accessories start infiltrating your space, it’s only a matter of time before they take over your house. These handy coasters, for example, are a good fit for pretty much any room. They look like something straight out of an aged leather-bound Austen hardback and the neoprene material also makes them flexible and extra durable. In fact, one reviewer came back to edit their review two years after purchase, just to say that the coasters were still going strong!
[Image description: A turquoise cushion with a cartoon of a reading cat on it.] Via AmazonIf you’re a serious reader, chances are you have a serious reading corner in your space where you hole up to read. A cute, bookish accessory like this adorable cushion case is basically essential in that space. How else are you supposed to have a great time without a pop of color, back support, and some cat humor?
[Image description: Several packages of Novel Teas teabags with a black kettle beside them.] Via AmazonOne of the best ways to enjoy a book is with a warm beverage in hand. The Novel Teas teabags fit that quota perfectly. They’re filled with strong black tea and armed with a literary quote each. They’re a little pricey compared to regular teabags, but the novelty is worth paying a little extra for… as is the company’s dedication to a good pun.
[Image description: A picture of a bath caddy with a book and a glass of wine on it.] Via AmazonIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a bookworm who has never dropped a book in the bath definitely doesn’t take baths to begin with. Because if you’re prone to reading in the bath, chances are that you’ve definitely had an accident or two with your reading materials. To prevent your book or even your e-reader hitting the warm soapy suds, invest in a good bath caddy like this one to hold your book, drink and scented candle for the perfect bookish evening.
[Image description: A picture of a sheet of paper with some color pencils and a custom stamp lying on it.] Via AmazonOkay, so maybe you aren’t extreme enough to label all your books, but most serious readers I know definitely mark their books with their name and age. Personally, I find it rather frustrating because my handwriting comes out different every single time I do it. Exactly why a custom stamp like this is so handy. You can customize whatever you want the stamp to say and what color ink you want it with. Tthen you can label all your books with speed and style!
[Image description: A picture of a compact mirror printed with a library due date card.] Via AmazonEveryone needs a mirror on them for emergencies, and this one is delightfully on brand. Especially if you pride yourself on being a reader. The mirrors are slightly magnifying and the different colors and fonts on the cover lend it a wonderfully-authentic charm. Besides, if you’re popping a book in your purse, why not bookish accessories?
Grad student majoring in English literature, known in certain circles for taking impromptu naps and starting fights about feminism in class. She believes in the power of critical discourse, diversity in representation, the perfect cup of chai, a good red lipstick, and Mr. Darcy’s hand flex (2005).
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