Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!
The famous quote 'Don't judge a book by its
cover' was first stated by author George Elliot in 1860. This phrase was used
by Elliot in the book The Mills on
the Floss and became a popular
saying in the early 1920's.
Whether you love to read or not, books have
a place in everyone's home. Books are a great way to get lost from the everyday
stressors of life by escaping to another time or land. I love to head out to
some of my favorite thrift stores to collect books that look beautiful,
interesting (and could even make a great display). Even if you aren't a book
lover, displaying books throughout your home can bring a beautiful (and yes,
some might say peaceful) ambiance to the space.
Choose the right books:
One of the most important factors when
displaying books is what does their covers look like. If you have a collection
of books that you love to display, then aesthetics of size, color and
proportion may not be an issue. However, many try to coordinate their home
decor and then choose books that blend or compliment the surrounding furniture,
textiles or even wall color. I am a very monochromatic stylist when it comes to
my own home but this seems a little over the top to me. But I will admit that
if done properly, it is amazing.
I am not saying that it’s necessary to get
overly concerned with colors, as books look natural when they are varying
heights, sizes and color. You have a choice; decide if you want your books to
make a statement when people enter the room, or if you want them to enhance the
backdrop of your interiors (and conversation).
Choose the right technique:
Furniture designers have found countless
ways to creatively showcase literary finds, from bookshelves and built-in
architectural cabinets to freestanding and custom shelving, there is a perfect
solution for every home.
Assess your space and discover hidden areas
you may have forgotten about: over doorways, under stairways, and bare walls
are ideal places to start. Decide if you will need to use these books on a
regular basis, if so; ensure they are easy to reach.
For rooms that your books add ambiance more
than function; consider housing books high up on a home office or library wall.
Library ladders or step stools may be required for shelves that are too high
for arm’s reach... and nothing says an avid reader like a great library ladder
or stool to add to the decor.
Choose the right style for your
architecture:
The architecture and design style of your
interiors will help you decide if your open floor plan warrants an eye-catching
book display in the center of the room or if your traditional-styled home
office will look better with bookshelves flanked on either side of windows.
Borrow cues from windows, doorways, ceiling heights, columns, and even
cabinetry and furniture placement can influence your book display options.
For minimalist interiors, choose low profile
credenzas and book displays and in traditional or ornate rooms choose shelving
that commands attention with intricate details and architectural visual
interest.
Have just a few books in your collection:
If you are trying to determine what to do
with just a stack of books that is piling up in your garage or if you just
started collecting books, here are inspiring ways to liven up your interiors.
Let your personal style and the architectural style of your room help you
decide how to beautifully showcase those collections.
And Now, the Star
of Our Show…
Bookshelves:
I swear I am going to have built-ins one of
these days in my Music Room (this is at the top of my Wish List). I can already
visually place every single shelf, book and item on them… I just have to
construct them! Over the past 25+ years, I have collected… and saved… and
sorted… and piled… and separated... and gave away... books upon books upon
books that are just lying in-wait for their honored resting place on my
shelves. I’ll get it (fingers crossed -
someday) and I will be sure to share that process right here with you!
Ever wonder what to
do with all those paperback Love Novels that you read at the beach each year?
Flip them around on the shelf... you really don't need to see the binding and
look how marvelous they look arranged like this?
As I am sure you
have surmised by now… I just can’t seem to get enough of books and decor that
uniquely displays them.
Design Bottom Line: There really is no right or wrong when it comes to displaying
books. They are the Carte Blanche of the Design World… use them anywhere for
anything… let your imagination run wild.
Want some more help
with organizing your books? Click
Here
