You probably have quite a few books laying around your home. Maybe you even have your own little library started, and for the time being you're randomly stacking them on and under tables, against the wall, under the bed or behind the couch. Maybe you even have great bookshelves stuffed with books you've accumulated over the years! Either way, as books are some of the most inspiring objects in the world and have fed us great ideas for centuries, you should use your book collection as a focal point and design feature in your home.
Below we have several ways in which you can make your book collection and shelving system speak for itself – this will not only highlight your books, but highlight you as an individual and get great conversations going when your guests arrive. So pull up your sleeves, dust off those books and start getting creative!
The shelving system pictured here is nearly perfect – it's minimal, functional, neutral and large enough to allow for large-format coffee table art books or smaller, intricate series of books as well as some interesting accessories and trinkets.
The designer has beautifully mastered the science of stacking books in various ways for great movement and dynamic views, and the addition of accessories like a vintage globe, flowers and a figure have made this space wonderfully eclectic. Don't be scared to mix it up!
Stacking books across, vertically, horizontally, by size and colour are some easy ways to liven up your bookshelf. Also, if you purchase an interesting shelving system, like the one seen here, then positioning your books in an obscure manner is much easier as the interesting design basically does it for you.
Take a look at ways designers have stacked books or positioned them diagonally to get some great eye movement and dynamism out of a rather bland bookshelf. Why not use a divided shelving system like the one seen here for an added effect?
Symmetry can make anything seem more organised, together and structured. We suggest with your bookshelves that you always stick with an even amount and try to position and organise your books so that one side doesn't look heavier than the other side.
This will require some trial-and-error on your part, and as you're decorating you will need to step back from the shelves and take a look to see how it feels. If your eyes shift towards one side more than the other, it more than likely means there's more visual activity to look at. Also be careful with any decorative features or book-ends you might add and keep them as symmetrical and balanced as possible.
Colour coordinated books is a great design choice as it allows you to work with your pre-existing collection to create something beautiful and touching. The most popular colour coordination technique is to organise books in a rainbow theme, as you move from left to right.
Some designers and homeowners have taken this coordination a step further by covering all their books in single-colour protective binding, like seen here. For an interesting and modern take on colour coordinating books, why not white-out your bookshelves or make them all black?
Check out this slight rainbow colour-coordination to see how you like it!
Bookends come in the most brilliant shapes, sizes, colours and even objects. If you're looking for a more eclectic and lived-in feel to your home and bookshelf, forget the typical glass and wood bookends and instead think about using those items around your home that you love.
Pull that Leica camera out of its bag and display it proudly – look around for other quirky items that can fit on your bookshelves for the most unique feel to your space that's 100% you!
Why not use beautiful and used antique books as great bookends, like seen here?
Whether you have enough books to totally fill your bookshelf or if you're just now starting your minimal collection, covering the back of your shelves or shelving system in high-quality wallpaper is a great choice. With easy installation and rather cost-effective depending on the quality of wallpaper you buy, self-adhesive wallpaper will bring an added design feature and eclectic feel to your book collection.
Want more literary ideas? Find out how to create a home library!