For families that enjoy reading, the accumulation of books around the house can pose a problem. Soon, there are books everywhere. Even if you trade some in or give some away, you soon accumulate more to fill your hunger for reading. Children also tend to collect lots of books, and they like to hold on to the ones that are special to them. To keep books from overwhelming your spaces, try some of these ideas.
Books as Decor Elements
Many designers use books as decor elements, and you can too. Select books that are the appropriate color for a particular space, and stack them on a table or shelf. They work great as a makeshift stand for displaying other pieces as well. A small votive holder that might otherwise go unnoticed, will look great on top of a small stack of books. The color and the size of the books will draw attention to the piece.
Liven up Bookshelves
Instead of simply standing books beside each other and filling up shelves, stack a few on top of each other on one end of a shelf then stand a few side by side. Alternate this pattern for each shelf. Stacked books also make great bookends. You can also mix other items in amongst your books, such as photos, small plants, and vases or bowls to add some interest to your bookshelves.
Add Bookends
Speaking of bookends, there are many great designs available for every decorating style. Adding some unique bookends will make your bookshelves more attractive. They are a great way to add color, texture, and style, and to pick up on your design theme and carry it over to your bookshelves. Bookends can also be a great source of inspiration. If you find a unique set, it may set the theme for the entire space. Check out Just Bookends for some great looks.