Free Advice Friday: Tutorial on Book Shelf Organization

I hesitate to even answer this question.  

Several people have asked about accessorizing/organizing book shelves.  The reason I hesitate when answering this question is because there isn't a right or wrong but lots of opinions.  So I'm going to tell you how I approach it.  Now, I love a great book.  I've had a library for over 10 years now.  So the first thing to determine is what kind of book shelf you have.  Decorative or functional or a bit of both.  I'm going to address the "both".  If you're strictly a functional person, I'd advise the Dewey Decimal System.

1.  Decorative, Functional or both?

2.  Consider painting or adding wall paper to the backs of the bookcases.

3.  Okay, I know this is going to be controversial, but I take the jackets off the books. The exception is if I'm doing a one color library and then I cover them all in creamy parchment.  This is usually complemented with a patterned wallpaper in the backs of the shelves or a strongly painted color.  This is drama and clearly isn't for everyone.

4.  I like to then sort the books by color, topic, and size.  If you have a collection by one author, you may want to keep those together. I try and keep authors together but will split them if the colors are drastically different.  This might not be an option for some.  I get that, this is just a guideline and not in stone. 

5.  I prefer to display hardbound and put paperbacks in decorative storage or behind doors.

6.  If you have magazines its great to get color coordinated magazine holders for displaying those.

7.  Display oversize books horizontally.

8.  Add meaningful objects or art. Edit them to one item per section.  You don't want it to look like a collectors cabinet.

Here's a pic of mine--your comments are welcome...

Comments

[Amy at The Red Chair Blog]

I'm with you on removing the jackets from hardcover books. This is one of my favorite tricks, and it makes such a difference!

[foobella]

I like all the advise and do follow most of it. I just can't bring myself to remove the dust jackets, though.

I love your book case, although, it does feel slightly top heavy to me. For instance, in the left row, I would switch the top row of books with either the yellow books that are lying flat or the books with the J/K bookends. And the row with the red on top I would switch it with the white ones below.

It's a gorgeous set up, though. I could definitely dig sitting in that chair and rubbing my toes on that rug.

[Kristin]

I like the idea of switching the JK with the top row of Black. I was actually trying to follow a color wheel. It starts with the Blue on the lower right and goes to Purple above it, moving counter clock wise. Then Red then the Orange and then the yellow and back around to Green in a big circle. I have a lot of Black though so I had to interrupt the pattern with that and the White. It wasn't as ideal as I'd like but that's the reality of bookcases and why they are so challenging to people. The rug does feel awesome on your toes. Thanks for your comments.

[Claudia@DipityRoad]

This library and the tips and hints are good.

I especially though, loved the chair and rug. What a great place to take a wonderful mind adventure.

TTFN~~ Claudia

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkDbLwFy9255BJPAKQ2J4WNy5q6MtJio_E]

I want your bookcase it is awesome!! Love all the ideas for dressing up the bookcase especially the pacrchment paper.

Thanks

[Claudia@DipityRoad]

Thanks sooo very much for stopping by my blog! Sadly I am not near Boston...in fact Salt Lake City Utah...you know, the home of the Olympics. :)

Any time you are near by give me a shout I would love to shoot you or anything for you.

Of course you could always fly me out on your private lear jet *wink*

Have the best day!

TTFN~~Claudia

[margie]

Anyway you can share where you purchased your library from? I am in the market for one, and I just love yours!

[Kristin]

I purchased this library from Storehouse Furniture 10 years ago. I have moved it to five different homes. Storehouse is no longer in business but if you'd like something a bit higher in quality than IKEA I have other resources that are "to the design trade" only that have something similiar and are reasonably priced. If you'd like some help just email me at kldrohan@yahoo.com. Otherwise, I'd suggest the Billy bookcase from IKEA.

[Paula Grace]

Great advice! Love the way your library looked!

[puma shoes]

Read your article! It was well written. Great advice.