Got the Organizing Bug: Bookcases

Some of our basement bookcases. They are Ikea Billy bookcases that we built dry wall around, fastened together and secured,  and then finished with simple trim moulding to save on having custom built ins done.

I think its partly a symptom of the time of the year but all week I have been going around the house and taking stock of all the things I want to reorganize or redecorate in the house. And I must tell you that I have a long punch list right now. Most of the items are projects that will not require much money but could make a big difference in the look of a room. One of the projects that I started 5 am Friday morning was reorganizing our bookcases.

I am a book hoarder and there are books in practically every room in the house.  I have always been a voracious reader and it was a hobby that my mother developed in me. Every Saturday she would take me to the bookstore and buy me one book. She also bought books for me on my birthday, for Christmas, and as rewards for good behavior.  When I became old enough I went to the library every day after school and would spend hours upon hours reading my weekly selections. Even now I find it a special treat to be able to spend the whole day in Barnes & Noble. To accommodate all the books we have 5 bookcases in the basement and 4 bookcases in the office. However, I want the bookcases to be a little more stylish looking and not look so packed.

(I am also seriously contemplating thinning out our collection. Just writing that causes a pain in my chest. I love my books. But I reluctantly admit that every book is not worth keeping after being read. Some books are purely light reading, a distraction for the moment, a form of escape from the daily stress of reality, and after they are done should be passed on. While others are great books that I digest in small pieces and come back to again and again.)

Yesterday I put together an inspiration board of ideas I would like to put to use in our bookcases throughout the house.

All photos except for the bottom right are from HGTV, I can't remember where I found that one.

Some of the tips I want to use are

• Arrange books by color. I think this will be somewhat time intensive trying to categorize them by color and also insuring there are enough books in one color grouping to make an impact. I mean who actually considers the color of the book cover when making their purchase decision of a book. But arranging them by color just looks so cool. I think we have enough books throughout the house to be able to do it.
• Vary how you display the books - lay some on their side and others up and down.
• Be asymmetrical - vary shelf heights, use dd number of display objects, place display items off center.
• Vary the height of your accessories - mix large, medium, and small.
• Be creative with your display objects and use a variety. You can use photos, vases, bowls, cake stands, statues, large rocks, plants, flowers, etc
• Create layers with display objects - overlap photos, place objects in front of others, etc

I am going to see what items we have around the house to integrate into the bookshelves but it may require a trip to Ikea or Home Goods.

I will post pictures after my revamp. But I think this may be an ongoing process of edits but I know there is definitely room for improvement now.

Next up my closet!