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Decorating with books ideas


5 DESIGNER WAYS TO DECORATE WITH BOOKS

ByYvonne Pratt 

Need ideas to add a bit of interest to your decor? Try decorating with books. Here are 5 designer ways to decorate with books.

Did you know you probably have dozens of decorating elements in your home that you may not be using? I’m talking about BOOKS! We all have them, but how many of us use them and display them in our homes? With just a wee bit of thinking outside of the box and purposeful placement, books can add so much personality, your personality, to your decor and home!  Here are 5 budget-friendly, designer ways to decorate with books… 

These are easy and doable ideas…

USE BOOKS AS RISERS

This is one of my very favorite ways to use books. If your accessories are a little diminutive, place them on a few stacked books to give them some height and visual weight.

Just look at how this object d’art looks stacked on a few books. Elevating something gives it importance and more visual weight.

Here are just a few things you can stack on books…

Books can be put under almost anything!!! Go into your favorite room and I bet you can find a place to stack a couple books! And your decor will look better for it!

FILL IN THE GAPS

Books work great to fill in gaps in vignettes! Slip in a couple books. Layered horizontally, books can fill up a large space and add an interesting, extra surface to decorate. 

It’s surprising how pretty a few books look leaning against each other in a vignette or tucked alongside something.

Books work like magic to pull our eyes into decor!

ADDING COLOR AND TEXTURE

A stack of books adds color and texture to a room. Even these neutral books reinforce the cohesiveness of this room and have lots of great texture too!

When you don’t know what to put in a space try adding a few books.

BOOK COLLECTIONS

Do you have a collection of books? Why keep them hidden away on a bookshelf when you can decorate with them? Group them all together.

They don’t have to be a leather bound matching set to make a pretty statement! Use what you have and let your books earn their decorative keep!

The cookbook above is the ones I am reading and pouring over right now. I love how they also decorate this corner of my kitchen counter!

COVER BOOKS LOOK A UNIFORM

This is a look I can’t resist!!! Most of us have books that we do not want anymore. Why not cover them to work with our decor for a great uniform look! Because I use a lot of neutrals in my decor, covering books with burlap is my first choice!!! And I love love love this look!

Covering books is only limited by your imagination! Use newspaper, sheet music, brown or white craft paper, wrapping paper, and fabric! Find coordinating colors and patterns to cover books! This will give your room an authentic designer look!

If you have never tried covering books and using them to decorate you are in for a big treat!!!! It can be a little addictive! HERE is an easy, step-by-step diy for COVERING BOOKS WITH BURLAP (and any other medium) and still be able to use them.

And here’s how to PAINT BOOKS to work with your color palette.

This is such an easy and budget-friendly way to embellish your decor!!!!  How about you? How do you like to use books in your decor? 

13 stylish ways to display books |

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Davide Lovatti / Neptune)

Decorating with books is a lovely way bring character to a living space as well as a welcoming and timeless feel. Ubiquitous features of the home, books can easily be forgotten about and are too often crammed into a bookcase with little thought, but with the right styling and treatment books can really elevate an interior.

Whether you're looking for ways to organize your bookshelf ideas or to showcase your favorite book covers, we've rounded up a host of creative decorating ideas for arranging books to help get you inspired.

Decorating with books – 12 ways to display a book collection in style

When it comes to decorating with books there are an array of approaches to take, so before you look to arranging your collection it's worth first thinking about what look you're trying to achieve.

Are you a book lover seeking ways to bring harmony to your book storage ideas, or looking for inspiration for your reading nook? Storing books traditionally on bookshelves and arranged by genre is a good way to keep books organized, especially if you have a home library, but it doesn't necessarily make for a visually pleasing display. However, if you're willing to forgo convention, there are so many ways books can be arranged to enrich a space other than lining bookshelves. 

1. Create a wall of books

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

When it comes to how to style a bookcase and book storage, dedicating an entire wall to a bookcase can make a wonderful traditional decorating idea, giving rooms a textured backdrop and a timeless feel. Having a bespoke bookcase fitted around your architecture is the best way to make the most of the space and achieve the look.

'A big advantage of getting a bookcase specially made is that the size of the shelves can suit the collection,’ says Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Johnson . ‘A bespoke bookcase can also fit the room perfectly, meaning no gaps around the bookcase, no dust-traps and no wasted space.'

If your collection is likely to change over the years, 'adjustable shelving might be worth considering, but adjustable shelf holes don’t look great in light finishes so if you want shelves to be adjustable that might affect your choice of finish,’ he adds.

Why not make a feature of your shelving with a two-tone paint idea as demonstrated in the bookcase here with its brown backboards and terracotta frame.

2. Decorate with books by color

(Image credit: Salvesen Graham / Simon Brown)

Bring visual harmony and an element of fun to a large book collection by arranging books in color order to create an ombre effect. As well as being decorative, the look is easier on the eye than a mixed hotch-potch of books, which can help spaces feel more soothing – perfect if you are looking for bedroom bookshelf ideas.

‘We love to use clients' objects to create playful, decorative elements around their homes. Books are a brilliant way to add interest and whether color co-ordinating them or using a more natural organisation method they always manage to add a wide variety of tones to a space,’ says Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham . 

3. Style books alongside decorative objects

(Image credit: Netpune)

Elevate bookshelves into eye-catching displays by incorporating decorative objects and playing with how books are arranged. While vertical books are easier to retrieve, decorating with stacks of books is a great way to create mini display podiums.

When it comes to styling bookshelves Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune suggests to 'start with the books... then layer in small pieces of artwork and decorative objects at different heights, remembering that groups of odd numbers always work better than even.'

‘Create a traditional row of books that takes up one third of the shelf and then prop them up with a small stack of books lying flat, topped with a small ornament or plant,’ he adds. ‘It is important to consider the spaces you leave empty just as much as the spaces you fill.'

4. Decorate a coffee table with books

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Perfect casual reading for guests, large books with beautiful images are lovely coffee table styling idea, plus those with eye-catching covers can help brighten up a living space. Choose subjects that reflect your personal taste and be sure not to make your stacks too large – piles of just one or two of the similar size work well.

5. Showcase your favorite book covers

(Image credit: Future/Paul Massey)

Many book covers are true works of art, so why not showcase them as you would a favorite painting? 

Whether displayed on shelves or on a narrow picture rail behind the sofa, books with striking covers can make a beautiful focal point in a living room, plus the display can easily be restyled for a fresh new look unlike a fixed gallery wall.

6. Display sculptures on books

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Stacking books on a coffee table can be a useful way to showcase decorative items, especially in rooms where wall shelving is limited.  

In this living room, books stacked at different heights serve as podiums for stone sculptures as part of an artistic coffee table display.

7. Decorate with books and plants

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

Nothing elevates a room like decorating with plants, and when it comes to styling shelves many interior designers and stylists see them as a must have. Not only do they help us to reconnect with nature and bring a host of benefits for our health, plants can be a beautiful decorating tool, too.

'Plants will bring an element of softness and freshness to any shelf, especially those that trail. Succulents have architectural style and demand very little attention, so they can be useful for filling the gaps where objects feel a little too rigid,' adds Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune .

8. Match the books to your color scheme

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Having too many books on display in a living room can leave a room feeling cluttered. If you're looking to keep spaces feeling calm and restful, consider limiting books to a small number of carefully selected spines in colors that complement your space.

A lovely sideboard decor idea, these books with muted spines bring delicate texture and interest to this neutral living room. 

9. Choose a book wallpaper

(Image credit: Cole & Son Libreria wallpaper)

If you love color and print why not bring an element of fun to a living room with a Trompe-l'œil book wallpaper idea? 

A design from the Fornasetti Senza Tempo collection at Cole & Son, this Libreria paper looks great above living room paneling, but would also work well in a study, or, alternatively you could use it to create a playful talking point in a cloakroom. 

10. Turn books for a minimalist look

(Image credit: House of Jade Interiors Photograph: Travis J Photography)

Storing books can be a challenge when it comes to minimalist living rooms, but there are some tricks you can use to keep spaces feeling neat and streamlined.

'In a contemporary interior, consider arranging your books in blocks of color for an abstract effect.  Alternatively, turn your books around, putting the spines to the back, to create a textural effect that works best with books you don’t need to find in a hurry!' suggests Simon Temprell. 'If you are looking for something sleek and modernistic, you can cover your books with white craft paper and create a stylish antidote to the traditional library.'

11. Add texture with vintage books

(Image credit: Future)

Vintage books are perfect for bringing a traditional feel and decorative interest to any room. With their leather-bound and faded canvas covers, complete with foiled lettering and timeworn patinas, vintage books have beautiful texture that can really enrich a space.

12. Use books to add color

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch )

When thinking about using books for styling, select colors that work with your existing decor and paint choices – tones that sit opposite each other on the color wheel can work particularly well together, as demonstrated in this project by Sims Hilditch .  

‘Books are a great opportunity to help personalise a space. A selection of favourite coffee table books styled on an ottoman, or old classics slotted into a wooden bookshelf work well,’ says design director Louise Wicksteed. 

'You might also be able to use books to inject notes of color into a space. We used books with a terracotta spine in the north facing study of our regency townhouse project. These sit in nice contrast with the smoky blue paint that we used on the joinery.’

13. Get creative with bookshelf ideas

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

Why not. bring an element of fun to your book storage ideas by trading in the traditional bookcase for out-of-the-box repurposed shelving? 

An old ladder can make for a characterful long bookshelf perfect for a farmhouse kitchen as demonstrated here. Alternatively, fitting vintage wooden apple crates to the wall would also bring a rustic feel. 

How do you stack books as decorations?

Stacked books are a brilliant decorative tool for styling shelves and make a good starting point for a display as they help bring structure and provide mini podiums on which to showcase decorative objects. For best results arrange piles in odd numbers and in size order from largest to smallest.

'I love stacking books in different directions, horizontally and vertically. I first fill the shelf or shelves with all books, in different directions, organized in a few different ways, in a few groupings,' says New York based interior designer Tina Ramchandani , 'I then fill in with all the fun stuff – accessories, picture frames, art and plants.'

'After styling I always step away, and come back after some time to evaluate my work. I tend to remove a few things before it's complete. Less is always more!' she adds.

(Image credit: Joanna Wood)

How do you decorate with a lot of books?

If you have a lot of books then making them look visually pleasing can be a challenge. A bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcase is a good way to keep books organized, but can also make a decorative accent wall, too bringing texture and a welcoming feel to interiors. Consider arranging the books order of size and color to make the shelves look easier on the eye.

Alternatively, 'mixing decorative objects and plants in with your books will help to create a more casual feel and will bring a lot of interest to the shelves,' says Simon Temprell. Or, 'if you are short on space and your shelves are already crammed full, try adding artwork that can hang in front of the books, treating the bookshelves as wallpaper,' he adds. 

Making large book collections look visually appealing can be tricky – to make them look easier on the eye try covering the books, suggests interior designer Joanna Wood . 

‘I have been known to cover books with cartridge paper so they all match, but it does require a lot of organisation about what goes where and you need a very good memory! Whenever I’ve done it I’ve color coded novels, reference books and historical books in different colors.'

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

20 bookshelf and space ideas

They hold books and help us to be organized. They are bookshelves, and without them, our homes would be filled with piles of books, and they can be not only functional, but also beautiful.

What if decorating your bookshelves is just as important as decorating your living room? Below you will find our tips for decorative finishing, complete with photos of illustrative examples. You must find an idea that suits your design needs. Who knew that books could be seen as decoration? nine0003

Bookshelf Display Strategies

We start with some bookshelf basics. When you are planning your interior, consider the function of the shelf. Do you need a lot of books, or is there room to highlight the treasures of interior decor?

Idea #1: Matching books with decorative items

If you have space, use some decorative items. Vases, figurines and art reproductions as shown below. Notice how the repetition of bright blue and white elements helps bring the interior together. nine0003

Idea #2: Create symmetry

A sense of balance is powerful, and symmetry can really connect a room. In the display below, notice how the books, vases and figurines are arranged on the shelves. You will not see one side filled with books, and the other gaping with emptiness.

This stacking strategy can be used on a single bookcase with multiple shelves. Make sure large items are balanced with other large items and there is no empty space left. nine0003

Idea #3: Leave some empty space

About the empty space... If you want to leave part of the shelf empty, get the effect of empty space. Smaller rooms can benefit from this minimalist look, as clutter can make interiors appear smaller than they are. On the contrary, a little emptiness creates the illusion of a large space!

Preparation of books

Now let's look at the books themselves. Since the purpose of a bookshelf is to store reading materials, let's look at ways to showcase them

Idea #4: Add a slanted book design

Sure, you can arrange the books vertically, one after the other, but wouldn't it be interesting to change the design? Try tilting the books and you'll get a very different look. In the room below, the books are arranged obliquely, far from the center of each compartment of the shelf, in connection with this, there is a place, in the middle, for decorative elements.

Idea #5: Variety stack of books

You can arrange the books on an angle and stack them. Stacking books horizontally creates a modern look and adds variety, and is a good alternative for a room where there is nothing but books. nine0003

Bookshelf design choice

Now we are going to talk about the color design of the bookshelf. Whether you're looking to bring some much-needed revitalization to a space, or you're looking to save your prostate, here are some suggestions for choosing shades for your bookshelf.

Idea #6: Use a limited color palette

If the room is simple, use a selective color palette. Pictured below is the Domino Tema bookshelf, modern and elegant with white, brown and metallic accents. nine0003

Idea #7: Book cover in a single color

If monochromatic design is your preference, try covering your books with identical covers. Notice how white is preferred on this bookcase, the measurement is achieved by varying the hues.

Idea #8: Organize your books by color

If you prefer to see the title of your books, arrange them with the bindings facing out! But try arranging them by color...rainbow colors can really spice up a room, adding direction to shelves full of hardbacks and paperbacks. nine0003

Idea #9: Create a Gradient Effect

Another color matching choice: achieve a gradient effect, arranging the books so that their color fades and intensifies. Repeat grouping by color from row to row as shown below on the bookcase. One little surprise: this "bookshelf" is actually a wallpaper!

Idea #10: Using Books as a Decorative Color

We say that books blend in with taste, why not use them as a decorative color? On the bookshelves below, yellow, green, red and turquoise books complement the neutral space. nine0003

Make room for other items

It's time to reconsider our non-book spaces. With books carefully placed on the shelves now that we're done, let's look at other ways to make your bookshelf stand out.

Idea #11: Hide clutter in boxes

We start with some practical advice. If your shelves need to store documents or other items that should not be visible, they can be hidden in a series of elegant boxes, as shown below. To maintain style, stick to one color. nine0003

Idea #12: Use uniform bindings

We propose the idea of ​​uniformity in binding. Do you have papers on your shelf instead of books? In this next space, office documents are neatly placed in a series of white-bound folders that lie horizontally.

Idea #13: Show off your decorative art collection

Do you have a collection that needs to be shown off? Perhaps your bookshelf is the perfect place for this! Pottery and shells are popular collectibles that bring life to a setting, like this bird theme shown below. Remember, in the grouping of the collection, there must be a style. nine0003

Idea #14: Create a sense of depth with art

Use artwork to achieve a sense of depth on your shelves. Notice how the paintings are framed in this next room, creating a backdrop for collectibles and books, layered to create a clear foreground, middle, and background.

Bookshelf for decoration

What if a good bookshelf design caught your attention? Below, we'll look at ways to update your bookcases...

Idea #15: Paint the back of your bookshelf

Paint the inside of your bookshelf. It's very simple and is the peak of the design takeoff in recent years, as a project of hobbyists who don't want to use a bright paint color for the whole room, and get a bold color by introducing it through a bookshelf. Plus, the vibrant coloring makes the contents of the shelf stand out!

Idea #16: Paint the top, bottom and side inside of the shelf

If your choice of furniture is a shelving unit that doesn't have a paintable back, you can paint the inside of the shelves. On the bookshelf below, notice how painting the interior of just two compartments turns the shelf into a modern piece of art. nine0003

Idea #17: Wallpaper Shelf Interior with Bold Geometric Print

Wallpaper breathes new life into bookshelves, especially when a bold geometric pattern is used along the back interior wall. To properly use the wallpaper, check out the full Feathers Flights tutorial.

Idea #18: Use wallpaper with a metallic sheen

Metal accents add sparkle to your shelf and the space it sits on. Choosing metallic wallpaper as a backdrop for glossy décor items transforms the shelf into a shimmery, vibrant showpiece. nine0003

Unforgettable bookshelves

Sometimes a well designed bookshelf becomes a memorable and centerpiece of a room. The shelf itself stands out by its appearance, making your creative work more attractive...

Idea #19: Choose an architecturally interesting bookshelf

Arched bookshelves lower, add movement to the space. Their stunning form is enhanced by selected books in a color scheme of white and cream. On the other hand, on these extraordinary bookshelves, any arrangement of books and decor would be amazing! nine0003

Idea #20: Choose a bookshelf that is a work of art

When it comes to art, it's hard to go wrong when choosing a museum-worthy bookshelf. In Moroccan style, the Zelli bookshelf (photo below) is a prime example.

As you already understood, it is impossible to combine all the ideas described above! You cannot fill a shelf with books and leave a lot of empty space. You also can't showcase your décor collection by filling a shelf with just books. Bookshelves should meet your specific design needs. nine0003

If you don't have many books, use the shelves to display your favorite collectibles. If you are using shelving to store a large collection of books, then try filling in the shelves according to the color distribution and planned design. With a little effort, even the most practical bookcases can add personality to your space.

9 examples of how you can decorate the interior with a stack of books

1 Make a beautiful installation

If you have a coffee table in your living room, don't leave it empty. Little things create comfort. Prepare a similar installation.

Photo: Instagram kofoed.collections

Put several publications or magazines on a decorative tray, put mini vases with fragrant flowers or candles.

Now metal trays are relevant, as well as wicker options. But in any case, it is better to choose what will fit your interior. nine0003

2 Just stack books casually

A stack of magazines on a table in a living room is a well-known attribute of interiors “from the cover”. Instead of magazines, printed volumes are also quite suitable.

Photo: Instagram jnv_designs

It is better if the covers are glossy and attractive.

3 Decorate with aged copies

Books with worn covers have a special value - even if they are not dear to you as a memory, do not rush to throw them away. Put them on the shelf for a vintage chic look. nine0003

Photo: Instagram casacolomosoficial

Go beyond one stack. If you have open shelving, or multiple shelves on the same wall, balance the composition.

4 Use books instead of bookcase

No suitable bookcase? Not a problem - put a stack of books on the bedside table and place a plant pot on top. Just make sure that the composition is stable - do not do it with a soft nightstand without legs, do not put too many volumes in one pile. nine0003

Photo: Instagram suppus_home

The size of the pot should not be too large, so that the composition does not fall apart and fall to the floor.

5 Turn prints spine back

In order not to create color inconsistencies in the interior, it is enough to turn the prints spines back. This way the composition looks more harmonious and you can use any volumes.

Photo: Instagram the_rumpled_ducklings

If printed volumes are turned back to back, the color of the cover will no longer matter.

6 Use a stack to decorate a festive table

An unusual way to set the table is to place bouquets in a vase on stacks of small books or magazines. The original decor will look better if you choose the color of the cover to match the napkins and other table decorations.

Photo: karaspartyideas.com

Do not place large vases with bulky bouquets so that the composition does not look bulky.

7 Make an interesting headboard

An original headboard will appeal to those who are looking for ideas to implement in a rented apartment or furnish their home without a big budget. Furniture is a big expense, so making at least some of it yourself is profitable. For example, a bed frame can be put together from building pallets, but a headboard can be made from volumes. It is enough to attach them with nails to the base - for example, plywood. nine0003

Photo: designeverydayblog.com

To implement this idea, you will need a solid base (you can use plywood), nails and a regular hammer.

8 Use a stack of books as lettering decor

You can remove the cover from old unnecessary copies and draw the necessary letters, words, phrases on the spine with a stencil. Lettering decor is popular today, why not use it in such an unusual incarnation? nine0003

Photo: etsy.com

You can write by hand, or if you are not sure about your calligraphy, use stencils.

9 Replace your bedside table

If you can use a printed stack as a stand for planters and vases, then this idea has the right to life.

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