Struggling to part ways with cherished books? Ease your worry with our array of appealing book storage solutions
In the world of interior design, combining books with prized possessions or decorative objects can inject character and personality into any space. This article focuses on living room storage ideas, offering a variety of creative solutions for book storage that blend functionality with aesthetics.
Joy Allen, design manager at Next Stage Design + Build, suggests dedicating an entire wall to a book collection. Investing in bespoke cabinetry can make more sense than buying off-the-shelf pieces, especially for limited spaces. However, for those on a budget, modular systems like IKEA's Billy or built-in storage ideas can be equally effective.
Corner shelving units, such as a 6-tier rounded shelf or a 5-tier ladder shelf, not only save space but provide plenty of storage and display for books, photos, and plants. On open shelves, alternating books arranged vertically and horizontally with decorative accents (vases, baskets, textured objects) and repeated color or style themes creates visual rhythm and avoids clutter. Using heavier decorative items as bookends adds both style and function, and including personal photos or art on bookshelves brings warmth.
Hidden cabinets or drawers in bookcases allow you to keep mess or worn books out of sight, preserving a clean aesthetic. Bookshelves framing a window can create a cosy alcove and double as a spot to store current reads, with extra functionality if a bench with storage below is added.
For keen cooks, keeping cookbooks close to hand with full height shelving is important and can be incorporated into kitchen ideas. Overhead shelving can be used above doorways or windows to increase vertical space and add architectural interest.
Symmetrical or abstractly placed floating shelves can turn a book collection into an interesting gallery. Building a cosy reading nook with seating next to book storage can be a great way to create a dedicated space for reading. Slotting shelving above doorways can save space and is a favourite of many designers, especially with certain types of ceiling.
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase can make a room feel rich and curated, and can be adapted to awkward corners or angled ceilings. Staggered floating shelves can add visual movement and can be styled with art and objects to keep them from feeling heavy.
Under stair storage ideas can make the most of the awkward space under a staircase. When designing bookshelves, it's important to strike a balance between not cramming them full and not leaving them sparsely decorated.
Finally, built-in bookcases and shelving are a beautiful way to bring personality and warmth into a space. Recessing shelving behind a door can provide extra storage without making it difficult to open the door. Stud walls are perfect for attaching shelves to, even floating designs, as long as the screws go directly into the timber noggins or studs behind the plasterboard. An electric stud detector can be used to find the studs if necessary.
These ideas blend functionality with aesthetics, making your living room both practical and visually appealing for book storage.
- In some home-and-garden design projects, an entire wall may be reserved for a book collection.
- In limited spaces, bespoke cabinetry could be a more sensible investment than off-the-shelf pieces.
- For those on a budget, modular systems like IKEA's Billy or custom-built storage ideas can be equally effective.
- Corner shelves, such as 6-tier rounded shelves or 5-tier ladder shelves, can save space and offer ample storage and display.
- Using heavy decorative items as bookends adds both style and function to open shelves.
- Hidden cabinets or drawers in bookcases can conceal mess or worn books, maintaining a clean aesthetic.
- Bookshelves framing a window can create a cozy alcove, serving as a spot to store current reads with potential additional functionality.
- For cooks, keeping cookbooks near at hand with full-height shelving is essential within kitchen design.
- Floating shelves, placed either symmetrically or in abstract positions, can transform a book collection into an intriguing gallery.
