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Create Page-Turning Design with Books
17 Ways to Enjoy the Look of Books All Over the House
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
A home full of books feels collected and cozy, plus it provides a wealth of resources at your fingertips. However, don’t think shelves are their only place in the home: Books turn into great design accessories with a little creativity and know-how. Side lamps not high enough? I bet Jane Eyre can help! Mantle feeling empty? Surely Madame Bovary will come to the rescue. Check out the following book-inspired designs, and watch as your library takes over the entire house.
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Free up your bedroom’s side tables by placing books on a bench. They’re much more sophisticated than strewn clothing, plus you still don’t have to get out of bed to reach them!
by Nicole Lanteri
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The only thing a leaning tower of books fears is a child on the loose. This one is secure in CB2's Array Silver Bookcase. It's a great sculptural presence for a space that needs a little height.
by Nicole Hollis
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The placement of these books on the console actually enhances the architecture of this space. The display plays with the sense of width this room embraces, and draws your eye to the focal point: the fireplace.
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The height of a lamp is important: It works best at eye level when you’re sitting down. If your lamp seems too low, build a stand from extra books — add and remove until the height is just right.
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| Cloches make for great display cases, books included. Here, the designer included a bird’s nest. Adding an element other than books will make the effect more interesting. |
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| If you do have a large bookshelf, don’t use it as a catch-all: instead, think about the display. The placement of this bookshelf could easily work to separate these two rooms, but by leaving empty areas between the books, the entire space becomes conjoined. Because the shelves are white like the ceiling and walls, they blend in and almost create an optical illusion of floating books. Very clever. |
by SFGIRLBYBAY
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Do you cringe every time someone sits on your delicate, antique chair that’s been in your family for ages? Top it with books — it will simultaneously increase its visual attraction and longevity!
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Complete your mantle-scape with a stack of antique books. They add a sense of history and authenticity, plus they balance the remaining items on the mantle. Don’t have any old books? Check out your local flea markets or vintage shops. You can find them for a dime.
by Kerrie L. Kelly
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Layers are key for vignettes, and books provide an easy solution for creating them. By propping one of the glass jars on three books, the heights of the three pieces become differentiated, adding visual appeal. Choosing books within the same color scheme as the contents inside the jars creates a connection and ties the entire vignette together.
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Instead of unsightly toiletries, fill open shelves in your bathroom with your favorite books. Warning: Guests might be so impressed with your selection they may never leave!
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Create a theme when stacking books. It makes the display feel more cohesive.
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| If possible, carve a niche out of your island kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to store cookbooks, keeping your cabinets free for supplies. |
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Even unattractive, dated books can create very interesting displays. This wall of yellow phone books is full of texture — and you can think of it as recycling!
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| Color-coding is a great way for a shelf display to go from boring to brilliant. Vary the heights of the books within groupings so your eye doesn’t get bored. |
Have a funky little extra space somewhere? Throw some books in it. The addition of color in itself will add interest to the space.
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| Enhance a piece of artwork with the addition of a book in the same color scheme. This is such a simple vignette, but the interaction between the two amplifies the design qualities of each. |
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Stands are a great way to display visually pleasing books. Think photography books, cookbooks or art books: anything with beautiful pictures. Plus, it’s an easy way to change up your décor: When you get bored with one book, simply replace it with the next.
Next: Browse more photos of books in home design
Next: Browse more photos of books in home design
Ideabook updated on Dec. 20, 2011.
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