Books have a special place in our lives, evoking memories, sparking dreams, and connecting us to different perspectives. They are not just stories; they can also be used as beautiful decor pieces and conversation starters in our homes. By getting creative with organizing your book collection, you can transform a cluttered bookshelf into a curated display that reflects your personal style.
Whether you’re settling into a new home in Saint Paul, MN, renting an apartment in Dallas, TX, or exploring a rental home in Woodstock, VT, there are innovative ways to showcase your books that can enhance your living space.
In this article, we will explore various creative ideas for storing books beyond the traditional stacking and shelving methods. From unique bookshelf organization to thematic displays, these strategies will help you manage your collection while appreciating the beauty of your books in new ways.
1. Utilize Your Bookshelf Space Efficiently
Maximizing the space on your bookshelf can turn a cluttered collection into an inviting display. By organizing your books based on size, double stacking them, and adjusting the height of your shelves, you can make the most of every inch of space.
Arrange Books by Size
Professional organizer Sara Bereika recommends arranging books based on their sizes to create extra space on your shelves. By laying tall books flat and stacking them high, you can make the most of the shelf height. Additionally, organizing book series with the front facing forward and stacked one in front of the other can utilize the entire depth of the shelf.
Double Stack Your Books
Founder of the literary blog, Books are my Third Place, Ashley Whitlatch, suggests double stacking your books to maximize shelf space while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. By slightly raising the back stack and using items like empty egg cartons or small cardboard boxes, you can create a cascading effect for your books.
Adjust Shelf Heights
Professional organizer Meghan Jackson advises adjusting the height of your shelves or adding shelf risers to utilize extra space above your books. By stacking books horizontally or using similar height stacks, you can make the most of the space on your shelves.
2. Think Vertically
Using vertical space for book storage can help maximize your home’s space and showcase your collection. Tall, slim bookshelves or ladder-style units can display your books without taking up valuable floor space.
Professional organizer Olympia von Berg suggests viewing any wall space as potential storage. By incorporating tall, vertical bookcases, you can create beautiful displays and free up floor space in your home.
Julie Starke, a professional organizer from Keys to Living Light, recommends looking up when considering storing books. Vertical bookcases, especially swiveling ones, can make finding and accessing your books easier.
3. Create a Cozy Reading Retreat
A cozy reading nook is a perfect way to store your books while creating a charming spot for reading. By utilizing spaces like underneath a window seat for book storage, you can make use of otherwise unused areas in your home.
Owner of Vintage & Soul Home, Maria Gartrell, recommends making a niche under a window seat to store or display extra books. Whether you opt for an open niche or a drawer, this space can be a great storage solution for your books.
4. Keep Books Out of Sight
Storing books in less visible spots like high shelves or hidden corners can help keep your space organized without overwhelming it. Utilizing areas like blank wall spaces, nooks under tables, or high shelves in closets can optimize storage in small spaces.
Professional organizer Bohne Leah suggests focusing on storage opportunities above and below your eye line to maximize small spaces. By exploring overlooked areas like high shelves or under-the-stairs closets, you can effectively optimize storage space.
The team at Rustic Eagle Home Decor recommends placing books in corner units to fill unused spaces and add a decorative touch to your room. Taller corner units draw the eye upward and can be used to display books or holiday decorations.
5. Transform Walls into Stylish Book Displays
Wall-mounted shelves offer a stylish way to store books while saving floor space. They can keep your collection organized and turn your walls into beautiful displays that add character to any room.
CEO of Organized Overall, Mary Cornetta, recommends using wall-mounted shelves to maximize storage by utilizing blank wall space. Whether vertical or horizontal, these shelves can help you make the most of your wall space.
Professional organizer Bethany Hansen suggests using wall space for open shelving or built-ins to store books. By adding clear acrylic bookends, you can keep your collection tidy and visually appealing without cluttering the space.
6. Reimagine Unused Spaces
Finding innovative ways to store books in unused areas of your home can maximize space and showcase your collection. Underutilized spaces like under the bed, above kitchen cabinets, in dresser drawers, or under the stairs can be hidden gems for organizing books.
Under the Bed Storage
Professional organizers Laurie Palmer and Yissel Landaeta suggest using under the bed storage like bins and drawers to keep your treasured books in small living spaces.
Above Kitchen Cabinets
Professional organizer Jen Holmer recommends storing books above kitchen cabinets to utilize unused space. By arranging books by color, you can create a visually appealing display in your kitchen.
Dresser Drawers
Professional organizers Shelby & Anro Blaauw suggest using spare dresser drawers for book storage. Floating shelves or mini acrylic shelves can provide alternative storage options for your book collection.
Under the Stairs
Professional organizer Mary Gallivan recommends adding shelves under-the-stairs closets to maximize storage space. By arranging books in small stacks, you can create artistic displays and add character to any room.
7. Try Versatile Furniture Solutions
Multi-functional furniture can blend style and practicality, offering hidden storage options for books. Furniture pieces like storage ottomans, couches, or chairs with storage under the cushions can provide additional storage space while maintaining a cohesive look in your home.
Interior designer Janine Adams recommends using furniture with hidden storage for books you don’t use regularly. Nightstands, coffee tables, and TV stands with shelves or drawers can help organize your book collection by genre and furnish your space.
8. Get Creative with Book Storage
Embracing your love for books can lead to creative ways to enhance your home’s decor. From filling a faux fireplace with books to stacking them on window sills or installing floating shelves above the bed, there are endless possibilities to display your book collection creatively.
Interior designer Olga Mykhailovska suggests using books as decorative accents, whether stacked on the floor to display favorite items or arranged in unique ways to add color and sophistication to your interior.
9. Thoughtfully Place Your Books
Placing your books in easily accessible locations can enhance your reading experience and daily life. By prioritizing favorite books on bookshelves, bedside tables, or coffee tables, you can enjoy quick access to your go-to reads.
Lead organizer Donna Richardson recommends storing favorite and go-to books in visible locations for easy access. For random favorites or seasonal reads, consider storing them in under-the-bed containers or storage benches while keeping them easily accessible.
Donna also suggests ways to part with books you no longer need by gifting them, donating them, or finding organizations that accept used books.
10. Declutter Your Collection
Curating your book collection is essential for maximizing space in a small home. Editing your collection to keep only the books you need, love, or use can free up space and enhance your enjoyment of your favorite books.
Professional organizer Lisa Smith recommends editing your collection down to your absolute favorite books to save space and enhance the joy of looking at your collection.
Inspiration for Storing Books
Getting creative with storing books can transform your space and elevate your home’s aesthetic. Whether you utilize multi-functional furniture, hidden corners, or cozy reading nooks, let your book collection shine as a reflection of your love for reading.
By organizing and displaying your books thoughtfully, you can create stylish displays that celebrate your inner book lover and enhance your living space.