I am in the process of unpacking/organizing our home office which has some book cases (3, one is a corner unit). I have many law books from law school which I am holding on to, in addition to just regular books. How do you guys organize them so they look nice and not just a jumble of books? Do you put picture frames in them, too with knickknacks? If you have pics, I would appreciate seeing them, I need something to work off of.... I know I'm a big copy cat. Thanks.
Sonicstef
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
Are you looking for a very organized look (like a library) or a shabby chic sort of look (like an antiques store)?
If you want organized, you can order everything by size and leave the photos and knicknacks out.
If you want shabby chic, you can put some books horizontal, some vertical until you get the look you are going for. Then mix that up with some nice matching boxes (like the ones from Ikea or container store) and then add in a few frames/knicknacks.
starhead
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
Stef, I think I like your second ideas about stacking them in a different way, creating more of a 'look' than mere organization. But still have books accessible? Ugh, I'm so bad at this stuff!!
Niecey
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
My MIL just gave me a article she found on this - it is at home - it is pretty short - I will try to re-type it for you tonight.....
Niecey
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
Here is the article's ideas - unfortunately I can't post the picture sthat helped to illustrate each point.
1. Grouping items as light or dark makes shelves look more consistent. 2. Horizontal stacks of large books visually ground the shelf and are restful to the eye. The stack can be used as a base for accessories adding height when needed. 3. Create a focal point for each shelf by packing away smaller items and replacing them with a few bigger accessories.Stagger the larger accessories left to right throughout the bookshelf creating an interesting visual rhythm for the eye to follow. 4. Less attractive paperbacks are confined to decorative baskets. On each shelf leave a little empty space where the eye can rest. 5. Confining layered pictures frames to one shelf looks less cluttered.
starhead
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
Thank you! I will have to try out some of those ideas. I definitely want it to look nicer than just a bookshelf stuffed with books and these are good tips.
Jordan
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Re: Another Organization Question - bookcases
I have two huge built-in bookshelves flanking a fireplace and I organize our books the way Stef described...
If you want shabby chic, you can put some books horizontal, some vertical until you get the look you are going for. . . . then add in a few frames/knicknacks.
