This Gorgeous, Joanna Gaines-Approved Gem Instantly Upgraded My Bookshelf (See the Transformation!)

Even though home decor might sometimes seem like it’s not as important as functional housewares, like cookware and furniture, I find the opposite to be true. Before I got most of my home decor, I was bothered by small inconveniences every day. Using a drinking glass as a flower vase and a chipped old saucer as an entryway table catchall just wasn’t cutting it.

I had the same problem with my bookshelf. I didn’t own proper bookends, so to keep my row of books upright I was using … other books. At one point, I’d finally gotten proper vases and catchalls, but my bookshelf setup hadn’t improved. I looked online for a stylish set of bookends and remembered that I had seen and liked this travertine set from Magnolia. The brand kindly sent me a pair, and I couldn’t be happier with how it transformed my shelf. If my bookcase had more tiers, I’d get another set! 

I knew that I wanted something interesting but neutral in color so that it wouldn’t clash with my multicolored books. I immediately liked the sculptural design of this pair from Magnolia. The bookends have a floral-inspired shape; the three petals on each one are geometric, which adds a nice bit of structure to the shelf.

Also of note is the bookends’ material. This set is made of travertine, a stone known for its porous appearance. It’s slightly more delicate than marble and has a warm-toned hue. Each bookend measures 5 inches tall and 4.5 inches long, so it’s big enough to make a statement despite holding up a bunch of eye-catching titles. The bookends also measure 2 inches wide, so they feel thick and weighty.

I’m not the biggest fan of marble decor, and part of the reason why is because I see it everywhere. Plus, it’s usually white and gray and quite stark-looking, and I prefer warm-toned home decor. Travertine is nice because it’s not as commonly seen as marble, and it has that crème caramel hue that makes it look both cozy and luxurious. Additionally, travertine has a subtly craterous texture, which is cool to look at and touch.

I also like how these bookends look both rustic and artful. The shape of the petals gives me Art Nouveau vibes, which adds a slightly vintage appearance to the set. Most importantly this find helped declutter an entire shelf on my bookcase, which made the whole bookcase look more streamlined overall. I placed the books I was using to hold up the main row inside a cabinet and now just display a select few, which looks so much better.

I think the bookends are well-priced at $54 for a set, considering their luxe material. In any case, they’re timeless and durable enough to last a lifetime — so if you have your own bookshelf or media console you’d like to organize, don’t hesitate to grab a pair.

Buy: Travertine Floral Bookends, $54