Here at NetGalley, one of our favorite things to do is help members make their bookish social media accounts their own. If you’ve followed our tips for starting a Bookstagram, you know that props are often featured in readers’ photos. There are so many props you can find right in your own home, but if you’re looking to treat yourself, we’ve rounded up some great options here.
Psst: Find tips on taking e-reader photos here!
If you struggle to find surfaces in your home that make for a good book background, you might want to consider investing in a backdrop. Just place it on a flat surface and you’re ready to go!
Tea cups, on their own or with a saucer, are a fun and useful accessory to add into your shot—especially for cozy reads, historical fiction, or during chilly months throughout the year.
Scrabble tiles make for a creative way to share your feelings on a book. You could write your rating (five stars), the genre (paranormal), or anything that comes to mind (new fave).
If you’ve spent any time on Bookstagram, you’ve seen these wood slices. They’re great stands for indoor photos or outdoor shots when you don’t want to set a book or e-reader on the ground.
We love fresh flowers, but having fake flowers on hand all year long is ideal for a Bookstagramer. Pick your favorites from book pages, rainbow appliques, or a crocheted bouquet.
You likely already have a stack of bookmarks on hand to use in your photos, but if you’re in the market for one more, we’d recommend this one that you can personalize with your handle!
A bundle of book pages may be just the thing your next picture needs. You can lay them out to use as a background or scatter a handful about to fill in some empty space in the frame.
The best kind of props double as decor and these fairy lights can be strung along your bookshelf, window, or wall when not being used to create Bookstagram magic.
Everyone should have a dramatic letter opener in their life, and this replicate sword also doubles as a great prop for readers who enjoy sharing their latest fantasy reads.
This mug aimed at late night readers would make for an excellent accessory in your next picture, plus it’s the ideal cup for the coffee you’ll need to stay awake after a midnight reading session.
A miniature dry erase board is a perfect place to share a snapshot of your rating or review within your photo, and we love that this one can be customized with your handle.
Book sleeves are useful any time you’re traveling with your book or e-reader, and they also can serve as a colorful prop in your photos.
This one might be too pretty to burn! Not only will this candle of a veiled lady look incredible on your bookshelf, it can also serve as a lovely addition to any of your Bookstagram photos.
An audiophile’s must-have accessory is always a pair of headphones. If you’re in need of a new pair, consider this colorful set, which can connect you to your audiobooks and look cute in photos.
If mysteries and thrillers are the books most often featured on your Bookstagram, you might want to get a Victorian-style magnifying glass to use as a prop.
This rose gold tea infuser is excellent for fans of loose-leaf tea, and it makes for a fantastic addition to any photo where you’re including a tea cup or mug.
You can’t go wrong with a candle as a prop. These trope-themed ones would look great from above with their sparkles and dried flowers, and wood wicks have the most satisfying burn.
A blanket is a perfect accessory for your reading nook and your next photoshoot. You could go for a fuzzy faux fur option, a bookish one, or a cozy chunky knit.
What is your favorite Bookstagram prop?
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Treat Your Self
A beautiful pen and my reading journals are some of my favorite props.