11 Brilliant Ideas for Bookcases
Make the most of the written word by styling your bookshelves in the most appealing way possible
Michelle Gage
February 15, 2016
Michelle Gage is a Philadelphia-based interior designer with an affinity for playful prints and whimsical designs. Her career began as a buyer for Anthropologie Home where she was tasked with selecting everything from art and antiques to decorative textiles. In 2015, Michelle embarked on her own and founded Michelle Gage Interiors.
*** Please note, as of 2019, we have stopped sharing our new work here. To view our recently-completed projects, please visit michellegage.co.
Michelle Gage is a Philadelphia-based interior designer with an affinity for playful... More
Bookworms, rejoice. The options for lining your walls with books are nearly limitless. Whether you are a stacker, sorter or colour-coordinator, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to leave your mark and create your very best ‘shelfie’.
1. Pair it with paint
Try painting the back of your bookcase to provide a hit of colour. Add a letter for your initial, vases or your favourite knickknacks to give it a personal touch.
Try painting the back of your bookcase to provide a hit of colour. Add a letter for your initial, vases or your favourite knickknacks to give it a personal touch.
2. Maximise space
Fit a bookcase wherever you can. If the wall is slender, as pictured here, you’ll gain some shelf space without giving up too much floor space. This is one of the best ways to take advantage of overlooked or hard-to-decorate areas.
Tricks to expand your space
Fit a bookcase wherever you can. If the wall is slender, as pictured here, you’ll gain some shelf space without giving up too much floor space. This is one of the best ways to take advantage of overlooked or hard-to-decorate areas.
Tricks to expand your space
3. Go all the way up
If you want to add dramatic floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, make your dreams a reality. Add a library ladder to reach the highest levels while creating a classically cool look.
If you want to add dramatic floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, make your dreams a reality. Add a library ladder to reach the highest levels while creating a classically cool look.
4. Mix your media
Built-in bookshelves are a great way to frame a flat-screen television. It says: “Sure, I watch TV, but I also like to read too.” They’re also a great way to add functionality to an often wasted space.
Built-in bookshelves are a great way to frame a flat-screen television. It says: “Sure, I watch TV, but I also like to read too.” They’re also a great way to add functionality to an often wasted space.
5. Integrate a desk
A desk and your books in one place make for a great pairing. By leaving a flat surface in your built-in bookcase to set up a computer and space below to slide in a chair, you can deftly create a home office.
8 exam-ready study nooks
A desk and your books in one place make for a great pairing. By leaving a flat surface in your built-in bookcase to set up a computer and space below to slide in a chair, you can deftly create a home office.
8 exam-ready study nooks
6. Add a reading nook
A window seat between two bookcases makes for an easy reading setup. For extra storage, choose a window seat that can be opened as if it were a large trunk.
A window seat between two bookcases makes for an easy reading setup. For extra storage, choose a window seat that can be opened as if it were a large trunk.
7. Add a splash of colour
If you prefer white walls and furniture, you can still add some colour to your room by filling a bookshelf with colourful books. Switch out the books for more or less colour depending on your mood.
If you prefer white walls and furniture, you can still add some colour to your room by filling a bookshelf with colourful books. Switch out the books for more or less colour depending on your mood.
8. Highlight the hallway
If you have a wider hall, lining it with bookshelves frees up walls in other rooms. Try filling all the shelves with only books to reinforce your bookworm status.
10 hallways with heart
If you have a wider hall, lining it with bookshelves frees up walls in other rooms. Try filling all the shelves with only books to reinforce your bookworm status.
10 hallways with heart
9. Remember that sometimes smaller is better
If you don’t have the money or space for a large built-in bookcase, a small, low shelving unit can do the trick. Style it with your favourite vintage treasures. Stack books both vertically and horizontally for an effortless sense of style.
If you don’t have the money or space for a large built-in bookcase, a small, low shelving unit can do the trick. Style it with your favourite vintage treasures. Stack books both vertically and horizontally for an effortless sense of style.
10. Be open to the possibilities
If you want a less traditional look for your bookshelves, consider a series of open shelves. They provide just as much space for storing books, but feel lighter and tend to work well in modern homes.
If you want a less traditional look for your bookshelves, consider a series of open shelves. They provide just as much space for storing books, but feel lighter and tend to work well in modern homes.
11. Get the best of both worlds
Why choose between a bookshelf or art on a wall, when you can have both? Leave an opening on the wall and display art in it to add dimension and visual interest.
TELL US
Calling all bookworms! Tell us how you display your prized literary tomes at home. Or better yet, upload photos in the Comments section below.
MORE
Why Real Books Will Never Die
World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read
17 Smashing Shelving Suggestions
Why choose between a bookshelf or art on a wall, when you can have both? Leave an opening on the wall and display art in it to add dimension and visual interest.
TELL US
Calling all bookworms! Tell us how you display your prized literary tomes at home. Or better yet, upload photos in the Comments section below.
MORE
Why Real Books Will Never Die
World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read
17 Smashing Shelving Suggestions
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I like short bookshelves so I have a place to hang art work above and because then all books are accessible from a wheelchair.