If you need some inspiration, here are a few of our favourite bookshelf styling and design suggestions for the perfect home library.
Play with shapes
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When planning a bookshelf, start with the design of the shelf itself. A standard rectangular bookshelf provides a sense of uniformity, while more playful shapes like this geometric design turn the entire library into a statement piece. Look for unique shapes online or DIY your own using wooden crates for a more rustic look.
Go floor to ceiling
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If you have more books than you know what to do with, use your collection to your advantage by covering walls with books from floor to ceiling. This design even utilizes the books in the structure itself, forming an arch so it looks as if the wall was built out of books.
Install a ladder
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To truly make a bookshelf feel like a real library, you need to add a classic wooden ladder to your shopping list. Not only does it make the space feel more intentional, but it also makes your collection much easier to access and by extension, easier to read.
Try floating bookshelves
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For a magical, gravity-defying look, try installing a few floating shelves to display your books. These thin shelves are cleverly hidden away to make your books appear as if they are resting on air. You can try horizontal shelves like this one or vertical stacking shelves that use the cover of the book to stick in place.
Pair books and plants
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As houseplants continue to grow in popularity, it’s rare to spot a bookshelf that doesn’t have at least one plant snuggled into the design. Choose trailing plants like the pothos (Epipremnum aureum) or string of bananas (Curio radicans) pictured above to blend sections and lead the eye around the display.
Create a reading nook
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There’s no better way to dig into a book than in a cosy dedicated reading spot. By blending your home library with a small reading nook packed with comfortable blankets and pillows, you’ll have no excuse not to fill your free time with reading.
Look for unique shelving
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With so many unique shelving choices on the market now, it’s easy to find something a little different. This example highlights the book collection and adds to the overall at the same time. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, get out your tools and try DIY.
Customize your book covers
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Although you need tons of free time on your hands to make this craft a reality, it does have an impressive effect when it’s finished. Custom book sleeves allow you to match your books to their surroundings in any way you like. It’s also a great way to protect books or cover up wear and tear if you tend to purchase books secondhand.
Don’t forget to decorate
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While it’s great to make books the star of the show, it doesn’t mean they have to be displayed on their own. Adding a few other decorative touches like vases or this cascading spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) completes the look and complements the pop of colour behind.
With these tips, it’s so easy to get reading.
Written by: Madison Moulton
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Feature Image: Pexels
