How to Declutter Books: Do you love it? Will you read it again?

 

Everyone who loves books has a slightly different relationship with them. Decluttering may be totally unacceptable to some while the rest of us cope with not having enough shelf space. We ask ourselves what to keep and what to discard and the best way to do that.

I just read an interesting article on my favorite decorating site Houzz written by Alison Hodgson and I want to share it HERE. She has some great ideas on how to manage your well-loved book collection. (Sorry. It looks like you have to sign in to the site to read the article.)

Paperbacks

spaces design by other metros media and blogs Chez Larsson

Here are two idea shared on Houzz that make me uncomfortable although I like the effect. One suggests putting like colors together. The second suggests putting page edges out to achieve a neutral look. As a reader, I can't imagine doing either. What do you think?

contemporary kids design by philadelphia design-build Sullivan Building & Design Group

Books Make a Home

A friend just posted this book on Facebook and another friend commented, "There seems to be an awakening to the design potential of books!" (It's currently temporarily out of stock at Amazon if that conveys interest in the title.)

There's one very helpful customer review at Amazon, which explains that the book has suggestions for books room-by-room as well as "useful tips on caring for and cleaning books, how to store old and valuable books, and different methods of organizing books".

I recently arranged my books in the living room in a way more pleasing to the eye. Rather than have them all standing up like a library,  I stacked some on their side, which also serves as a book end. On the other hand, it really annoys me to see books used exclusively as decoration. My books get read and they aren't all pretty with expensive bindings. It really is what's inside that counts.

On the other hand, my local library has a copy on order so I put in my request for it when it arrives!

Houzz.com

I have discovered Houzz. Visit the site to see fabulous home libraries. This one made me want to curl up in that cozy spot and read. What's your favorite? Look HERE!

traditional family room design by los angeles interior designer Susan Jay Design

Read Your Bookcase

Creative Collection from Andrew Keir

Is this really a less than useful design as one of the blog commenters writes? You be the judge.

You can check out more pictures by clicking HERE.

Public Bookshelves - A Novel Idea

Germany has discovered the concept of public bookshelves according to an article in The Christian Science Monitor. Public libraries in this country have been doing similar things for years. My branch library has a paperback and magazine exchange that I frequent. It's totally unmonitored and housed in the entry way. (The librarians straighten  the table top if things get too messy.)

Germany has taken the concept a step further and the idea is spreading. Donations and volunteers support the effort. Read the whole article HERE. (Thanks to K. Krentz for pointing out this article.)

And Speaking of Shelving . . .

People often bemoan the way libraries discard old books - throwing them in a dumpster to make space for new materials.  Not-Tom, a U.K. "design studio based in London specializing in exhibition and furniture design". Found another solution. A book book shelf.

Not Tom Photograph

20 Cool Home Library Design Ideas

20 Cool Home Library Design Ideas

I love these designs! No Kindles or Nooks need apply.

17th Century Chinese Traveling Bookcase

Boing Boing had a item on this beautiful item that was being put up for auction at Christie's. It is reminiscent of the Michigan Lighthouse Bookcase mentioned awhile back.

And Speaking of Shelving . . .

Kazuya Morita Architecture Studio designed this bookshelf-lined house in Osaka for a collector of books on Islamic history, designing a structure where books could line every surface. Read more by clicking HERE.