13 Creative Ways to Store Books
April 6, 2023If you have a deep love of books, you are probably faced with the dilemma of where to store them. Sure, you can add more bookshelves, but maybe you’re looking for something more creative. Here are a few creative ways to store books:
1. Display on or Under Your Windowsill
Is there anything better than a good reading nook? A reading nook next to a window with good natural light might be better. If you have a spot like that in your home, why not have some of your favorites already waiting for you there? It’s also a useful bay window idea if you have any bay windows in your home.
The window is a natural focal point and is a great place to show off your book collection. If your windowsill is deep enough, you can store your books right on the sill. If not, store your books underneath the window. You can either use bookends to keep the books upright or invest in a small bookshelf.
2. Think Outside the Box
Do you have any hard-to-reach storage spots? These are great places to store books that you want to hold onto but aren’t currently reading. Try storing books In the space above your kitchen cabinets or on top of a tall shelving unit. These are all great ideas to eliminate wasted space in your home and squeeze out more storage.
3. Utilize the Fireplace
It should go without saying that if your fireplace is actively used as a source of heat, this idea is not for you. But, if you have a defunct fireplace or one only used for decorative purposes, this can be a great place to store your books. Depending on the size of your mantel and type of fireplace, you may be able to put a few books there; this is one of the fall mantel decor ideas that can create a cool look when it’s done safely.
Arrange the books however you like and then add one or two decor items. This will communicate that the books are very decorative rather than just random books laying around. Even if your fireplace is in use during the winter, safely using the hearth during the off-season is one of the tips for decorating fireplaces you can use for some temporary, seasonal book storage.
4. Try a Decorative Ladder
Ladders add an interesting decorative element to any room. Ladders create height and don’t typically take away from decor placed on the ladder. Utilizing a ladder allows you to create texture and depth in your room. It’s also a unique way to store and display books. Plus, you can use a lot of the same tips for styling a bookshelf to help you store books and decor stylishly on a ladder as well.
5. Stack Under a Bench
Do you have any decorative benches in your home? This is a great place to display and store books. You can organize in any variation you like; by height, thickness, color, or something else. Or, you can organize by genre. This will add a focal point that people will not expect while also giving you convenient book storage.
6. Decorate Your Mantel
Using books as decor on your mantel is a creative idea for fireplace decor. You can display your favorite books or you can choose the ones with the most interesting covers or artwork.
Consider adding a few other decorative pieces to add something extra to your book display. This will help tie the room together and make everything feel cohesive.
7. Create a Literary Headboard
Another fun way to display your books is to incorporate them into your bedroom decor. You can either replace your current headboard with a headboard that has built-in shelving, or you can create your own. A statement headboard like this is one of the modern bedroom design ideas.
If you prefer not to use your headboard, you could opt for a platform bed with built-in storage. It’s a great way to add more storage to your bedroom and will give you a place to store books.
8. Make Over an Unused Closet
If you have an unused closet, this is a great place to store books. Not only does the closet offer a decent amount of space, but it also gives you the option to shut the door if it’s a little disorganized or messy.
Or, if you prefer, you can take the door off its hinges for easy access. If you still want the option to have a door, but want your door on display, replace your regular door with a glass door or with a sliding barn door.
This is one of the ways to use barn doors in your custom home design. You can also replace your coat rack with shelving or simply move a bookcase into your closet. Add some good lighting, like recessed lighting in the ceiling, so it’s easy to see all your books on display.
9. Add Shelving to an Empty Wall
If you have a wall that is a waste of space or looks empty, why not add some shelving units for your books? Not only will this be a good way to store books, but it will also add an interesting focal point to your room.
Adding shelves floor to ceiling will give your room the illusion of a grand library room and will add some more drama to your home. This is one of the home library design ideas you can apply to other areas of your home to store your books the way you want.
10. Display on a Bar Cart
Bar carts can add luxe home decor and are a great way to organize books because they are mobile and come in a variety of styles. To organize your books, put some bins or baskets on each tier. Not only is this practical, but it also is reminiscent of library book carts.
11. Store in an Empty Dresser
If you have an old or empty dresser collecting dust, try storing your books in the drawers. This is an easy way to keep your books out of sight and protect them from dust.
However, if you want your books to be on display, remove the drawers and store the books on these makeshift shelves. If you want a little bit more order, try adding bins or baskets.
12. Maximize Corners
Corners are often wasted spaces. Invest in some corner bookshelves and take advantage of that space. Or, install some floating shelves in the corner. This is one of the vertical storage ideas for your kitchen that you can use to make better use of corners in other areas of your home. This lets you show off your books while also turning a corner into a useful space.
13. Utilize Your Stairs
There are quite a few staircase storage ideas that allow you to store your books using your staircase.
1. Between the Railing
If you have a stairway in your home, this can be a great place to store books. You can store a few books in between each railing, making sure to keep books well out of the way to avoid a tripping hazard. Not only does this show off your books, but it also can work with a variety of creative stair railing design ideas.
2. Take Advantage of the Wall Space Beneath Your Staircase
You can also store books along the wall beneath your staircase. If you’re designing your own custom home, ask for shelving units already installed. But if not, simply add shelving to take advantage of the space.
3. Use the Space Behind Your Steps
If the space behind your steps is exposed, this is an excellent place to store and organize books. You can either install shelves to hold books or you can use cubbies. This is also a great place to have a reading nook, as well!
These are just a few creative ways to store books. Ignoring your storage needs or not having enough storage are common home design problems. If you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!