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Tuesday, October 30th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design Highlands Collection piece.
People are natural collectors. Many of us collect in order to preserve memories while others do it for fun. Both of these reasons point to a person’s passion towards things that are old, special or both.
If you’re aching to have your own collection soon but still don’t know how to begin, then these cool ideas just might spark your interest –
Skeleton Keys
Or just about any type of unique keys that are made of steel or any kind of metal can be a collector’s starting point. Antique keys don’t just stand the test of time but they are also an inexpensive way to begin your collecting hobby.
Plus these keys look really great in Instagram photos.
Believe it or not, antique keys are easy to find. These are those pieces that are dated pre-19th century. They are either barrel, flat or the skeleton type. The most coveted, of course, is the skeleton key because of its history and ornate design.
Compared to other collectible items, ancient keys are a bit easier to get a hold of. These are found in many thrift shops and charity stores, even garage sales. There are also auctions and online sites that sell them.
Historically, it is agreed that the lock and key were invented in China and in Ancient Egypt roughly in 4000 BC. These locks and keys were made of iron or wood. By the time of the conquests of the Roman Empire, great riches had to be protected, hence, more keys and locks needed to be manufactured.
To check your first collectible, be sure to refer to the color, shape, tarnishing, and its weight. Antique barrel keys come with a hollow, short shaft and the signature rounded edge. These weigh less than skeleton keys because they are hollow.
An antique skeleton key, on the other hand, has elaborate decorations and will open just about any antique lock. The more embellished and older this key is, the rarer it is and, therefore, more valuable. The pre-1700 keys are much more in demand and are fewer in number.
Rocks
Now how about a rock collection? It’s easy to begin this kind of collection, just take a walk around the neighborhood and find some pieces straightaway. Find rocks that look good to you. You can also hike with the whole family and start finding special rocks in riverbeds and streams, beaches, and even up on the hills.
Begin by cleaning the rocks with plain water and dish soap. You can also submerge them in diluted household bleach for two days if you want to remove heavy grit. Wash the rocks with warm water after then air dry.
You can organize your rocks according to their rock type (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) or their color. Others group their favorite pieces together while others like to organize by size. You can also label each rock by the place where they were found.
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Action Figures
Who can forget the sheer happiness that one felt when you got your very first action figure? And now that you’re an adult, what’s to stop you from seeking your fave action figures and building your collection?
Other Collectibles
Other common collectibles include snow globes, ancient coins especially the Greek and Roman ones, and vinyl records. Find your vibe and seek out the things that are valuable to you.
Discovering old or new collectibles is truly awesome.
Display Your Collection
Once you’ve bought and even cleaned your collectibles, it’s time to display them and show them to the world. Find a glass display case where you can show them off and where you can also enjoy seeing them each day.
The story behind each collectible is an awesome conversation starter for every social gathering that you’ll soon hold.
Tags: book collection, displaying collections, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, personal collection, rock collection
Posted in Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Start a Collection Hobby Now
Wednesday, May 10th, 2017
This Antebellum entertainment unit is also perfect as a home for your new book collection.
Did you know that there are now approximately 130 million books that have been published in the history of man? Bookworms will read an average of 6,000 books in their lifetime. Most of these books are far from being memorable as the best books are rare. If we were to be truly honest, each of us could read and remember only 30.
Storytelling is best enjoyed as you read the plot develop and then you are caught up in the sub-plots. It’s just like watching a movie except that you’re now using your imagination.
So you have finally decided to start a book collection. If you’re uncertain about where to begin, then learn a few fundamental tips –
Know What Books to Accumulate
You can easily collect just about any kind of book but collecting what you really love is a hugely different thing. You could begin by collecting books from your childhood, science fiction books, romance novels, or collect based on your favorite authors.
You can pick a subject and a budget for this. Most of all, it is mandatory to have fun as you start collecting books. You can also collect books of art, certain fields or genres, limited editions, manuscripts, illustrated books, signed copies, by era, etc.
Rare Books are a Handful
Know that booksellers use their own jargons and language. This can be a tad intimidating at first but you would soon get used to them. There are different paper types, bindings, sizes, formats, and conditions for various books.
It is important to know that there are book doctors better known as book conservators. These are the best people to approach when it comes to hand bookbinding and conservation. There are librarians that are also conservators and there are also bookbinders.
Now that you know that, you can begin your proper care and handling of your chosen books.
Make sure that you have clean hands when handling your books. Take extra care by keeping beverages and food away from the reading area.
The removal of a book is done properly when you grip the book on both sides of its spine. Your hand should also be situated in the middle of your book. Never tug at the top of a rare book’s spine.
Make sure also that you do not open a book at a 180-degree angle. You can prop the covers of any opened book so you can decrease the size of the angle.
Say no to dog ears, acidic inserts and folding. Use a bookmark instead. Say no also to rubber bands, adhesive tapes and glues.
Proper Storage Tips
Great book storage can prolong the lives of books. It is imperative to have a cool room temperature in your reading corner or home library. Don’t set up your library in the attic, the basement or other areas where moisture can build up.
Exposure to light can also destroy the best books (especially the rare ones). Check that there isn’t any intense or direct light glaring at your new collection.
Group the books according to their sizes (this is preferable so that the face covers are supported by the books on each of its side).
Invest on a feather duster as you will do a lot of dusting during housekeeping. Shelved books should be upright and never leaning. Having them lying flat is also a good way to store your collection.
Organizing the Bookshelf
If you want a picture-perfect bookcase, then don’t give in to the urge of putting every book in your collection in just one shelf. Achieving a clean look means you should also mix some accessories with your books. Pick one color or a tone-on-tone palette for figurines and flower vases.
You can also alternate stacking vertically and horizontally.
Tags: book collection, bookshelf, displaying books, home library, how to display books, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, starting book collection
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Awesome Book Displays for Your Home
Friday, May 5th, 2017
When you are looking into expanding your library, you might be thinking of adding more bookshelves straightaway. There is no harm in doing this as this is the traditional way to do it. Library expansions could spell the beginning of your book collection – which is an awesome hobby.
Be sure to have a purpose when starting a book collection. If you love the classics then you gotta have Dickens’ works, books that were instrumental in the advancement of civilization, and books that satiate your occupation or interest.
The key here is to buy the books that you love. The books should speak to you. If these books define who you are, then your guests will know right away who you are.
The Bizarre Coffee Table
Books stacks can accumulate quickly so you might as well put them to good use. Hardbound books can be used as the legs for your glass tabletop. These stacks will surely invite onlookers as they lounge in your living room.
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The Intellectual Headboard
What could be more interesting inside the bedroom than to create a headboard filled with vintage books? Open those classic books right in the middle and have them fastened above your bed. Make the Thomasville Bedroom Keenan Bed more interesting with classic books for a headboard!
Hang ‘Em
Right above your traditional bookrack, it would be nice to hang and display your books. Give each book a peg (which doubles as a bookmark) and clip them onto a wood attached to the wall. The more colorful the books are, the more exciting this hanging rack gets.
EnLIGHTened Reading
Isn’t it a lovely thing to be able to read your favorite novel before you go to bed? Or you might fancy curling up in your reading chair right by your reading nook.
No matter, it pays to have good lighting when you are reading, right? Then why not take your reading to a whole new level by stacking books and putting the head of a reading lamp at the top? The books act as the base for your lamp which will make your reading moments a lot more motivating don’t you think?
A Book Wall
You can also repurpose one wall of your living room by turning it into a glass wall with lined bookcases. Imagine the oohs and the aahs that you will get from your neighbors as they see your collection of books now turned into an accent wall.
From the inside, all you see is the traditional bookcases lined up one after the other. Outside, you will see an exciting wall filled with lots and lots of books.
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Book Staircases
A good book should always be within reach so why not maximize that area under the stairs? Each step can be installed with a plank where you can place your books. Be sure to include a theme whether it is by color, pattern or topic.
A unique pair of bookends will also make this book staircase a lot more remarkable.
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Book End Tables
Side or end tables are made to balance the look in a room. This is especially true when this pair of furniture piece sandwiches a major furniture such as a bed or a sofa.
End tables can also function as a place to set your beverages when you are entertaining guests in the living room or to hold stacks of books.
Rather than be confined to these kinds of end tables, why not create a stack of books and let these become the end tables? Top the look by placing marvelous ceramic vases on your unique end tables.
Tags: book collection, bookends, displaying book collections, displaying books, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Ingenious Decorative Ideas for Your Book Collections
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016
Maitland-Smith Accessories Cast Brass Horse Head 1254-320 is an interesting bookend.
The changing of seasons drives a lot of people to clean up their homes. Others may choose to relax during these colder months but if you’re one of those who are aching to tidy up your home instead, then you’re in luck. There may be a lot of decluttering tips online but only a few will tell you how to get properly display your book collections. Book organization is a lot more than simply storing books in shelves, though.
Create an Overall Look
Organizing your bookshelf means you are ready to use it not just as a storage element but also a decorative element. When done properly, an organized book collection can easily become the focal point in a room.
Before you bring in all the books to the living room or your new home library, though, you have to know how they are going to be displayed, though. And you need to show some practicality when you’re en route to organizing your bookshelf.
Consider what shelf color, style or design you would need. As soon as you define these, then you’re ready to go to the actual organization.
Make Space
Prepare an area that you can clear up for your bookshelf or set of bookshelves. If you’re rehashing some shelves, then be sure to dust them first. Do this with the books that you’re going to display, too. Organizing your books is also a great time to consider which books you would want to keep and which ones you are ready to donate. Giving away some of the books that you no longer love or read could help tremendously in your decluttering process.
Categorize
Next, it’s time to categorize the books according to your liking. First, place them on neat piles on the floor. You can create your own filing system according to the alphabetical arrangement of the titles of the book, the authors’ names or the various subjects.
Some homeowners choose to keep a more organized division by classifying according to paperback or hardcover types. For a more decorative appeal, you can also group the books according to the colors of their spines or their height.
To avoid confusion, you should write the category names on slips of paper or place a sticker with the category atop the pile of books which fit the description.
If you have but a few books for your shelf, then you can pick a color scheme that you have also chosen for your room. Paint the insides of the shelves with the same or complementary color to your theme. This should add a pleasant contrast to the room and make the objects being displayed, pop up.
Pick colors as well as themes that will be able to match the surroundings. For a more creative edge, use wallpapers, fabrics and other stuff as a backdrop to the shelf.
If you have a large collection of books, devote a whole room for this collection. You will need to invest in more than two bookshelves so make sure that the rest of the room is uncluttered and simple. You wouldn’t want the surroundings to compete with the focal points in this room – your bookshelves filled with your beloved books.
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Consolidate
Align the books right by the edge of the bookshelf. Be reminded of those books that won’t fit into your shelf. These tall books can lie atop the neat rows that you are about to create. All the spines should be facing out so that it will be easier to read the book titles. This basic arrangement ensures ease in searching books.
To finish the look, be sure to add accessories. Create layers and dimensions by adding framed photos of your adventures or of you and your family. Creating this visual interest will tell everyone that the library is yours – truly yours.
Tags: book collection, book display, book haven, book organization, display tips for books, displaying book collections, displaying books, home library, how to display books, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing books, room for books, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 20th, 2016
FFDM Antebellum Collection: This is a classic take in setting up a library.
Organizing bookshelves may not be your idea of spending the weekend but there are actually people who are extreme enthusiasts. The bibliophiles even think that books have their own personalities, even histories, thus, they should be displayed for the world to see, not hidden. You may not be as extreme as these people but it is, nevertheless, needful to have books organized.
The Book Organizing Project
It might be a bit challenging to begin organizing your book collections but your efforts will not be wasted, you’ll see. Once every book has a place to call its home, you will soon feel the joys of clutter-free surroundings.
Consider also if there are books that you would be willing to donate. Once you have segregated the books that you still read and those that you will give away, then it’s time to see what sort of bookshelf you will be investing in.
A Place to Reflect
You don’t have to be obsessessed with books just to organize your own library. Actually, it doesn’t even have to be a designated library. There are corners and spaces in your home that are not used or misused. Find those areas and consider setting up your bookshelves or book cabinets there.
If you have a huge collection of books, though, you can make the library as the heart of your home. You can combine the first and second floors of your home then have a circular staircase complete the two-storey library. The double-height book home will surely be more enticing if the stairs are made with elegant oak.
Other options for larger book collections is for the shelves to run from floor to ceiling. You can have a special ladder to go with these shelves. This is the best tool for easy browsing among these shelves.
If you are feeling more magnanimous with your budget, then have your house built around your book cabinets or shelves. These shelvings look best with exposed wood beams and other industrial theme elements. Your book volumes could also stretch up to two storeys accessible by a wooden staircase. The top can have a simple desk overlooking the garden right outside your home. Picture yourself reading a book here while you peek – once-in-a-while – over the top of the novel that you’re reading.
With smaller collections, you can make do with a book tower. Build this by simply stacking books on the floor. A small wooden desk can also hold your small collections.
Another choice that you can make is to convert an unused corner into your reading nook. Have a designated desk and chair by that corner and have a small stack of books placed on the desk. If you install a corner shelf to house your books, then make sure that it follows the ceiling’s angle. Yet another wooden ladder would make accessibility a breeze.
A crafts desk could also serve as a companion to your bookshelves. Here, you get to hang your arts and crafts on the wall where the desk is nearest. The books can be organized according to the color of their spines if you want to up the level of artistry in that corner.
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A Last Reminder
No matter what you decide to come up with regarding your home library, the key is to be able to display the books in a manner that won’t look boring. These books, after all, are meant to be shown. Add a personal touch by mixing a photograph or two in the bookshelves. Remember that saying which says a picture is worth a thousand words? These framed photos should make the display a lot more interesting.
Tags: book collection, book display, book organization, decorating the bookshelf, display tips for books, displaying book collections, displaying books, home library, how to display books, library in your home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing books, setting up a home library, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Saturday, June 4th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Home Office Skyline Bookcase 1586-10446A-BLK3 is not your ordinary bookcase. It’s both functional and fashionable.
The U.S. President Thomas Jefferson once stated that he cannot live without books. Book collectors and bookworms all know this feeling. Having a library at home and owning various book collections may not be realistic for many. If you are one of the book lovers who wish to have a home library but do not have the budget for it, then you can always settle for a reading nook.
Creating a small home library is not always about housing leather-bound books, installing wood paneling or investing in heavy furniture. There are no right or wrong ways in designing your own book haven. You just have to ask the correct questions from the onset such as –
How do I organize my books?
How do I find shelves that would house my small collection?
The creation of a home library can be a wonderful opportunity to express your personality. This can also be a fun way to display your interest in reading.
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First, Pick a Room
Reading inside a room with huge windows, with lots of natural light might sound like a wonderful idea to you but for the books, all that sunlight would do them more harm than good.
Find a room that isn’t too dark or too brightly-lit. Basements and attics come with heavy humidity which will attract insects and mold. Also, basements are more prone to flooding so it is best to keep your books out of such an area.
Organize
Did you notice how, when you began using the public library, that there is a system of organization there? The orderly line of books is no less than the Dewey Decimal Classification System at work. This system offers 10 categories in organizing books such as arts, philosophy and religion. Every category is given a number assignment so if you want a book regarding Modern Art, you will just have to look for those with the 700+ numbers.
Bigger libraries make use of the Library of Congress Classification System. This categorizes books in a more specific manner. Subjects are used as categories where law or medicine can have up to 21 categories at a given time.
Your home library is, of course, not as large as the public library so you don’t need to have an intricate system of classification. All you have to do is to categorize according to subject matter or even color! Aesthetic organization through the spine color is quite effective to some as they can find their favorite book according to their favorite colors.
You can also highlight your specific passion such as photography or history.
You can also categorize by alphabetizing the works of certain authors.
Another way to organize your books is through prioritizing them according to the time when you would read them. You can do this by keeping the unread book at the forefront while the ones that you have already read take a backseat.
As soon as you have organized your book collections, it’s time to find the furniture that will hold them.
Bookshelves and Cabinets
It might be difficult to spend your money other than your beloved books but it is also essential to buy a home for them. At some point, you will need to invest in a bookshelves or cabinets that will save you some space.
Freestanding bookcases come in various colors, sizes and price. For some whose homes have limited space, there is always the option to install hanging bookshelves. As more and more books occupy your hanging bookshelves, you might eventually need a library ladder to reach your collections. A step ladder or stool would do but rolling ladders would add an elegant touch.
Tags: book collection, book display, book haven, book organization, decorating the bookshelf, design for home library, display tips for books, home library, home library design, how to display books, library in your home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing books, room for books
Posted in Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 4th, 2016
Maitland-Smith Accessories Set of Three Decorative Stone Inlaid Books 1000-603 is the best decorative element for any home library.
Book lovers all over the world would agree that having a home library is one of the best things that could happen in their lives. Just imagine having hundreds of books that are kept for different reasons – sentimentality, collection, books being given as gifts, lovely covers, and a smart way to make the shelves look chic.
If you are an avid fan of collecting books and any relaxing nook where you could read, then you have to find a way to set up the perfect spot for reading literature.
A home library is often considered an extra room in any home. Most homeowners do not even delegate a spot for this extra room. But things have changed. More and more homes, these days, are being set up with libraries. Thanks to the popularity of home offices, people are now considering the idea of having their own library.
Here are things that you need to consider when setting up your home library –
The Location
The home library’s location depends on many factors. Your home’s layout as well as the amount of available space will dictate the location that you will set aside for the library. You wouldn’t want to situate the library in an area where there’s constant foot traffic.
The library could be a dedicated room or it can be just a nook in your bedroom or the living room.
Your Book Collections
You also need to consider the number of books that you will house. For most, a home library should be able to house all the books that they own. Others just want to create a place for their most treasured books.
Know your storage needs then decide what sort of bookshelves you will be buying. If you need a space for everything then be ready to set up a floor to ceiling sort of bookshelf. For smaller collections, consider open shelving. The latter offers a more modern appeal.
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Pick the Color
Traditional libraries are filled with lots of browns and burgundy. Most home libraries, nowadays, have a minimalist and a brighter setting. There is no single color that works for everyone. At the end of the day, the decision will be left to you. Pick the colors that represent you. Don’t let the latest trends dictate what you need to put in your home library (unless you would like to embrace the latest styles, of course).
Create Lighting and Furniture Plan
Every library requires a seating spot. Based on the available space, find out how many sofa, chairs, desks and lamps you will need. If the library is for your whole family, then you will need storage for every possible reading genre. This means bringing in more desks, seating units and lighting fixtures.
Lighting is another element that is crucial in a library. Open the curtains or drapes during the day so that natural light will flow in. In the evening, use side lamps, head lighting and accent lighting that are properly positioned. Consider having dimmers installed so that you can tone down the light when you want to use the room to snuggle up and have a mug of hot choco with your loved ones.
You can also highlight artwork using accent lighting.
Safety
Always consider safety when setting up huge bookshelves or cabinets. These storage units will hold a lot of weight so make sure that they are properly anchored. Determine the correct point loads and weight. If you’re unable to do this, then hire a professional. This expert should be able to help you hang and secure shelving units without you worrying of mishaps.
Tags: book collection, book display, book haven, book organization, bookshelf, designing a home library, display tips for books, home library, home library decor, home library design, how to display books, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing books, room for books
Posted in Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
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