Histone modifications, as one of the epigenetic mechanisms, play a crucial role in chromatin structure, nucleosome localization, and regulation of gene expression. Recent studies have revealed that histone modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitination regulate the differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts and affect bone homeostasis. This article reviews the research progress of histone modifications in regulating the differentiation and function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts.