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I started a little debate on my facebook page this week, but still feel the need for more ideas and input … if you don’t mind! 🙂
We read a lot in this house, we love to read, we love to be able to reach a familiar volume easily, we love to have books close to hand. We have a lot of books.
I’ve been looking at ways of displaying books and using the shelves without it all looking too busy. Delving into pinterest I found many photos of books recovered in white paper or kraft paper, and the name re-written onto the spine. I am sort of liking this idea.
When I mooted the notion on fb I was shouted down, with comments like:
“what’s the point of having the books if you can’t find them”
“I really don’t care for that look. When I go into friends’ homes, I want to see what they are reading”
” You want to read them or just look at them? “
“Leave them as they are…much more interesting, intriguing and honest.
Otherwise they look like a bad decorator’s trick!”
Hmmm…. but I still sort of like the idea …..
People suggest blocks of colour, but I’m not wild about that, because our books are sorted into sections: history, fiction, practical, french, english…..
So here are a few pics I am using to help my thinking process. If you have a moment, I would love to hear what you think, thank you!
First of all the extreme, bookshelves without books. No, I don’t think I’m going down that road although I think this is a great picture and I adore that rug, but that’s a whole other subject.
I like this shot, I believe it’s taken in India Hicks house somewhere sunny. Liking the kraft, cream and turquoise books, but I know that it looks like books have been bought to fill space by a decorator, rather than being enjoyed as reading material.
Here are two pictures where the books are broken up with objects and spaces. This looks a little sterile to me, and anyway we have w-a-y too many books for that.
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This I am liking, but I think the picture has been brightened to tone down the busy colour scheme.
and the next two I love, but even in the picture below, there has been some very careful colour staging.
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Definitely a step too far…
probably too neutral too
and finally to my favourite, which sort of brings me full circle, because the books here aren’t covered or colour blocked, except for one shelf of white books. This really looks like a personal collection.
Right, so I am still in the same muddle, wanting shelves to looks less busy, without looking sterile.
I am sure you will have the answer, please tell![blank][blank]
all photos sourced on pinterest[blank]
82 comments
Well, I’m not the designer. But I’m a book owner too. I have quite large collection of books and I use them so there is practical side for me – the dust. Dusting them properly at least twice a year is a heavy job. So – maybe glass doors? I really wish I had glass doors but no way in my house 😀
So the next best possibility is space. I mean space between the top of the book and the next shelf so vacuum cleaner head goes in that gap easily and saves time taking out each lot completely, dusting and putting back. If you have few thousands of books it may not be a problem, but when you have few hundreds of thousands, books themselves can take several days of spring cleaning.
From the design point… I have two suggestions.
If you have enough space, do not go for practical wall but leave more wall space/colour, cutting heavy, overwhelming rows of bookends into smaller patches on the wall.
Like in this one https://trendzona.com/interior-and-furniture/10/shelves-in-the-interior-of-small-sized-apartments-part-1.html – it’s modernish design so it probably will not fit to you, but the idea is there – wider the front sides of bookshelves themselves, more organized the colours of bookends look, like wider frame for a picture. Add cupboards with doors, it will also make the bookends more organized.
Another suggestion – on top of thicker shelves idea try out shelves with different height. Like this one https://standingrenovation.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/0111.jpg
(not a good example but it illustrates well my suggestion) and indeed, leave some sections without books and use to display some of your brocante collection. Only instead of displaying little precious figurines, go for something big and bold.
Just my 2 c, I’m not a designer.
When I had my art gallery the old building came with a ton of books which I arranged by color,it was good for there, but for home I just like the idea of living and reading and it just being what it is as you read. That's what I would appreciate when visiting a home..that it looked kind of lived in and comfy
I like the jumble of books of different colours and materials mixed in with unusual book ends and odd objects. It reminds me of going to the public library as a child and the great wonder of being amongst all that knowledge and ideas and creativity. I think if the books are too planned and organised it implies that they're for show and not really read, enjoyed and loved. My books are roughly in alphabetical order, and sort of categorised – like yours sound to be – as it forces me to look at the titles and authors to find the book I want, sometimes stumbling across a long forgotten friend.
It's always good to see different options though!
I don't have a lot of books (I sold most of my books years ago, when I moved from Australia to the USA, and since then, I haven't had nearly as much time for reading.
My cookbooks are kept in my kitchen, in a cupboard above my stove. The remainder of my books are in my stitching room; they are group according to subject.
I don't like books as purely ornamental "staging" pieces, so I say go with what you feel comfortable with, but for me, it makes the most sense to go by subject.
I personally find 'colour blocking' and blanking out the artwork of the covers totally idiotic. How do you find a book in a large collection if it is not placed in a logical and ordered manner, where you can see the information on the spine. The fad of treating books as decorators items this way shows only that the person has no interest whatever in what is contained within them. If you really have to tone them down, tracing paper at least allows you to read the spine still. It always amazes me how some homes have no bookshelves!
tracing paper! thank you, why didn't I think of that!
We have lots of books (probably a few hundred) and I love books in sections (eg cooking history, sport, novels autobiographies etc.) so even though I like the designer look of all white or covered I like to see the covers of books. We do have a little bit of order as we group sections in height interspersed with clocks or ornaments.
https://magnoliaverandah.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/olive-crusted-veal-with-feta-mash-yumo.html
First time reader of your beautiful blog. I think you've answered your own question. Your favorite vignette looks remarkably like your own, with the exception of the way the colors are displayed — yours are color-blocked, theirs are random. So mix your colors up and then try one shelf with a neutral look (kraft paper and pretty labels) for fun. I agree with the first reader's comment to leave some space on a few shelves to allow the eye a place to rest. And voila! That was easy. Haha
I don't really see how covering a book in paper and writing on its spine makes them look like a decorating trick, unless you see it in a picture in a decorating magazine where the home looks otherwise not "lived in". Covering books is a great way of preserving them, and kraft paper or something similar is a lot more gentle a way to preserve a book than the clear self-adhesive plastic we used in school (and which I used on all of my university textbooks that were paperbacks or lacked dust jackets of their own).
I like the tracing paper idea or maybe a medium weight vellum paper. If you do decide to wrap your books in anything at all check that it is acid-free to minimize any damage to your library. I have suggested to clients that they paint, wallpaper or paint the inside book case walls to give continuity allowing your books to remain au naturale.
Sorry, paint, wallpaper or mount fabric panels…
Hi Sharon, they are lovely photos of beautiful rooms…but I think the best ones are those that show off the actual book spines letting the books speak to the room. Over the years (back in Oz) we have accumulated a lot of hardback novels etc and I would usually take off the fly covers as the simple colour of the actual book was exposed rather than the more commercial paper covers. My husband would have a fit and worry that I'd thrown them out, which of course I hadn't. One day I would love to have a small library or study, complete with a chesterfield and floor to ceiling books! Robx
I love the colour of books, they hint at hidden treasures. I would hate covered books, a bit like the days of covering school books, terribly boring I am afraid.
I like books as they are, not covered up or hidden or color sorted, just neatly sorted by subject. Maybe here and there some personal ornament. That way I can find the book I am looking for, it might be a little busy with all the colours but I prefer that to all the designer options. But that is my opinion.
Greetings
My bookshelves are a mess so don't ask me! Overflowing, books on the floor, barely arranged, you name it. But I did just want to say thanks for bringing this exchange to your blog–not all of us are on FB!
My book shelves look like this photo your posted previously on your blog
https://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.hk/2011/05/reading-room.html
Sometimes I too think that I should rearrange them somehow. But I know I will never do though. I like them by subject and language for easy access and I don't mind different colors of their spines. In my opinion it's much better than all the books wrapped in white/gray paper, that is absurd.
Hey it's just some craft paper…why not try a shelf or case this way and see how you like it?
Ha! I see what you mean about a mixed reaction! I have tried lots of ways with books, and am always thinking ahead to what to do next; add another shelf, sell some books, pack up the ones I've read and put them in the shed!
I never thought I would say this, but I'm kind of enjoying having books on my iphone. Many of them are cheap, they are more portable, I don't have to find a place for them. Even the bestsellers are better prices. I didn't really get into my e-reader that much (not touch screen, or lit screen, cannot download directly from the internet) but my iphone is definitely my best friend!
As for the books I already have, I pull the ones with good-looking covers to the front and the crappy condition books to the back! If all your books are in good condition – be proud! Maybe you could put all the coffee table books and novels in a formal room, and the books that don't look so good, in the study, or in a cupboard with doors. But I probably wouldn't bother with covering them, unless you have unlimited time on your hands!
Play around – you'll get it eventually!
My family and I L.O.V.E. books…multitude of books. My hubby built walls of shelves for books. I 'arrange' them by subject – and then by size – and leave them otherwise au natural! I collect odd bookends that provide some interesting decor to the book shelf! But, I'm sure whatever you choose 'how' to display your books will be wonderful. (I don't particularly favor re-covering books in one particular color…).
Happy Day!
Happy Friday!
I love books too and I am addicted to reading. I have so many books. About 3 years ago I donated a huge amount of my books to the local library because space was becoming an issue. I have 15 rooms in my house so I do have the luxury of making one of those rooms my own personal library. I am in the middle of having shelves put up to accommodate my books. I do have book cases in the room too. The books covered in white or brown paper look nice, but I prefer my books uncovered. It is colorful and I think more interesting. Many of my books also have very beautiful covers so I really don't want to cover that up. Much thought is put into book covers so I don't want that to go to waste. In some cases it would be like covering up artwork.
Pictures of my library room can be found here:
https://www.collarcitybrownstone.com/2012/04/my-library.html
Good luck with whatever you decided to do.
Xenia
Here's my thinking. A library, aka, bookshelves, are there to be as convenient as possible to find a book you're looking for. to give to a friend, to look up a passage you remember reading, or to make it easy for someone else to find a book. If you organize it this way, it will always look great!
I like the neutrals breaking up the color—gives the eyes a place to rest. You always decorate beautifully!!!!
Books are found throughout our home in all their original glory. We also organize by subject …very practical for actual use of your books. Within each shelf I line them up roughly according to size, which calms things down a bit. My daughter removes the covers from her books, which tones down the overall assault of color. Those brown paper covered books just look too blah and uninteresting to me. I side with the "let books be books" crowd.
I like them uncovered also – I usually take the dust jacket off, but leave the book as it is. We have load of bookshelves, and somehow the mishmash of color, actually becomes a sort of "neutral".
I like books au naturel….all that personality and charm shines through. I think the trick is to make the shelves quite orderly with very little ornamentation loading them down. To me, covering them in paper is like a facelift. It removes all the inherent charm and character.
I think all of these book-shelves have their positives and negatives. So that leads me to function. If you don't use the books regularly color blocking is a great storage look. Many of my books have been read at least once and go to shelf life. Those are sorted loosely by predominate color, on high shelves. The ones that get more regular use by category. To break up the expanses I pop in decorative items and small paintings. I have considered vellum covers because I do like the "clean" look they provide but. quite frankly, I am too lazy. By the time I get it all done, I would change my mind. Therefore, a bit of this and a bit of that, my house is a home, not a museum.
So many books, so little time! I agree with the “books au naturel” group. It shouldn’t come down to this: books or décor. I think you can combine both.
I like to see my books – just looking at the spine of a book can bring back the experience of reading it – so I want them as they are. I take each section of my bookcases and try to decide how best to display them – standing, lying down, featured facing front – and any decorative pieces, even small, framed pictures or photos I’d like to include in that section.
It can be a fun project, and I can play around with it again whenever I’d like to – or whenever I get to dusting it all.
We are a family of book hoarders, so you can guess where I stand. I think a room without books is a sad room and they need to be just slightly askew. If it is too perfect or staged you can tell no one is reading them and that is just tragic. Now that said, there is a little part of me that is drawn to covered books because it brings me back to my school days. We had to make covers for all of our books to protect them for the next years students. It was fun crafting, some would get fancy and find nice wrapping paper, I was usually in the brown paper shopping bag camp.
(the decorating trend that upsets me is ripping pages out of old books….I could cry)
Books are great……no matter how they are arranged…a little immaterial don't you think?
Personally, I think what is missing in the images is some examples of free-standing bookcases. Most of the images are either too cluttered for me (I don't really care for "trinkets" mixed in with books) or too block-ish (I think shelves that take up too much of a room give it an uncomfortable squareness). With free-standing bookcases, you can add so much more warmth (with a contrasting wood or color) and dimension (with perhaps a little carving or detail in the bookcase) to a room. When people combine other decor with books, I think they are trying to break up the squareness, and I think a bookcase (though essentially square), can help do that because it can introduce other details or colors without creating clutter. I know that a person might have too many books to stick just to bookcases, but in that case I would say it's best to be creative with some bookcases and some shelves that do not simply take up a wall–working them into the "flow" of the particular room seems key to me.
Thank you for all your beautiful images, ideas, and words. I look forward to your blog every day, even though I am too lazy to leave comments 🙂
Katherine
Hi Sharon. How are you? I too love, love to read. I now have a Kindle so I do not purchase as many hard copies. Trust me though my shelves are filled.
I like the look of varying the shelves with some vertical and some stacked horizontally. EX: Larger design and Art books I lay flat and stack. This breaks up the continuous library look. Another way to look a little neater is to keep books together of the same height. So add an interesting little collection such as seashells ( I have my Cross Bottle Collection) an urn, a work of art in the mix. Some color blocking really does not bother me.
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I, too, own lots of books. I have some on shelves, some on tables,and some in baskets. They have their own covers, or not; and all have been well read. Leave them as they are. You own a home, not a library or museum. Enjoy them and put your favorites out where you can get to them. If you like the look of those crafted covers, a few interspersed here and there is a nice touch.
I like the first picture in the kitchen area (blocks of color) and I must agree with the comment by MaidofKent "you own a home, not a library or museum". So sometimes neatly arranged everything is good for viewing…but the real question is how do you live and what works for you and your family? I'm sure you already have the answer and I'll be waiting for the results. Good luck!
I like the idea of covering the books that you might feel are too bright for you space. Your home is subtle in color so I think is is appropriate to the space. If you label the spines then the are easily found. I know that people say it is a home and that is what makes it important to do what makes it visually appealing to you. But what do I know. 🙂
Have fun with it!
Christina
Greige
I'm with the "let books be natural" crowd. I collect old & old leather books & display their colors proudly. I arrange them together by height but otherwise love all the color. Wrapped/one color covered books look so blah… Since December I have owned an e-reader (Christmas gift) and haven't bought a hard back book since. But when I attend an antique fair, estate sale or yard sale and see an old or leather book…it will be displayed somewhere on my shelves.
My advice…stay natural.
Margie Cox
All I can say is – look what you started!!https://bit.ly/K2pNfX You've touched on a nerve here!I quite like the kraft paper idea, especially for the less attractive/ more brightly coloured books. One thing I do need to do I think is build more bookcases so I can spread them out a little more. Anyway – I look forward to seeing what you decide to do. Thanks for the blog – absolutely love it 🙂
These are great images Sharon but personally I say do what you like best. It's your home and your books it doesn't matter what someone else thinks. If you can find your favorite books easily I say do what makes you happiest.
Enjoy your weekend!
XX
Debra~
Don't touch those books! I hate the "decorator" look. As a book lover, I want to see REAL books. Their original colors add so much warmth to a room. I would keep your same system. How about hanging a painting in front of a
couple of shelves. Would that break up the "busy" look for you?
Display your books with pride. With the E-readers books have that time worn classic look about them!
This is a great post because books are an essential part of a home, not a house but a home that is lived in and loved. I hate books that are made to look as objects or part of a decorator a scheme. Keep the books in a bit of a jumble with a mix of colors and sizes. Just as your home is lived in and loved your books are loved and read, and as functional and utilitarian objects they look best looking like they are used and accessible. Someday I hope I can stay at your home and explore France.
I'm always in a rush when I need to find a book so I wouldn't like them all covered. I used to have my books by size but about a year ago I matched them by colour and they look so much nicer on the bookcase.
Sarah x
Decorators have a tough job. Especially those for print media. They need to make a room feel lived in (i.e. with books) but they do not have the budget or the time to pick and choose books that might be the actual reading choice for the predicted owners: their solution – is to buy any books that they can find and then place a kraft or colored paper around them so no one really knows their dirty little secret (at least that is how I interpret those kinds of photos!).
I was given a Kindle for Christmas which I promptly returned to Amazon. I lOVE books and my rooms have a variety arranged by subject matter. There are a few doodads that have a personal relationship to my life scattered around – but certainly not a la decorator's style (not one of my talents!).
Mary in Oregon
I'm always drawn to color…and by that I mean, if you have an all pale room, then I'd want the books to be of pale colors, too!. I love the idea of covering them but I'd write the titles on the spine. I love the way those look with the brown craft paper and white ink. Lovely! I've never covered my books, but I have been known to display only the ones that are the right color for the room.
I love your blog. I've been reading it for quite a while now, but I think this if my first time commenting.
I understand your book issues. I have more books than I have room for, and I spend (perhaps) way too much time reading them! Worse: I make them, too, when I can. Oh, dear.
I like the vellum and paper ideas. (Along the same lines, you could cover books in decorative papers.) But instead of covering all of them, cover just some. For instance, if you have a section of novels by the same author, or a group of books on the same subject, cover them all in the same paper, with simple labels. This works especially well if the books are the same size. It is also something that publishers have been doing for ages – sets of matching books. By doing it with some, but not all, you avoid the decorator look but still calm things down visually. And as others have mentioned, it also protects your books. (And do use acid-free paper, please!)
Thank you for all your wonderful and thoughtful comments. I think I shall be going down the 'some covered/some left natural' route. Slightly concerned by your obsession with acid-free paper, I'm sure nobody sells anything that sophisticated in rural Normandy! 🙂
wishing you all a great weekend
Books tell of your life and your character -they will inspire others, link people's interest to yours, identify who you are, remind you of things loved and sometimes forgotten.
Leave them as they are on the shelves – they have their own particular lives and should be celebrated as such, PLEASE don't cover them up let their characters show to all.
Diane.
Real readers, real books! I have them everywhere, some in glass fronted bookcases to minimize the dust. By subject for the most part, large sizes stacked flat. Have you seen the strange arrangement of putting books on the shelf spline to the back? Crazy!
I loved some of the photos you provided. They gave me some good ideas. I know what you mean about the look being too busy, even though they are our best loved books. What I may try in my home is covering just some of the books. I'm partial to the kraft paper look and thought that white labels on the spine would look cute. Anyway, if I just cover some of the books I think the "busy" look would be toned down.
Books are books, they have a personality all of their own. I vote for keeping them in categories no matter what the size or color, eclectic!
Eileen
Agreed! The last is the most organic. I too like to group books by category that way you easily find what you are looking for.
I can't see covering any of my dresses, blouses and clothes in white carryall bags because they make my closets look too busy. The same way I feel about the books in my home. As long as they are arranged neatly and in order, easy access to everyone in the house…but, for an overall decorator look, I understand the idea behind covering some of the books. I won't do it but "to each his or her own".
Spine ( spell checker)
I love seeing books in a room – it reveals a lot about the homeowners. In a good way. My problem is about having room for new books. I have heard of someone whose rule about buying books was that for each one bought, they gave one away. We do that and sometimes end up also boxing up books for a charity. I don't believe in throwing books away. It's sacrilege!
I am a book lover and no expert but I think you either love 'em or you don't. I don't know that they should be treated from a decorating point of view. I would say just make sure they are 'standing to attention' not hap-hazardly put on the shelf. Rather than try to neutralise the books, keep the rest of the decor in the room calm and neutral so they are not competing with each other.
I love the last image because I think it is a true reflection of the books the person is reading. It doesn't look too "fixed" and invites a "come see" look. I remove the dust jackets that come with my book because I think all the various colors are distracting. Some of my books are in a narrow book shelf and the larger books are in a glass cabinet that is below where our TV sits. It is a job to dust the books that are in an open bookshelf but I still think it is a nice way to display them. 🙂
I love your blog. I think you must first start with your book shelves and surrounding area. If the shelves are a soft white or cream this will give a sense of calm to begin with.
Nina
If you love horses you muck out the stalls. If you love dogs or cats you live with pet hair. If you love books there is an unavoidable element of clutter you put up with because you can't live without them. C'est la vie.
The bottom most one is one my of favorites also, though I wouldn't like the idea of having some books inconveniently out of the way on the upper shelves. In a way, I prefer the neutrals, though I'd put more color in.
Brad
https://anewobserver.wordpress.com/
Well, not sure if my opinion is the one you want to hear but to me, books are living, breathing things and you need to treat them honestly. No dust jackets, no colour blocking – just displayed as is, ready to be picked up at any moment and dipped into. I never find bookshelves visually cluttered. They are different organic colours just like individual human faces. J
In Japan, you often see people reading on the subway…the books are all covered with whatever paper the reader fancies. your book stays protected, of course. Elegant and practical. I think that you should not listen to any of us. You are a serious reader…store your books the way that pleases you most.
Hi Sharon, thought I would put my two pennies worth in! I am so glad to see this post about books has stirred up so much passion! it's all subjective and a matter of personal taste, I agree with Rebecca above, she took the words right out of my mouth.
X
On the subject of books and interior design, you may find this link amusing!:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC4UPcNqAGw
I agree with your own favorite there, for a personal collection. I, too, have hundreds of books and I can't color-coordinate them…it's too important for me, and for ready-reference, to have them grouped by subject. I'm just glad we're all still owning, loving, recycling REAL books. I get panicky to think books as we know them could go away, replaced by Kindles and the like. My cousins argue that it's wasteful, brings down too many trees, etc. But I've collected books for years, and I know it's a pain to move them all when relocating, and I've gotten rid of many of them by donating and selling in the secondary marketplace, but books are my comfort and I simply HAVE to have them around me as much as art on the wall, food in the cupboard, etc. There is nothing like curling up in a comfy chair with a mug of tea and a favorite book, with merely the light from a window, no electricity required. My mother still has the books she first bought as a young single in the big city, and she's almost age 90 now. We didn't have a lot of books growing up, but we kids were taught to respect and honor them. One of the first things I did as a young woman out in the world and furnishing her first apartment was building my home library. Later, it was all about clothes and makeup and shoes but, initially, it was definitely about the books. Maybe they don't look organized but they're authentic, much-used and much-loved!
i have many books and large bookshelves. I organized my books by subject and then turned them with the spine toward the wall. The effect is stunning with dark hardwoods, white slipcovered furniture, and sea grass rug. I can find a book fairly quickly, too, and anyone who comes into my house has not forgotten my bookshelves!
I too have MANY books of various categories. My neighbor up the road built his house, and they have a large picture hanging in a passageway. The picture is on hidden hinges, and he can open it like a cupboard door. Behind this picture are several rows of books. They are of course 6" or less deep, but a great way to have them accessible but not adding to clutter. Also, you could rotate your books every so often to go with the season if you don't want to cover them (sounds like a lot of work) – brighter covered ones displayed in the spring, deeper tones in the winter, etc. OOORR turn a smaller room into a library:) Oooh, dream come true! If that works, a very narrow color pallet would minimalize the cluttered look. Whatever you choose, it is your home so you must like it – if someone else does not care for it, they can decorate their own house:) Not saying that to be mean, but surround yourself with what YOU love. You always have such lovely ideas and photos; I am certain whatever you choose will be fantastic.
We have books in every room and I struggle with making the shelves look attractive. It's fun to play, though. I've been toying with the idea of covering mine, too. I like a more neutral look. One thing I've done is take the paper covers off of hardback books – the cloth binding is often more muted.
I saw the most ridiculous idea floating around the internet a year or so ago – books with the covers TORN OFF of them, and stacks of mutilated books, all very neutral and creamy, lining the shelves. That's just WRONG.
Whatever you decide, your bookshelves will reflect your taste and lifestyle, and that's what's most important. It's fun reading all the comments. Tracing paper or vellum is a brilliant idea.
Being a book lover and avid reader… books I think should be displayed in neat bookshelves… left uncovered… stacked on chairs ( but don't overdo ) and placed on tables… you know like they are a natural addition to the home…and it's home owners.
Love books
Victoria
How interesting to place them spines to the wall as Cheryl suggested. I may try that.
I like to see the books as they are, some with covers, some without, some stacked, and some vertical. I like them with an occasional item like a small box or a collected item, nothing that would appear staged.
I keep all my French language books and paperback travel guides in a white cabinet with doors… easy access and no need to keep tidy.
Bises,
Genie
…covering books is rather like having beautiful antique furniture…and covering it in plastic…
Sharon… you will get it just right I know… you have wonderful taste. Books bring life and soul to a home… they tell more about the occupants than any other objects… xv
I tell clients to paint the inside of the bookcase(back & sides)for that punch(whatever is their favorite color). Vellum would be the next choice-it protects the book + one can read the titles through the vellum. Personally I am not a fan of color blocking, looks too decorator y! so there you have my two cents. Interesting blog topic. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I found the answer, but it leaves your books a little vulnerable…simply take off the jackets; most books are black or other neutrals and look great in their skins! I know I am keeping the books that I've stripped so the jackets don't matter to me…I personally think the kraft paper look, though monochromatic, seems "unnatural?".
Remember, "There is no Frigate Like a Book…"
Felicia
http://www.approximatenotions.com
This is a tough one Sharon as I think you have picked the best of the lot…each and every one. The last is my favourite too. Years ago I took off all the jackets on my books…it works for some and not for others. You have such great taste Sharon…you will add your own special 'Sharon' touch that we all love. When you do, be sure to share. 🙂
Happy Jubilee!!
Jeanne xx
maybe it isn'to much about color of book as it is about size of book –
give that a thought
john in nc
Just keep the shelves orderly and dusted, and they'll look exactly like a shelf of books should look – inviting enough to intice a reader to come and choose one. And there's something wonderful about library ladders…
I love your blog, by the way! ::Jill
I had the same issues when I was re-doing bookshelves in my bedroom. My soulution was to take the jacket covers off the books. The colors on the jackets are so bright (I assume to catch your eye in the bookstore), but the colors on the covers are much more muted. I'm very happy with the results!
I have a large library myself and love re-reading my favorites…I like the look of covered books yet, I love to look at my dust jackets when reading as well as I love the canvas/linen texture of old books, it's a very tactile and intimate experience, curling up with a good book…additionally I already need extra time that I can't find for other projects :)…the idea of covering a zillion books just wasn't appealing…however once I saw a bedroom library in which the owner simply turned all of the books around so that the page edge faced out…it was amazing how neutral that is…so that's what I've done with a portion of my collection…I too like my books in sections according to subjects so with them in sections and then turned inside out…because my books are like fiends to me it's amazing how well you can still recognized them on the shelf… If I can find that photo in my archives I'll forward it to you….Happy decision making!
Robyn
Rare Birds Bl
Hi, I also love books, have always had a library and like the "do your own thing" way of displaying them. I did take the jackets off my child's books though for her library. One thing about the bookcases in India Hicks dining room /library is that her and her children actually covered all those books during a hurricane while they were waiting out the storm with no power. She has said they create a calm to the room and I can see why,they are personal and obviously bring back memories for her family. I am lucky enough to have a real library and also a child's library in a loft area. Thank goodness for real books no matter how we place them down! Love the dialog and your blog, thanks again 🙂
I also have a large number of books that I like to display, and love the look of the craft paper. After reading your post, I'm planning on stealing the idea for my own collection, but only to cover a few of my books–the ones that currently throw off the aesthetic. Like one of my favorite books that has a bright pink spine, which definitely does not mesh well with the muted tones of the rest of my books, but I love too much to take down!
I am amazed on how you organized these amount of books.
Time to line them up and mark their heights against the wall! You don't want to purchase shelves which might be too high for them to reach. Unless, of course, you have other products that you would like to store on the upper shelves, and keeping little hands away from them is a good thing.
J'arrive après la bataille : what solution did you pick ?
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