Posts Tagged ‘Photographs; Bookshelves’

Anna Quindlen said, “I would be the most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consist of mostly building enough bookshelves.”

Although I love books, read every day and collect various works, book shelves aren’t just for holding books.  In fact built-in or free standing shelving can solve all sorts of display and storage issues.

An old store shelving unit is perfect for display

The patina of worn paint gives the piece character

It even has wheels in case I need to move it.

It took me a lot of hunting to find the right shelf to fill an empty corner in my family room.  Fortunately I’m very patient when it comes to furniture.  I would rather do without than to settle for something I don’t love.  This white shelving unit probably came from a store of some sort.  It’s sturdy, has wheels and with just enough chipped paint to give it some charm.  The size is perfect for my empty space.

Displaying collections can be a challenge.  Remember the rule that things have a greater impact when grouped together instead of spread around the room.  So, throughout the year I will re-do my shelf to give you tips and ideas on how to display your own collections.

I had not idea I had this many wood boxes!

The simplest display is to group like items.  I didn’t start out collecting wood boxes, but when I pulled them all together, I realized I had enough to show-off.  I rearranged and played around with them until I found an arrangement that looked good.

• I placed the heavier trunk on the bottom.  Had I put it on the top shelf, the whole unit would have felt top-heavy.

Put the heavier items on the bottom shelves

• Stagger pieces; pull some forward and others behind.  Overlapping items gives depth and dimension.

Stagger the boxes for depth and dimension.

• Pay attention to height.  None of the items should be the same height on a shelf.  Stack them up to create height or use risers (like books!).   I placed the painted box on its side so the design is visible.

Separately, each box has its own shape, color and texture, but together they tell a story.  The collection makes an impact.

The shelf becomes a focal point with a single collection.

I can't pass up cute little doll house chairs.

I also have some miniature chairs.  Anything this tiny is much more difficult to display.  They would get lost if I set them on a shelf all alone.  But when paired with a couple of boxes, they stand out.

Use the same display principles for the chairs.

Pair of traditional dining chairs in miniature

Even little items have a big impact when grouped together

Voila! In no time I created an interesting display.

Go hunting in your own house.  You might be amazed at what you’ll find.

I love books and read as much as my time allows.  My favorite author is Jane Austen and my all time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.  I’ve read it a dozen times!  I collect antique editions of classic children and adult novels (my oldest copy of P & P was published in 1892), vintage etiquette and entertaining books and interior design books from every decade.  I read the classics and the others are great for resource and inspiration.

Books make charming and lovely displays.  A new acquaintance walking into your home will instantly discover a bit of who you are just by reading the titles of your collection.  But they can also become unwieldy and messy if you don’t have a plan.

There are several ways to organize your book collection without looking like the local library.

• Arrange books by author or subject if you need to find a particular edition quickly.


Design books on the top shelf, etiquette books below

Framed photos in various sizes offer a nice contrast to old books

By simply elevating the books at the left of the top shelf, makes the display more interesting.

• Choose color or size to create an interesting display.

• Stack books vertically and horizontally for added interest.

• Stagger books for depth and to create little pockets for display.
  

• Find unique items for bookends.


Cut glass dishes can serve as book-ends



I love the contrast of the vintage book covers and beautiful glass

• Display books with another collection.  Family photos are a perfect pairing with hardcover volumes.  Art work of any sort offers a nice contrast too.

Vintage books and children's artwork are creative combinations

Books are great for elevating pictures. Successful displays have different heights