Do you have more books than shelf space in your home? Have you been meaning to get started on your summer reading but don’t know where to put the books when you’re done?
Maybe it’s time for a home library makeover! Just because slot-in shelves or a CD stand may have served their purpose as a book organizer in college doesn’t mean they’re good enough now. Let these ideas inspire new shelving solutions that’ll fit your current needs and give the organization new life.
1. The Wall Mounted Library
Wall space is usually the first thing people try to fill up in their homes. However, it’s not always the best place to put little things like decorative bookshelves. But if you have a lot of wall space and a few extra dollars, this option can look stylish and fresh! You can even fit a rolling library ladder into the wall-mounted library. Big books that are too heavy for the shelf, or books you want to keep off the ground, can be held up in front of them with a small basket underneath.
2. The Drawer Organizer
Most drawers are only large enough for a few paperbacks or maybe a teeny tiny sewing project; they don’t work as storage spaces for colorful binders full of art projects, school work, or personal journals. But if you use drawers, just fit in neatly what you can and where you can easily find it.
3. The Toy Box Library
Old toy boxes make a great place to hide the books that your kids have outgrown, or maybe you don’t have room for anymore. Whatever the case, toy boxes are sturdy, stackable, and a great option for any small space.
4. The Bookshelf Breakdown
Perhaps you aren’t ready to dump every book into one of these larger organizing spaces just yet. First things first. Get organized by breaking down your shelves by genre or category and sorting your books accordingly.
5. The Bookcase Makeover
Sometimes it’s fun to go big and bright. This can be a great option when you want to decorate the shelves with color, or maybe you like the idea of shelving that’s taller than it is wide. This is a great look, especially if your bookshelves need some sprucing up.
6. The Wall Organizer
Take advantage of any available wall space by creating a shelf or cubby out of wood paneling or even cupboard doors. You could even go the “no holes drilling” route and install book holders around the perimeter of the paneling to hold your books.
7. The Cheat Shelf
If you’re frustrated with pre-cut bookshelves or don’t have enough room in your home for an entire organized bookcase, try installing a few shelves around the edges of your current shelf unit and stack your books on top of them.
8. The Small Space Library
This may be the best option for those who are book-heavy and don’t have much space to spare. If necessary, why not stack a few shelves on top of one another? It’ll mean more room to sprawl out on your bed or favorite chair!
9. The Double Bookcase
Time to declutter. This look is the perfect opportunity to identify the books you already have and the books you’ve been wanting but haven’t gotten around to reading yet.
10. The Hang-Up and Read
Think of all the wall space you have that you aren’t using right now. You can maximize this space and use it more effectively by making it a perfect home for bookshelves.
11. Books By Color
Pick out a color scheme for your book collection, or maybe use this as an opportunity to paint your walls in an accent color.
12. The Staircase Library
Can’t install a bookshelf in your house? Then perhaps you could install one on an existing staircase to make more room for living and entertaining..
13. The Dry-Erase Boards
Clutter is a huge problem in our homes, so why not take advantage of the excess space by installing a board or two that you can use to store notes and write down reminders?
14. The Closet Storage
If you don’t have any closet space, then maybe you could make use of some space inside your shelves! Start with a couple of books on the bottom shelf and slowly add more and more as you find the right solution for your current needs.
To get a good read on all of your books, some people like to give them an overall cover-to-cover look. If you happen to have more than one book of the same genre or category, you may want to consider posting them together on the same bookshelf or on a bookcase that has shelves organized by color. Remember that organization and shelving are key.
