How to Arrange Book Shelves
Keeping a large library can display not only your literary interests, but your home decor skills as well. A well-organized and attractive bookshelf can be arranged in any number of ways, and may showcase anything from photographs and knickknacks to flowers and antiques. Allow your creativity and personal tastes to guide you when arranging bookshelves. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Books
- Bookcase or book shelves
- Flowers, picture frames, bookends, knickknacks, antiques, vases, etc. (optional)
Instructions
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Decide which books you would like to showcase. Not all books withstand the test of time; some will suffer loose or ripped bindings, or torn pages. Others you may not wish to display. Choose tomes with attractive bindings, of varying sizes and colors, and which best reflect your personal interests.
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2
Decide how to organize your books, so that it will be easy for you to locate a desired volume. Alphabetical order may work best for you, but consider arranging your books by genre, author, or even date of publication.
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3
Prep the shelves and back wall of your bookcases. Shelves can be sanded to give them a rustic quality or repainted. Painting or wallpapering the back wall of your display will create depth and visual interest.
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4
Decide what design scheme you would like your bookshelves to have, and what items you will display on them.
A minimalist bookshelf includes few or no decorations, displaying volumes neatly in a row or in stacks.
A decorative bookshelf can include fresh flowers in colorful vases, photos displayed either upright or hung on the wall, souvenirs and gifts, cards, antiques, knickknacks, and many other items. Adding a lamp will add a relaxing glow to the interior of your shelves. A bowl or basket filled with potpourri or dried flowers creates a pleasing atmosphere. Books can be kept upright or stacked, perhaps by decreasing size.
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Try different arrangements and step back to get the big picture before finalizing your display.
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Tips & Warnings
Try rearranging your bookshelf every so often. Seasonal displays are a fun way to showcase your design skills.
Be cautious not to place too many items on your shelves, as they will appear cluttered.
