On the Hunt: Bookshelves

I have a problem. Oh sure, it's not a 'sky is falling, world is ending' problem. But it's a problem nonetheless. You see, I have no shelves in my house. And my collection of knickknacks and curios grows ever larger. It currently lives in a closet because I have no surfaces on which to display it. I simply cannot abide this state of affairs.

Yet I remain uncertain of how to remedy the situation, because let's face it. Bookshelves are kind of boring. It's a lot more exciting to shop for playful pillows, cozy linens, chic glassware, quirky art. There's not much fun about a grid of wood--especially when a quality piece can make a serious dent in your budget. Not to mention the space constraints they present!

Plus there are just so many questions. High or low? Black, brown or white? Modern or traditional? Do I go for cheap, immediate gratification or save up for something that'll really last but potentially not work when we move into a new home? Oh my goodness, you guys. HELP! How do you store and display your books and your collections?

Image Credits: 1, 3. House Beautiful 2, 4, 5. House to Home 6, 7. 8. Elle Decor Shopping Credits: 1. Ikea 2. Crate and Barrel 3. CB2 4. Home Decorators 5. Wisteria 6. West Elm

Comments

[evencleveland]

I have an ever-growing collection of books, so shelving is an issue. Since we don't own where we live, I like the bracket + standard system - easy to install, and you can get wood/shelves in whatever finish cut to whatever length you need. Affordable, adaptable, and nice looking, especially once they are loaded up!

[a lovely being]

Because I've been moving so much lately, I just have a cheap white tall shelf from Target. Regardless, I love it-- I am constantly (obsessively?) rearranging my knickknacks that are on display!
I tend to go for modern white shelves. Can't wait to see what you end up with : )
xx

[ChantaleP]

Hm.. I agree with you about the space constraints with shelving units. These are gorgeous btw! At the moment, I'm loving the 2 in 1 uses for furniture. For instance, my daughter likes to display her 'stuff' in a shelving unit attached to her desk. It's a 2 in 1 usage: for writing and books, and also for her collections. I also love using 'floating' shelves that saves on space below, while making a room visually interesting above. Good luck on the hunt Anne!

[Kate {DomestiKatedLife}]

I loooove floating shelves! Also check out west elm, I actually use one of their consoles as a bookshelf!

[Amy@OldSweetSong]

The Ikea bookshelves are a good starting place. They really work great for displaying curios (love that word!) and they're cheap so you can try 'em out guilt free.

Good luck!

[Rowaida Flayhan]

love your posts as always!
I think Kevin Sharkey's bookcase will be a great choice. Love his library.

[Shannon (8foot6)]

I just put up pine boards (painted white) on the walls using ikea brackets and hardware...I used to have bookshelves but they stole too much floorspace...with my new shelves, I now have books hovering over the doorway and window...

see it here!
http://8foot6.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-idea-rr.html

one of my next jobs will be to install two white floating shelves (no brackets) to flank the fireplace...

where are your shelves going? what corner of your home?

[robyn]

i think the shelf is less important than what you put on it... so go low-end with bookcases that you can always change when you move!

we just moved into a new flat, and decided to rid ourselves of all of our books! we're fairly minimalist, and are moving to paris in a year, yet it was still difficult! i studied literature and had quite a collection, but it's so freely to let go!

xo.

[Alyssa / A Muse A Day]

You're right, bookshelves are such a pain. I just repainted the one that was in my childhood nursery to give it a new life in my apartment, but it's rather small and already full to the brim. Personally, I'm a fan of high rather than low. I would go for a couple of the Ikea shelves placed end to end if you have the room. I also love bookshelves used as room dividers like here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/inspiration-using-a-bookcase-as-a-room-divider-080938

[Rachel]

My go to are Ikea Billy shelves (I leave off the backing to make them feel lighter). The sizes they offer have allowed me to create a built in look in each of my last two homes. They are also inexpensive enough that I don't feel at all guilty leaving them behind when I move.

[PriscilaPetersDecor]

I love to read. Plus, I think if you use books to decorate any space is always a good idea. It looks nice.

[Taylor]

I store mine on boring bookshelves from Cost Plus. :)

[Alex]

perhaps this will bring some inspiration!

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/sneak-peek-best-of-book-storage.html

[sharon from Layers & Layers]

I am in love with #1, #2 but OMG I crave the recipe books in the kitchen. THAT is simply to die for! Great Post AGAIN Anne. Always love them!

[Splendid Willow]

Book shelves are a must -- in my book (!), regardless how small the place is! Put them behind the sofa if needed.

And perhaps go with good old Billy until you know what you want? Put some cool vintage looking casters on them to make them more personal.

Or pwhy not some ledges like these with a chest or chairs below?

http://www.skonahem.com/_internal/cimg!0/9cnrxzzs7j6kzs674eab2jl2tpi7qjs/En%20bok%c3%a4lskares%20bek%c3%a4nnelser

A home without books just makes me nervous!

oxox, Mon

[heidi]

oh man, come to my house. we've got floaters up the kazoo. my hub loves installing them so much he'd probably do u for free!

[Katie]

This is a little off topic but AMAZING suggestion with homedecorators.com for the bookshelf. I had never visited their website before and they have some really nice pieces of furniture for reasonable prices. I just moved into a new place and have been looking all over for things so thanks for this!

[Shox R3-R4 Combination Shoes]

immediate gratification or save up for something that'll really last but potentially not work when we move into a new home? Oh my goodness, you guys. HELP! How do you store and display your books and your collections?

[true religion outlet]

In any case, we learned a ton. We learned enough to know that a Montessori preschool is probably not the place for our little guy...but we were both totally enamored with many of Montessori's independence building techniques, especially when implemented in the home.

[Herve Leger]

I just realized I'll still be typing next week if I keep talking about the great stuff we've gotten, so I'm going to list it!