Creative ways to store books
10 Creative Ways to Store Books (That Aren't Bookshelves)
Decor & Styling
written by HANNAH OVERHISER
Source: @jyoungdesignhouse
As a book lover and self-declared book collector, I am constantly reimagining and rotating my collection to display different titles based on color and design. Over the years, my book collection has transformed into more than just a library. Rather, it has become a source of interior design inspiration and an outlet for creative energy. When it comes to styling books in your home decor, the possibilities are endless (no, you don’t need to be limited by a bookshelf). If you’re like me and want to give your book storage a refresh, try some of these unconventional methods to store books and elevate your home decor.
Source: Kat Tanita’s Home for The Everygirl | photography by Clarissa Fay
1.
A bar cart is a versatile piece of decor that can be used in almost any room to hold favorite trinkets and glassware as well as a few bottles of your favorite wines or liquors. But just because bar carts are intended for barware does not mean you cannot mix and match with some of your favorite books. Fill up the bottom shelf of a cart with stacks of books, a house plant, and maybe a small lamp to create your own portable library.
Source: Janniche | @bloggaibagis
2. Mix books with pictures
I love displaying my favorite titles front and center on my bookshelf like the pieces of art that they are rather than sorted and tucked away like storage. To bring functionality back to the bookcase and free up some prime real estate on its shelves, shift the more aesthetically pleasing book covers onto a picture ledge or wall shelf along with some framed prints to create a stunning gallery of mixed media art.
You’ll free up much-needed surface area on your shelves and create a new and interesting focal point.
Source: Jiawa Liu | @beigerenegade
3. Display your books on (or below) a windowsill
There’s virtually nothing better than a great reading nook—except a reading nook next to a window with plenty of natural light. Why not preemptively pull some of your favorite titles off the shelf and display them in a spot where they belong, right next to your ideal reading nook? The natural focal point that the window creates will not only place your favorite books on display, but it’ll also keep them close at hand when you’re ready for an impromptu reading session.
Source: Urban Outfitters
4. Use a hutch or buffet for book storage on display
Think of a hutch as a more functional and aesthetic bookshelf. You can use it as a media console below a TV or behind a couch or put it in your dining room table for an impromptu buffet table when guests are over.
Arranging a mix of coffee table books and some of your favorite novels behind the glass casing of a dining room hutch is a lovely way to create some aesthetic intrigue, tie rooms together, and add a little more interest than the usual internet cables or kitchenware that are typically found in media consoles and hutches.
Source: Anna Liesemeyer | In Honor of Design
5. Take advantage of storage spots that are hard to reach
We all have those high shelves or spaces in our homes that often sit empty. If you have untapped storage space above kitchen cabinets or at the top of tall a shelving unit, these areas are perfect for storing items you don’t need to access every day. If you’re like me and, on a whim, you’ve acquired one or two awkwardly sized coffee table books, use them to create visual intrigue in a space that is otherwise empty or bland.
Source: Jillian Greenberg for Mosquito Supper Club
6.
Display books on the mantel Mantels are a fantastic way to display decorations, vases, candles, plants, clocks, etc. If you have a decorative keepsake, your best bet for displaying it prominently in your home is to place it on a mantel. Books on a mantel might not seem that revolutionary, but if you happen to have a fireplace and a ton of beautiful books you’d like to display, why not put them on the focal point of the entire home? Sprinkle in some decorative items to make your stacks of books look like intentional decor instead of temporary storage.
Source: JOSH YÖUNG | @jyoungdesignhouse
7. Store books in the fireplace
No, this is not a creepy call to action or a hint that you have too many books. If you find yourself living in a home with a defunct fireplace, you might have a brilliant opportunity to display your books. Especially if your mantel is already taken up by a TV, decorative mirror, large painting, or decor accents, I raise an alternative: the hearth.
Defunct fireplaces (or fireplaces that are never used) often contain elegant candelabras or stacks of logs, but it can be used more creatively (and functionally). Arrange the books in intentional, opposing stacks and include one or two decor items.
Source: Carolyn | @theslowtraveler
8. Stack them vertically
There is something romantic about a stack of books. Similarly to adding books to empty space above, stacks of books can create visual intrigue on the floor too. Stack your favorite books below a windowsill or along a baseboard to introduce an unexpected design element to your living room, office, hall, or entryway. Face the spines of your favorite books out to create colorful chaos or turn all of the spines in to create more visually cohesive stacks. You’ll immediately feel the creative energy of your room shift and your favorite books will be closer to grab when inspiration strikes.
Source: Carrie Waller of Dream Green DI Y’s home | photography by Carrie Coleman
9.
Use a decorative ladder Ladders are a fun and interesting way to incorporate something visually unexpected into a room. They create height, and their frames are often inconspicuous enough to not detract from the decor items you’re putting on display. Placing books on a ladder will allow you to incorporate color and texture in your room and put a unique spin on storage so they’re on display but also organized.
Source: Kelley Burnett’s Home | photography by Elizabeth Cara
10. Stack underneath a bench
Like a fireplace, benches are useful spots for intentional clutter because they can bring uniformity to items with a lot of variation. In the case of books, that variation can be height, thickness, color, or texture. If you have a bench you’re currently using in a hallway or at the foot of your bed, consider using the space below it to arrange either stacks of books at various heights or a horizontal display of interesting books spines.
This unexpected spot will create visual appeal and effectively tuck your books away at the same time.
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How to Store Books: 20 Creative Book Displays
- There are a lot of creative and functional ways to display your books
- Knowing how to store books helps keep them safe and long-lasting
- We discuss creative book displays to keep your books organized in a small apartment
Staying organized is a popular New Year’s resolution for many people — especially when it comes to your home or apartment. Having a clean and organized space makes us feel less cluttered and clear minded. However, it’s easier said than done for those who have an extensive book collection with limited storage in their apartment.
Knowing how to store books in a small apartment is very important as it not only keeps your space clutter-free, but also keeps your books fresh and lasting for a lifetime. If you are in need of some creative ways to store or display your books, check out these 20 creative book displays to showcase your favorite literary collection.
1. Arrange in a faux fireplace
A functioning fireplace is no place to store books, but a faux fireplace works great as a built-in bookshelf. Non-functioning fireplaces are unique architectural features that are purely for design purposes. Make use of the empty space in your faux fireplace by turning it into a display for your book collection.
2. Revamp an old storage closet
If you have a barely used storage closet in your apartment, try turning it into a mini library. Replace coat racks with shelving units and decorate your little space to make it the perfect little book haven, fit for literary lovers.
To show off your little library, take the door off the hinges or replace it with a glass door so all of your guests can admire your book display.
3. Design a room divider
If you live in a studio apartment or a large multi-purpose space, using a bookshelf as a room divider is both unique and functionable. You could use a standard shelving unit that displays your books to divide your room to give it more privacy.
If you are aiming for a more open look, try using etagere shelving to divide your room and display your books.
4. Under the bed
Your bed takes up a lot of space in your bedroom and therefore has plenty of storage space underneath it. You could use decorative bins under your bed to store your books so they are protected and organized or use cubbies to display your books and make good use of the otherwise wasted space.
5. Store under your coffee table
Rather than placing your books on top of the coffee table where they are vulnerable to coffee mug rings and accidental spills, display your books under the coffee table. Use cubbies that fit underneath and arrange your books with the spine facing outwards for an easy and functionable book display.
6. Display under the stairs
The space under your stairs oftentimes leaves an oddly angled and empty corner in your apartment. These types of places can be great to store books as it gives the space functionality and personality.
Try adding in bookshelves under the steps to arrange your book and other decorative elements like house plants and trinkets to make it a one-of-a-kind book display.
7. Create a literary headboard or baseboard
Make reaching for bedtime stories easy by storing your books in your headboard or baseboard. You can replace your current headboard with a headboard bookcase or create your own literary baseboard using a short and wide bookshelf that is the same width of your bed. Place it at the foot of your bed and fill it with all of your favorite books.
8. Console tables behind your couch
Using console tables or a short and wide bookshelf behind you couch is a great place to display your books. If your couch is against the wall, try pulling it out about 12 inches and placing a shelf or table that is the same height of your couch in the gap. Arrange your books on the shelf along with other decorative elements to create a charming book display.
9. Under a bench
If you have a bench in your entryway or under a windowsill, try using the space underneath to store your books.
This transforms your otherwise boring bench into a functional bookshelf, keeping all of your favorite books close at hand.
If your bench is under a window, add some cushions on top to create a cozy reading nook.
10. Add shelving to a blank wall space
If you have an extensive book collection and a big wall that is in need of decoration, turn it into a floor to ceiling book display. This setup will keep all of your books in one place while giving off a grand library look. You could also frame the blank wall space around your door as well.
11. Leaning ladder book storage
Ladder shelving is a trendy and creative way to display your books while giving an old vintage ladder new life. Ladder shelves are commonly used to hang throw blankets or showcase ornament collections, but can also be used as a rustic or Scandinavian style bookshelf.
12. Get a revolving bookshelf
If you have a bare and empty corner, but a seemingly endless amount of books to store, try investing in a revolving bookshelf.
A revolving bookshelf allows you to store and display more books than an average bookshelf. Add picture frames, plants and other decorative elements to personalize it even more.
13. Floating shelves
Floating shelves are stylish and practical, as they offer extra display space while simultaneously embellishing your walls. Create your own wall library by using floating shelves to display all of your favorite pieces of literature. Using square or honeycomb shaped shelves adds character and an opportunity to create a collage on your wall.
14. Bar cart bookshelf
Turn an old bar cart into the ultimate bookshelf on wheels. Add baskets or bins to each tier of the cart to sort your books to keep them organized. Adding wheels to the bar cart makes the mini library even more functionable as you can bring all of your favorite reads from room to room with ease.
15. Simple book stack
As boring and unorganized as a stack of books on the ground sounds, an organized and thought-out stack of books can be an eccentric yet beautiful decorating decision.
Get creative and stack your books near a cozy chair or fireplace starting with the largest and heaviest book at the bottom working your way up to the smallest.
Add a decorative statue or ornament at the top to tie the look together.
16. Use the space behind your door
The small unused space behind your door is often forgotten as it's usually covered. Use a thin shelf in that space to store your books and make it functionable. That way, whenever you close your door you find a clever and charming library waiting for you.
17. In unused dresser drawers
If you have a dresser that has a stack of drawers, try storing your books in an unused drawer. This will keep your books together in one place while keeping them safe. However, if you would rather have your books on display, try taking out the top drawers of your dresser and turn them into shelves for your books. You can store them in baskets for a more put together look.
18. Corner shelving
For smaller book collections, try using corner shelving to display.
You can choose a standard corner shelf or make your own using floating shelves. This gives a blank and bland corner some life while letting you show off all of your favorite books.
19. Create a book display out of your staircase railing
Prove your love of literature to all of your guests by turning your staircase railing into a book display leading upstairs. This puts use to any dead space while showcasing your books in a fun and unexpected way. Stack your books vertically so they rest against the railing safe and snug.
20. Make use of your windowsill
An empty windowsill is basically an empty shelf, making it a good place to store your books. If your windowsill is big enough, you could add pillows and other cozy elements to make a cute reading nook. However, if you have old or precious books, it’s best to keep them out of the sunshine so they last longer. So keep in mind that a windowsill that has limited to no sunlight works best.
What is the best way to store books?
Books are precious, especially if you have a rare or vintage book that has been passed down for generations.
The two most important things to keep in mind when storing books is to have the right shelving and knowing how to arrange the books properly so they will be kept safe and avoid cracking or bending.
Proper shelving
The shelf should ideally be a rust-proof metal shelf to avoid any harm to your precious books. Wooden shelves also work fine, but make sure the wood is coated with water-borne polyurethane varnish to avoid any acid transferring to the books. Very acidic wood like oak should be a material to avoid.
You also want to store your books on a shelf that is on a well-ventilated interior wall. Walls turned to the exterior should be avoided because the outside temperature overtime could harm your books. When you hang a shelf to display your books, leave some room for good air circulation.
Proper arrangement
Books should be kept upright in a vertical position or laying down horizontally — never tilted. When arranging your books, you’ll want to keep the shelf full so the books can snuggle against each other.
If you don’t have enough books for that, invest in a bookend to place on each side of your collection.
You also want to try as much as possible to store similar sized books next to each other. If you have big and heavy books, store them horizontally together, otherwise they have an easier chance of tilting. The key is to make it as easy as possible to remove your books from the shelf without breaking the spine or bending the cover.
How do you keep books fresh in storage?
To keep your books fresh in storage, you’ll want to try your very best to keep them away from any harsh conditions that could cause your books to deteriorate over time.
Temperature and humidity
Like stated before, avoiding walls that are turned to the exterior is important so you can keep your books fresh. You want to keep your books in a place where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much so you can avoid books from cracking, bending or molding. The ideal temperature would be between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity is also an extremely important factor to consider when storing your books as any damp air can cause harm to the pages or even the cover. While humidity is important to avoid, an environment that is too dry will also cause damage to your books, making the pages brittle. Brittle pages will eventually lead to cracks and tears.
Direct sunlight
Direct sunlight will diminish the color on the covers and spines of your books, so avoiding places where sunlight directly hits is important. Not only will the sunlight harm your books, but the heat associated with the sun will cause damage as well. Heat is never good for books, so keeping them away from a sunny window or providing proper sun-blocking shades is your best bet to keep your books fresh in storage.
Proper cleaning
Making sure you have a proper cleaning routine is important for your books as well. You don’t want to have dust accumulate on your bookshelves — or books — overtime as this will age them.
Make sure you keep them well dusted or invest in a dust jacket to keep your books looking brand new.
Keep your books and apartment organized
Knowing how to store books in your small apartment will not only make your space look put together and organized, but will also keep your books lasting for years to come. Whether you are planning a display for a new apartment or trying to find room in your current one, these book displays will show off your collection while keeping them safe and protected.
35 functional and beautiful ways to store books in the interior - Roomble.com
2021-09-04T03:10:00+00:00 2021-09-04T03:13:29+00:00 35 functional and beautiful ways to store books in the interior 2021-09-04T03:10:00+00:00 Do you have problems with the organization of bookshelves - there is not enough space or you want a bright and unusual solution? We present unexpected and interesting projects of "libraries" for modern interiors with space saving: from classic to outrageous 35 functional and beautiful ways to store books in the interior
Do you have problems organizing your bookshelves - lack of space or want a bright and unusual solution? We present unexpected and interesting projects of "libraries" for modern interiors with saving space: from classic to outrageous
Books for many of us - with all the abundance of television, the Internet, social networks, book readers and other gadgets in our lives - remain an indispensable friend and assistant.
Therefore, talk about the fact that the book has ceased to be a necessity, but is gradually turning into an anachronism, remains talk. To which you react less, the more books you have.
The question is different - how to place books in often not the most spacious living quarters? This is true not only for "Khrushchev" or nine-story buildings, but also for suburban housing, where it is much more spacious. After all, it is necessary not only to organize the storage of books, but also to provide easy access to them. And, most importantly, it should be beautiful.
The use of a ladder as a library at the same time is not a new idea, but it is very interesting and varied in its incarnations. The simplest options are easily implemented even without rework and serious hassle. Much of what is offered for review can be used as an addition to an existing interior. Well, if a “big repair” is being started, then it all depends only on the number of books you have and the desire to organize a new place for their storage - beautiful, unusual, convenient.
And it doesn't take up space at all.
Our opinion:
- It must be remembered that direct sunlight for books is the last thing they need. Therefore, in all cases when "beauty for" you place a shelf in a room full of light, try not to put collectible items on it. Limit yourself to pocketbooks and glossy magazines. Or a collection of works by the classics of Marxism-Leninism (ask the older generation).
The “classic” book storage scheme that we are accustomed to in a furniture wall or on shelves covering one of the walls is not the only possible one, which is already obvious. One of the brightest steps in this area is an unexpected and ingenious solution to increase the functionality of ordinary interior items by organizing books and magazines in them. The fantasy of designers overflows when this idea begins to be embodied "in the material." We agree that a lot of what is presented is quite realistic to do yourself - or order, based on the option you like the most.
Both the opening itself (passage) and the space around it are used. Filling a wall with a door or window with bookshelves is a superficial idea. Its attractiveness lies in the ease of implementation and in the most rational use of space. The functionality of the walls adjacent to the door or window, as a rule, is zero in ordinary interiors. Isn't it time to start fighting this unjustified tradition? And we will start with our own housing, which will only benefit from this.
The idea of a bookshelf as a wooden box with certain proportions, which is mounted on the wall and in which books are stored, has become outdated a long time ago. Unfortunately, manufacturers of mass furniture continue to live in the century before last, and it is rare to find anything original, beautiful and comfortable for sale that continues to be a bookshelf. But the most diverse ways of making bookshelves are possible, which - without losing functionality - will become a bright and memorable element of the interior.
The options for organizing storage places for a large number of books presented for review first of all cause a smile. And not because it's funny, not at all. The imagination of designers who came up with such unusual solutions is amazing. Agree that there is not a single idea for the sake of an idea, everything is completely functional and very convenient. If you organize something like this at home, then the competition for the possession of this space among family members will be the most serious.
Greetings from the novels of Alexandre Dumas (and other everyday writers of antiquity, antiquities and secrets), in which a lot of secret passages are hidden just behind the wall panels and bookcases. In our realities, such a move is appropriate, first of all, for turning a passage room into an impassable one. Quite often this is very, very relevant, but here is such an idea! And we hide the shortcomings of the apartment, and we organize a library place.
Well, it's not worth talking about the emotions of those who see it.
Our opinion:
— In order to realize the idea of a pivoting door-shelf, a professional is needed. Such a design is a rather complex engineering structure, and for its normal operation without distortions, a powerful frame system is needed, masked by a wooden cladding.
The traditional library wall, filled with cabinets or shelves, can be transformed in the most incredible way thanks to the designer's imagination and conditions "in place". From strict geometry to artsy empire style, from bright pop art to gloomy ethnic style - a wall with books can fit into any style. You just need to think a little and choose what you like the most.
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14 very unusual and stylish ways to place books in the apartment
1 Under the table are extra legs.
If you place a few additional decorative elements on the table, you get a complete composition. Design: Anne-Sophie Pailleret
2 Beside or under the bed
This alcove bed is a great place to store your favorites from your personal library. If you cannot find a similar model, move a mini-rack to the back, which is not against the wall, and place books in it.
Photo: columbineshowroom.com
3 Along the wall
Even on the wall of a narrow long corridor you can find a place for a small shelf and put books on it. Get a kind of showcase. On the opposite wall, you can hang a framed photo or a picture.
Photo: cookconstructionsf.com
4 Under the stairs
If you are a happy owner of a country house, you can also use the space under the stairs to store books.
Design: Locati Architects
5 In a decorative fireplace
A raised fireplace is a statement piece in its own right, but it's always better to decorate it with something.
Inside you can put candles, put firewood or ... books with magazines - why not?
Design: Dolce Vita Studios
6 In a partition for zoning
Take a look at this practical solution for zoning: on the one hand, it is a partition that outlines the living area, on the other, a bookcase.
Design: DIN interiorismo
7 Like a flower stand
Stack the books and place a house plant pot on top. Such a decision will add bohemianism to the interior.
Photo: alvhemmakleri.se
8 In a coffee table
Usually books or magazines lie on the tabletop, but nothing prevents you from choosing a model with storage sections. Don't want to spend? Just connect four identical drawers together and get a spectacular hand-made table, which is convenient to store books and other little things.
Photo: goodshomedesign.com
9 On low shelves
As a rule, shelves are hung at eye level - if you want to stand out, place them almost on the floor.
This solution is especially appropriate if you live in an attic with a sloping roof.
Design: Charlotte Minty Interior Design
10 In a mini closet in the closet
Look at this compact and truly unusual solution. Such a bookcase in the restroom will definitely surprise guests!
Design: Smith & Vansant Architects
11 As a seat
The photo shows a real model of a stool, which consists of a stand with legs, belts, a pillow and newspapers or magazines, which, if desired, can be replaced by large books (for example, albums with reproductions). The advantages of such furniture are the original and changeable design, as well as the ability to adjust the height of the stool.
Photo: njustudio-com
Another plus is that if you love and know how to work with your hands, then you can easily recreate such a stool yourself.
12 On an unusual shelf
If you are still used to storing books on shelves, then here you can find an unusual option: modern designers offer a lot of racks and shelves of the most unusual designs.
