Even if you are not involved in the back-to-school melee, at this time of the year our thoughts turn to books. As decorative tools, the hard and paperback kind have become very voguey in interiors’ circles. It has finally become cool again to show off your reading material rather than hiding it away. Hence the return of that most Victorian of decorating flourishes the bookend.

The device has been updated for modern living and the best ones are artful enough to feature as interesting objects in their own right. James the book end from Black and Blum, will add personality to shelves, whatever your reading taste. He costs €24.50 from Stock Design (01-679 4317) at 33-34 South King Street in Dublin 2. At Howards Storage World (01-294 80003 Hsw.ie) at Unit 215, The Park, Carrickmines, in Dublin 18 James is available for €21.95 in red, lime green and black. For something more chic, try Jonathan Adler’s very animated bull. Made of white china by the ultra-fashionable potter turned designer it would look super smart set upon dark grey shelving. Priced €145 it is available on the gift floor of Brown Thomas (01-605 6666), Dublin. Conran for Marks and Spencer Home has rather snazzy bookends that can act as shelving punctuation as well as performing a function. They come in apple green and red, and cost €16 each. These can be purchased in Dundrum, Blanchardstown, and Mary Street and can also be ordered into other stores or purchased online at Marksandspencer.ie.