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Monday, August 13th, 2018
See both beauty and function in this Fine Furniture Design Cachet Bookshelf.
Bookcases or bookshelves, more often than not, become the permanent homes for most college textbooks or personal collections that you can’t seem to have the heart to throw or give away. This piece of furniture may seem like another furnishing in your home but its rich history reveals that there is a lot more that it can offer any modern home.
At about the time when the codex was first seen in the first century, open bookcases housed to forms of books – the cylindrical rolls as well as the flat and rectangular codex. These were slowly seen as not-so-pretty ways of binding books so people began hiding their books while some built trunks and armoires for the sake of transporting their book collections.
Yet these trunks were not easily accessible so the bibliophiles had to think of ways to have their books within sight and easy reach. The next 1,400 years showed shelves that displayed books the conventional way – spine out and piled horizontally.
Bookshelves became popular in the ‘30s as publishers and architects, alike, promoted this piece of furniture. This joint effort became a way of encouraging people to buy books.
Bookshelf as a Piece of Art
One good way to be different when decorating your bookshelf is to see it as artwork. To do this, you must, first, have an outline of what you would want to accomplish. And since this is a piece of art, it must have some sort of organization. It must also be flexible since you will constantly add and take away contents from it.
Do not be afraid to unleash your creative side. Only the most creative minds can see a bookshelf as a sort of art installation. It must show meaning and purpose. The overall look must be a fusion of shapes, colors, and style which reflect the theme that you used in your home.
The most common rooms where bookshelves are found are the living room and the office. With this in mind, design your bookcase in a way that it also becomes a conversation starter.
Order in Chaos
As soon as you have decided on the kind of shelf that you’re going to use, it’s time to put order to chaos. Begin by finding a clean spot in your home then layout out all the books and knickknacks that you would use in stylizing the bookshelf.
It’s not bad to be picky about the stuff that you will use. Pick pieces that will help tell a story or even evoke memories through their shapes and colors. Once order is done using colors or shapes, then clutter is visually reduced and the meaning that you’re trying to convey now becomes more powerful.
Of course, the easiest things to consolidate are your books. If you like referencing, then you can organize the books according to their genre or to their design. If you’re more moved with visuals then go for color and size organization. You can also restack the books from smallest to largest or vice versa.
As soon as the books are organized, you can then move to the objects. Use anything from vases to bowls, even small clocks, and decorative boxes.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Pair Of Pompeian Patina Brass And Black Finished Iron Anchor Bookends: Talk of stylish bookends!
The Stabilizing Bookends
What better way is there to stabilize books than to use bookends? The right pair can add to the style of your bookshelf this is especially when you don’t have a sculptural object to display.
Bookends have a great beginning. These are those pieces of art that can be used to hold the books on both ends just like an anti-diluvial. Bookends logically hold the books that are arranged vertically. They do not just help the books stand erect, they also preserve the books by preventing them from being deformed when they lean for an extended period of time.
Tags: bookcase, bookends, bookshelf, decorating the bookshelf, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on Bookshelf Fashion
Thursday, May 3rd, 2018
Accessorize it right with the Uttermost Accessories Twist Modern Silver Bookends
The bookshelf has gone a long way from the time when it first appeared in history. Around the moment when codex was first recorded during the first century A.D., open shelves have also made their first appearance. These housed the cylindrical scrolls during that time plus the rectangular codex.
Texts were soon hidden and were stored in trunks, armoires, and just about any container that can help transport books. These were great for mobilization but not for their easy access. Unsurprisingly, in the next 1,400 years or so, books began to be shelved. According to Henry Petroski, who was a civil engineering and history professor, recorded that books have been stored in every possible way except having the spine out.
It wasn’t until the 1930s when bookshelves became prevalent since they were already being promoted by many book publishers.
A bookshelf is now seen as a necessary part of every living room, home office, and even some kitchens, and bedrooms. This one piece of furniture can make a room a lot better space to live in. Just imagine a room with a lot of books that are all cluttering and making a mess as they are stacked in a corner. This is not a desirable vision to look at. Plus, having this sight can give you a headache once it’s time to look for that special edition that you wanted to peruse.
The bookshelves are found in many different places apart from the ones already mentioned. There are also bookshelves in shops and large offices. So, whether it is a residential or commercial setting, you are bound to see this useful piece of furniture.
So what are the advantages of having a usable bookshelf?
Don’t you just love how the Hooker Furniture Home Office Bookcase made this living room a lot more interesting?
Space Saver
The right kind of bookshelf, when placed against or mounted on the wall, can have amazing storage results. This now comes in different sizes and designs, thus, you can use this versatile piece of furniture to organize your home.
You can also choose from wooden shelves or the glass ones. There are many different materials to choose from but wood remains at the very top of this list.
You can also fit smaller bookshelves right under the staircase. This is an amazing utilization of space. This kind of setup is best for smaller homes.
Easy, Immediate Access
The bookshelf makes book access a lot easier. These now come with the most flexible configurations so you can arrange your book collections according to your preference and needs. So that special edition that you have been looking for in a very long time can now be seen much easier, thanks to the racks that prominently display your collections.
Amazing Appeal
A lot of homeowners add bookshelves for the right appeal. The bookworms, most especially, like to flaunt their own collections of books by adding the most appealing bookshelves in their homes. You can now present your books immaculately whether you choose a wood cabinet or not.
Wooden bookshelves can also give your home a nice traditional touch. They can also prevent dust and moisture from destroying your collections.
Multiple Options
There are now a lot of choices to look at. Bookshelves can be corner shelves, ladder shelves, wall-mounted types, tower cabinets, or glass shelves. Pick the style and material that you want and arrange your book collections soon.
Decide also on the size of the bookshelf that is perfect for your collection. If you have bigger books, then you will need a bigger rack or shelf. Surf through our choices of bookshelves here.
See which ones would match your current furnishings in your home.
Tags: bookshelf, history of bookshelves, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accessories, Furniture, Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on The Humble Bookshelf and its Many Benefits
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
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.
Hooker Furniture Home Office Etagere 500-50-934: What home library could do without a sturdy shelf?
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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