More than decor: Why every home deserves a bookshelf (and a few BTS-approved reads)
Before Pinterest mood boards and perfectly curated coffee tables, there was one home essential that quietly gave every space its soul: books.
FINDING the best bookshelves for your space can be one of two things a fun challenge or a depressing reminder that you weren’t blessed with gorgeous built-in shelving units.
In today’s world of minimalist interiors and Instagram-worthy homes, it’s easy to think that the perfect living space is defined by neutral palettes, statement lighting, or designer furniture. But there’s one timeless feature that never goes out of style — a home filled with books.
Books are more than objects you place on a shelf. They tell stories about the people who live there.
Walk into someone’s home and take a look at their bookshelf. You’ll often learn more about them in a few seconds than you would from scrolling through their social media. Favorite novels, travel guides, cookbooks, architecture books, poetry collections, and coffee table books all become quiet reflections of a homeowner’s personality, interests, and dreams.
Interior designers have long treated books as an essential design element — not because they simply look good, but because they make a space feel lived in. Unlike decorative objects bought solely for aesthetics, books bring warmth, texture, and authenticity. They soften modern interiors, add character to minimalist homes, and create inviting corners where people naturally want to linger.
It’s perhaps no surprise that even BTS — known for inspiring millions through music and storytelling — has often encouraged fans to read. Over the years, members have shared books that have influenced the way they think, heal, and see the world, turning their recommendations into instant bestsellers among ARMY.
If you’re looking to start your own home library, here are a few BTS-approved titles from APOP Collections worth placing on your shelves:
1. 1cm+ by Kim Eun-ju and Yang Hyun-jung
Recommended by RM and V, this bestselling Korean essay collection reminds readers that sometimes taking life a little less seriously — and seeing things from a slightly different perspective — can make all the difference. Filled with thoughtful reflections and gentle illustrations, it’s the kind of book you’ll want within arm’s reach on your coffee table.
As trivial as it seems, all you need is a 1 CM change in your perspective
2. I’m Still Too Far From Being an Adult by Park So-young
V has shared this heartfelt essay collection, which explores the uncertainty of growing up and navigating adulthood. For anyone who feels like they’re still figuring life out, it serves as a comforting reminder that no one truly has everything together.
3. There Are No Bad People in the World by Won Jae-hoon
Recommended by J-Hope, this book encourages readers to look beyond first impressions and approach others with greater empathy. Its message about compassion and understanding makes it a meaningful addition to any personal library.
4. Yearning for Home While I’m at Home by Park Wan-suh
Another title recommended by V, this poignant work reflects on memory, belonging, and the emotional meaning of home. It reminds readers that home is more than walls and furniture — it’s the place where our memories, identities, and loved ones come together.
Painfully raw and honest, bestselling Korean author Ra-bin Kwon shares pieces of her personal life through a series of essays and beautiful illustrations made by Oh Jeong
Beyond aesthetics, books also shape how a home functions.
A bookshelf can transform an empty wall into a conversation starter. A reading nook beside a window can become a daily retreat from the noise of city life. Even a stack of well-loved books on a bedside table encourages moments of stillness in homes that often move at a fast pace.
Studies have also suggested that growing up in homes filled with books can positively influence literacy, learning, and lifelong educational outcomes.
While digital devices have made information more accessible than ever, physical books continue to offer a unique reading experience that promotes focus, imagination, and deeper engagement.
Today, as more homeowners embrace wellness-focused living, books deserve a place alongside indoor plants, natural light, and thoughtfully designed interiors.
Whether you’re building a cozy reading corner or simply displaying a few meaningful titles on a shelf, every book adds another layer to your home’s personality.
Perhaps that’s why the books recommended by BTS continue to resonate with readers around the world. Much like their music, these stories invite us to slow down, reflect, and find comfort not just within the pages, but within the spaces we call home.