We talked earlier about how books are on my list of 100 must haves to make your house a home. Here’s some more information about artfully using tomes as tools for decorating.
When I use books within a bookcase or shelving unit, I make sure to place them in a way that “move the eye”. Typically I’ll see books jammed into shelves. No rhyme or reason – they distract from the decor instead adding to it.
So, when I’m “dressing” a shelf with books I make sure to arrange them artfully. Here are a few keys to using books as accessories:
1. Remove the dust jackets. If a book is not a collectible, the dust jacket is really just a marketing tool to help it sell.
2. Coordinate book colors that complement the room’s decor. Don’t select books that are shocking pink or purple when the room you’re dressing is designed in sage green, red, taupe and black.
3. Place your books upright on the left side of the top shelf. To “move the eye” place your next upright books on the right side of a lower shelf. Continue this as you go lower on the shelves. This “zig zag” while give motion to the arrangement.
4. Place some books upright vertically and others horizontally.
5. In book cases make sure to integrate other accessories to make the arrangement more interesting. Tell a story with your arrangement.
For example, I was working with a client who had a career in the military. His office had an entire wall of bookselves – jammed with books. When I redesigned the shelves, we integrated photos, models of airplanes, his medals, hat, and even a gun or two. This required that he “edit” (eliminate) books that we moved to another room. He was amazed at how great the book shelves looked after our redesign. It made the wall of bookcases a showpiece and really increased his “shelf” esteem!
{ 1 comment }
I don’t like to see books thrown onto a shelf either and I like your zig zag approach. Now I have a new project to work on this wkend. ;0)
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