Bookshelf Organization Ideas Ways to Organize Bookshelves
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Bookshelf Organization Ideas

Bookshelf Organization Ideas

How is it that the simplest piece of furniture in our homes can end up looking so messy? Whether we only own a few books, or our libraries resemble the one from Beauty & the Beast, organizing our bookshelves takes a bit of creativity. The trick is to make them practical and clutter-free at the same time. Oh, they also need to be visually appealing, since they’re on display for all to see! Our bookshelves should say something about us. Are we well-traveled, well-read, self-helpers, scholars, thrill-seekers, entrepreneurs, or maybe just a dusty, hot mess?! Let’s tackle this project together. We hope that this Bookshelf Organization Ideas post inspires you. 

Bookshelf Organization Ideas

Bookshelf Organization Ideas

Storage and shelves

Decide what kind of shelving system to use. Floor-to-ceiling shelving is striking and can make a room feel taller (as long as the shelves themselves are organized). Floating shelves are fun, particularly if you arrange them in the shape of something, like a monogram. Under-the-stairs shelving makes great use of wasted space. If you have books that might as well be works of art, consider using picture ledges to display the titles face-out.

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Displaying items

Decide how you want to display the actual books on your shelves. You can choose to go the traditional route (vertical) or stack them horizontally. Some people do a mix of both, but it only really works when the shelves have very little else on them. Otherwise, it starts to look messy. Organize your books either alphabetically, by size, by type (hard or soft cover), by color, or by genre. If you want a little more control over the color scheme of your shelves, use book covers or buy decorative books.

Bookshelf Organization IdeasSmart storage

Tackle anything else you need to store on the shelves smartly. Use matching baskets or boxes to store miscellaneous items, or books that you want to keep, but don’t want to display. Break up the monotony of the books with large décor pieces. Small knick-knacks make a space look cluttered and messy very quickly (They’re also more for you to dust!). If you’re organizing office bookshelves store multiples of office supplies in fancy canisters, wood storage bins, or clear containers on the shelves. This frees up space on the desk, keeps all like items together, and creates a nice visual display.

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Let your personality shine

Remember, bookshelves can also be a way to showcase a unique collection of items and show off your personality. You can leave the books off altogether, choose a backless shelving option, and create an alternative to wall art in a snap. When doing this, keep wall decor to a minimum so that the focal point is the collection itself. Books or no books, you can make a conversation piece by painting the back wall of the bookshelf a deeper or more vivid color than the walls of the room. This also makes the items on the shelves pop. Bonus: there’s no commitment to a wild color on the walls of your home!

Give these suggestions a try and you’ll have beautiful, organized shelves, that speak to your personality, in no time! We hope that you are inspired by this Creative Ways to Organize Bookshelves post. Happy decorating!!

Bookshelf Organization Ideas

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15 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. I am now motivated to clean up my office. I like these ways of stacking the books.

  2. robin rue

    Now I want to reorganize all of ours. Thanks for the inspo!

  3. Keikilani

    I love restyling my bookshelves as it changes up the whole room. Your suggestions are creative and inspiring. 

  4. Kathy

    I love this idea. I think it’s great to make bookshelves look nice like this. I’ve done something similar to the top of my bookshelf to make it stand out and look nicer too.

  5. Stefani Tolson

    I have been wanting to do something creative with my books ever since I seen this neat bookcase on Pinterest last week!

  6. Ruth I

    I think you know so much about organizing. Honestly, this is one of my weaknesses. I am sure you are doing great.

  7. Stephanie Pass

    I just did this with the bookshelf in our living room. I donated a bunch of books and added some pieces to make it more personal.

  8. Heather

    Thanks for these tips! My books are always chaotic looking so this is helpful.

  9. Kelsey

    Love this! Bookshelves can be a great way to display some simple home decor as well.

  10. I love to be organized. We buy a lot of Rubbermaid products.

  11. I want to put in shelves under the stairs. I think it is such a fun idea and I would put a nice little reading chair by it.

  12. Love your ideas! So many different ways to organize bookshelves! Can’t wait to try them!

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