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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.
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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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