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Books neatly arranged on bookshelves
Homes

How to Elevate Your Home’s Design with Books 

Written by: Kelly Weimert

May 4, 2020 by clairewilson

Every bibliophile knows just how valuable books are; they expand perspectives, deliver peace and comfort, and can transport a reader to anywhere in the world in just a few seconds flat. In addition to stimulating the mind, they can also significantly enhance décor in limitless ways.

A lot of people might transition to digital reading devices because they are afraid that too many books might crowd their aesthetic. However, with the following ideas, there is really no such thing as having too many. With a little artful styling and creative ingenuity, book collections can work wonders to elevate any aesthetic of which they’re a part.

Turning Books Around Creates Cohesion

For those who find that the endless variety of colorful book spines might overpower their cohesive design, turning books page-forward is the perfect style solution. This technique allows the collection to be showcased in a consistent, cohesive manner while providing additional warmth and texture to an aesthetic.

Books arranged by color with their spines turned

Playing with Spine Colors Makes for a Compelling Design

Just as book pages can complement decor, the colorful spines of books can also be utilized in incredibly compelling ways. One can create shelves that pointedly feature the colors of the rainbow in perfect order, or one can complement a monochrome color palette by designating shelves to books that showcase one single hue.

Stacks of Books are Decor in their own Right

There are a lot of ways to fill up an empty corner with style. Large plants, a statement chair, or an artistic sculpture are just a few of them. But stacks of books work just as well (if not better) and are an often-overlooked option that will instantly infuse a space with more heart and personality.

Fireplaces can House More than fires

The hot Texas climate means that most Texans are not spending a lot of time cozying up in front of a fire. However, that does not mean that space must go to waste. Filling a fireplace with small stacks of books is a chic and unexpected way to add depth to a design without encroaching on one’s square footage.

Floating Shelves Make Design Magic

Another stunning way to showcase valuable reading materials is through the use of floating shelves. This type of shelving is relatively inexpensive and gives books the appearance of floating in mid-air. It is a great technique to fill an empty wall with color and intrigue while conserving space.

books arranged with candles on a coffee tableBooks Create Killer Coffee Tables

The coffee table is essentially the centerpiece of a living room. Styling here can make or break a design. Add a beautiful, artistic book collection as a coffee table arrangement. It will not only enhance a look, but it will also give guests something interesting to thumb through and discuss.

Books are a Striking Alternative to a Traditional Side Table

Stacks of books need not stand alone. In fact, small hearty stacks are beautiful and highly interesting alternatives to a living room or bedroom side table. Do not worry that the stack might topple over. There are plenty of inexpensive clasps that can be used to ensure the stacks remain in place.

In the end, it does not matter how books are displayed throughout the home. Their mere presence never fails to infuse a space with a sense of warmth, comfort, and sophistication.

Tagged With: Cozy, Decor, Decorating, Furniture, Literary

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