Books are an integral part of many peoples homes, yet arranging them to be useful and attractive remains a fine art. Many publishers are not obliging enough to publish their novels in complimentary colors. Your favorite books may look a little shabby, especially the paperbacks. Different sizes of books can be difficult to arrange attractively. However, there are ways that you can include your books in your decor without tossing out your old faithfuls or buying only books with blue covers.
The layout of your home is going to determine how your books are going to be placed to some degree. Bookshelves can be flexible; you can use some deep ones to create a "nook" for a desk or window hideaway. If you don't have a lot of space for a bookshelf in the area where you want to store books, you still have some options. Bookshelves, fortunately, are coming in many different designs to accommodate books in places that were previously unsuited for book storage. The Sapien Bookcase, a tall, thin bookshelf capable of holding up to 70 texts, is one example of this. You can find out more by visiting the Design Within Reach website (dwr.com).
Figure out how you want to divide your books. Should it be on subject or genre? Size? Are you going to arrange them alphabetically by title or author? You have many choices. Some people have gone so far as to arrange all their books by color, irrespective of subject. Others have divided books by the room they will be of most use in; for example, cookbooks and books on food being placed in the kitchen. (The one caveat lector you must take into consideration is books in the bathroom. The humidity will warp and otherwise damage books left in the room for any length of time.)
Unless you only buy books for their appearance, you will want to be able to access them quickly for reading. No matter what your storage solution is, it must be practical. Books should be placed so that they are not compromised by objects in front of or on top of them. One method to create form and function is to use books that are vertically stacked as bookends for horizontally stacked ones. Another is to use heavier decorative items as bookends.
If you are concerned with the appearance of a few well-worn favorites, you can improve their appearance by repairing or replacing torn dust jackets, gluing spines, and taping torn covers. Another option is having the entire book rebound or rebinding yourself. There are resources on the Internet for those interested in rebinding worn books themselves. If you are really ambitious, you can rebind books with colors that look exceptionally good on your shelves.
By taking some time to arrange your books in pleasing patterns and keeping them in good repair, you can make your book collection both aesthetically pleasing and useful. This will enhance the overall experience of your home and make your books more than just repositories of information, but decorative assets in their own right.
Related Articles
Is Your House Boring?
By: Jason Sisilli | 25/03/2008 | Interior Design
If your home isn't one of the lucky ones, and most homes built within the past 40 years aren't, you can add it yourself or with the help of a contractor in very little time.
The Science of Buying Bath Towels
By: Calum MacKenzie | 03/03/2008 | Interior Design
There is nothing more luxurious after a relaxing bath or a hot shower than to wrap yourself in a large, plush bath towel. Not a cheapie version, but a soft, velvety towel with some weight to it. Buying really nice towels is a bit of science.
Time for a Trim, But Can You Hack the Diy?
By: Jason Sisilli | 25/03/2008 | Interior Design
You'll also have to keep track of inside and outside corners and make it all fit together seamlessly. Does this prospect make your head hurt? Fortunately, there are some great tools on the market that will help you get the job done.
Color Power: Unlocking the True Potential of Paint
By: Ted Gaurnero | 03/07/2008 | Interior Design
If the tub is attached to tile, than the tile can end up breaking. You can have your bathtub professionally painted- which is often the best option in this case as it's a tricky job and requires specialized paint products. A typical job will cost you about $300. But it may well be worth it, if you compare to the cost and hassle of replacing the tub.
Home Decorating Made Easy
By: steve alfred | 25/05/2007 | Home Improvement
Article review on a Home Decorating Guide.
Tiny Spaces Can be Stylish Places
By: Carol Freyer | 07/07/2008 | Interior Design
Lack of storage space and furniture limitations can all lead to feeling that the walls are closing in. To prevent feeling cramped without having to build an extension, you must plan your interior carefully, and work with the architecture of the home rather than against it.
Designing Secrets From the Pros
By: Carol Freyer | 13/12/2007 | Real Estate
When it comes to redecorating, it's sometimes difficult to know where to begin. Do you start with the furniture, the paint, the architecture? Now you can get some help from the experts, as ten top designers share their decorating secrets in the latest update of ArchitecturalDigest.com.
Designing Woman
By: Amy Covington | 11/02/2006 | Women's Issues
We all remember our grandmother's house. It was either warm and welcoming or smelly and stark.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpet Tile installation
By: Rhonda Carter | 23-07-2008
Has anyone installed trafficmaster carpet tiles before? If so, was it easy and how did it look?
How to stormproof your home?
By: Adier | 22-07-2008
How to stormproof your home?
What are the best 'green' materials for your ...
By: Adier | 22-07-2008
What are the best 'green' materials for your home?
Home rental
By: angie | 21-07-2008
Hello, I am looking for a home to rent in or near California Missouri. It must have a garage or carport, please any help will be greatly appreciated. I have to find a new home by the middle of aug. my name is angela shirey and my e-mail address is shireyangie@aol.com. please help if you can thank-you
Angela
Regrouting
By: Deanna | 21-07-2008
what does it cost to have a bathroom regrouted
Seeking green Architects and builders in the ...
By: Zoe | 21-07-2008
Seeking green Architects and builders in the Houston and surrounding areas.
Q&A Powered by:
More from Jake Marsh
Breaking News - a No-glitch Switch
By: Jake Marsh | 10/07/2008 | Tools and Equipment
Imagine being able to move all your furniture around without having to worry about obstructing the light switches - because the light switches can just be moved at random!
Snowbirds - Planning the Maiden Flight
By: Jake Marsh | 09/07/2008 | Real Estate
The question, 'do they like it?', will probably be answered by how much research is done by each 'wannabe snowbirder' to track down the environment that is perfect for them. You may love the idea of spending winter in a warm place, but may forget that you need to match your lifestyle choices to that place.
Time's Right for Selling Your Denver Home
By: Jake Marsh | 09/07/2008 | Real Estate
If they are rolled out before the sun lands on the glass of your windows (and heats it up), they will help to keep your home cooler. Unlike the canvas pagoda sun shelter, they will allow the breeze to blow through the sides and keep you cooler.
Your First Home: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
By: Jake Marsh | 16/06/2008 | Real Estate
The experience of purchasing your first home can be overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. There are certain valuable insights that'll help you along the way, and ensure that you are in charge of your experience. Of course a great realtor can help you immensely, but as with anything in life you should know as much as possible, so you can make informed decisions that reflect your needs and desires.
More Space in Your Home = More Space in Your Mind
By: Jake Marsh | 16/06/2008 | Real Estate
Whether you're prepping your home for a sale, or you simply desire to create a better "flow" throughout your space, there is true merit in exploring the principles of Zen philosophy as applied to the design of your home and how you live within it.
Protect Your Safe Haven : Theft Proof Your Home
By: Jake Marsh | 13/06/2008 | Home Security
The number one way to secure your home is to have a good alarm system and to have that alarm system visibly advertised to any to-be intruders. Convicted burglars have stated that they'd be less likely to break into a house that warned of an alarm or guard dog.
Get That Roof Checked!
By: Jake Marsh | 26/05/2008 | Remodeling
That's no problem, since the condo association will have the money, right? Wrong. If, and I mean IF, your condo association has the money, yes, they will take on the cost of repairing or replacing the roof. If not, guess who gets dinged for the cost above the reserve?
Ten Environmentally Friendly Money Saving Ideas for You and Your Home
By: Jake Marsh | 13/05/2008 | Real Estate
If you outfit your bike with baskets or panniers and reusable shopping bags, you will be able to do small shopping trips. The same goes if you get a decent backpack (or bribe your kids to come along to carry grocery bags). The money you save can be put back into your home by purchasing energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
Home Improvement 
