04/04/10
Home Libraries
Believe it or not there are several ways to get your reading material in order, and make them a decorative feature at the same time.
When wandering through your local library, you'll know that books are stored and organised to a set of rules. They may be ‘filed' according to the Dewey Decimal System or in the fiction area alphabetically according to author. A system had to be invented and let's face it for the quantities involved, it's a good one, which has stood the test of time, however I'm not suggesting that ‘home' libraries need to be as strict.
Find ‘Your' Style
What works for you? Do you like to file your books alphabetically, by subject or by author? Regardless, the main aim of the game is to be able to ‘find' a title when you need to. The rest is common sense and aesthetics.
What I mean by ‘common sense'
Work to the space and the décor surrounding it. Store books in areas where they'll be used e.g. where possible store cookbooks either in or as near to the kitchen. Children's titles will be in the child's room or play area to encourage reading. Books for schoolwork in the study; and craft or hobby books in the area they'll be referenced.
Do you need all of them?
Before getting overwhelmed, it makes sense to have a good ‘weed' out, and only keep your true favourites based on level of use, worth, condition or ‘attachment' level. For a great guide on ‘weeding your book collection' I'll refer you to a great blog here called Creatrope.
Aesthetics & Safety
Remember the basics when it comes to styling shelves. Within your categories, group books according to shape, proportion, type (e.g. hard or soft cover) and yes, colour. Be brave - sometimes removing the jackets can reveal interesting or block colour spines. Stack both vertically or horizontally to add interest and when there is a space, bring other objects into your ‘shelved frame' using items of a block colour or theme single or grouped, rather than haphazard nick-knacks which will clutter and collect dust. Other great ideas are to use ‘repetition' with items. One last hint, ensure that shelves are not top heavy and where possible put the heaviest, largest or most dense collection of books to the bottom shelves. Not only is this easier on the eye, but safer. If you do have small climbing children about and not renting your home, make the investment, buy some brackets and anchor your bookshelves to the wall. For more information on how to do this and for other ways of making furniture safer for kids refer to this ACCC government PDF file. For more styling tips refer to a wonderful article here by Kathleen Dore at Style At Home.
For more tips, ideas and links subscribe here to the Less Equals More newsletter. Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle through her consultancy Less Equals More, Brisbane. Click here for Angela's Blog. Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). © Angela Miller-Davis.
advertisement
advertisement