When we recently created a room reinvention for Tera, we recommended that she pare down from two domineering bookshelves in her living room to one with a less imposing design. Editing her book collection and then restyling the new bookshelf seemed like a daunting task to Tera, but it’s really not so hard if you follow these simple steps.
Edit down your collection
Remove everything from your shelves and start sorting. Sell, donate, or recycle any popular fiction, cookbooks, business or reference guides and children’s books that are either outdated, unused, or damaged.
Keep your prized possessions
Hold on to any books that have sentimental value to you. I have an old copy of Gone With The Wind that my grandmother gave her father for Christmas in 1936, for example; it’s a keeper. A book may have real value if it’s been signed by the author so you’ll want to keep it for sure. Also, hang on to any children’s books written before World War II. Ultimately, it’s your space and you’re the one who will be looking at the shelves most often, so keep the books that mean the most to you and reflect you and your family.
Find your shelving style
Once you’ve determined your keepers, you have lots of options with how to display them. Keep in mind, there is no right way to do this, just work it until it feels right to you. Some ways to consider are to group by color, size, or subject matter.
Image courtesy of colourlovers.com
You can shelve your books by varying the heights to achieve a skyline look. You can stack them horizontally; this works especially well for heavy hardcovers on lower shelves. Or, you can go for the traditional staircase style.
Add some accessories
Scour around for some objects that could be used as unexpected bookends. Choose other items you have to showcase–small vases, decorative boxes, picture frames, objects from nature–and work them in so that the sizing of the objects is in proportion. A small vase with a single flower looks great placed on an oversized hardcover book.
Make it work for YOUR home
Designate a basket of children’s books on a lower shelf to keep that often messy hodge-podge looking stylish and accessible. Lean a painting or framed photo on the back of the shelf for a simple and elegant look. Most of all, make it work for your family. And if you get bored with the look, it’s one of the easiest and cheapest things to makeover next week!
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is that a first edition of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” on your shelf? We have the same book!
This is a great entry and one I really need…my bookshelves are jammed! wonderful ideas!
YES! Just went to check. The date is 1940, and inscription is from my grandmother to grandfather. A family heirloom for sure! Good eye!
[...] 4. We love this tall statuesque bookcase as a place for Susie to display framed family photos, treasured heirlooms, books and accessories. It will look perfect on the right side of the loveseat and provide height and balance to that side of the room. With the loveseat now framed by the newly dressed up window on the left, the bookcase on the right and the mirror above, it will get the attention it deserves. Susie, if you need help arranging your goods on the bookshelf, read our post on that very topic right here. [...]