On the shelf: Book storage can serve as decor
Q. We are big readers, and our bookshelves are overflowing. We are taking this downtime to edit the piles of books and would like to create a more visually attractive display. Where would you start?
A. I am sure you are finding it difficult to decide what to keep — which books are special to you and those that perhaps you can part with.
Start by sorting books into separate piles, and think about who would be happy to have the ones you are ready to give up. There are many places that would love to receive your gently read tomes, including hospitals, schools, libraries and used bookstores. Separate the books into categories, and box them up.
Next, tackle what you are keeping, and organize — personal preference here — by author, genre, nonfiction, size etc.
How you decorate your bookshelves should relate to the room.
Before you reload your shelves, why not freshen them up with a coat of paint? Or paint the wall behind the shelves, as shown here.
This all-white living room is infused with energy and spirit, with touches of red on cushions and drapes, and featuring one bright-red wall that backs the shelves. Bright primary colors suit a child’s room. For a den or quiet reading space, nature’s palette of greens will underscore the tranquil mood.
Lighten the heavy book load by interspersing some personal objects. A few framed photos, a group of noteworthy items you have collected and small plants are attractive and stimulating additions. Try not to overcrowd the shelves; build more if you need the space.
Aim for a display that captures your imagination as much as the books that you love to read. This is a wonderful place to bring out your unique character.
Q. Have you got any suggestions for separating an open space? We’d like to use bookshelves but don’t want them too high. On one side of the room, we have a sloping ceiling, which makes furniture placement tricky.
A. A tall bookshelf in the middle of your room would look unwieldy and could even be dangerous if it isn’t properly secured and balanced. And with that sloping ceiling, it’s best not to break up the room’s space with too many differing sight lines.
However, waist-high shelving units would be fine. You could stack them back to back so that each room has a particular view.
If you are looking for a break between the sitting room and dining area, place books and magazines about cooking and travel facing the eating area. The shelves facing the living space can be for your favorite reading books and games.
Another option is to choose a dualpurpose piece of furniture that serves as a low partition. I have seen a custom piece where one side is a wooden bench backed by a waist-high bookshelf.
It can be placed in two ways. The bench side could face the living area and offer extra seating, or turn it around so the bench can be part of the dining-table seating.
Place a reading lamp or a row of candles along the top of the bookshelf, depending on its position. It makes a welcome surface for serving dinner.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is written and produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Travis at instagram.com/debbie_travis or facebook.com/thedebbietravis, or visit her website, debbietravis.com.