I am writing this post in an effort to solve what I see as a design dilemma in too many clients’ homes; Bookcases that have been crammed with massive amounts of unused items!
I am especially shocked when I see home sellers with gorgeous custom built-ins overflowing with their sophomore year English class paperbacks, children’s art creations, tennis ball cans, and cd-collections as if they were the highlight of their living room. Let me make one thing clear- bookcases are a great storage solution for an office or library but if the bookcase in question is a focal point of a room, or a selling feature of your home it needs to be treated as a showpiece.
I offer the following advice to make any bookcase a display not a catch-all:
1. Remove all the items in your bookcase and sort them into a keep pile and a store/discard pile.
2. Keep all hardcover books with good jackets and remove tattered jackets for a more streamlined look.
3. Remove all collectibles that are smaller than a softball since they just add visual clutter.
4. Starting on the top shelf, add 1 grouping of 5-7 books in the center or 3 separate groupings depending on the length of the bookcase. Books can be added standing up or laying flat.
5. On the next shelf add 2 groupings evenly spaced.
6. Repeat this on the remaining shelves.
7. Once this is completed go back and replace a grouping of books on every other shelf with a decorative accent. This can be a picture frame, a plant, a clock, some candle sticks, a plate on a stand, a ceramic urn etc.
The result will be bookcases or built-ins that are streamlined, clutter free and do not compete with the other focal points of your home.
Thanks for letting me vent about this pet-peeve.
Do you have any decorating don’ts you want to share?
1. Hello Kate!
I totally agree with your run-down of how to show-off a great built-in bookcase without overwhelming the entire room. My personal pet-peeve about using books with the dustcovers….please make sure you do not keep any certain bookcovers which blare out as a distraction because of an ‘overly-eye-catching’ color. (You know the ones I am talking about…the neon bright greens or crazy flourescent yellows). I like to make sure that the colors of the books chosen flow well with the room decor! A small detail, yet, an important one! Regards-Kathleen G
by Kathleen — 3/23/08 at 12:51 pm #
2. This is very helpful information Kate! I too like to use less books and add accessories and greens, leaving space on the shelves.
Cathy
by Cathy — 3/23/08 at 8:14 pm #
3. My own bookcases are stuffed , but for staging I do go with the minimal look with odd number groupings here and there. This can take some time and hence, mine will remain stuffed,
by Kathleen — 3/23/08 at 10:18 pm #
4. Hi Ladies,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on bookcases. I find that they are always challenging for people and some simple how-tos would help.
kathleen g- thanks for making a note about bookcovers- they can be very distracting if the color does not work with the rest of the room,
Cathy- I love adding greenery. It really brightens the space and draws the eye to the bookcases which are a great selling feature.
Kathleen L- Thanks for your comment! Mine too are overflowing with things- but I am not selling my home! LOL
by Kate Hart — 3/24/08 at 8:44 pm #
5. Hello
I know everyone is asleep, but when one of you all awaken I hope you will be so kind to give me some idea’s about book cases.
We have so many books. I am designing my home office/library. I was thinking about putting book cases in my library to place all my books on the book cases. Now that I have been reading your thoughts and suggestiions, it appears that I should not put all my books in the book cases. What do you suggest? I have to put my books somewhere, and I do not want to part with any of my books. I also do not want a clutter office. Plese give me some suggestions.
Thank you Belinda
by Belinda — 3/29/08 at 2:24 am #
6. Hi Belinda,
Thanks for your comment. My post was written more from the aspect of home staging and if you are selling your home you want the space your bookcases offer to standout, not the books you are storing.
A library or office is different- this is a space where one would expect to see books. I suggest that you add some buit-ins and then store your books on the shelves. For a more decorative look make sure to add a few accent items so that the books do not look too heavy.
I hope this helps and please keep us posted. KH
by Kate Hart — 3/30/08 at 9:01 am #
7. Love, love, love what you have mentioned here. Will try this in my own home. Thanks for sharing your talent Kate!
Beth, Minnesota
by Beth — 4/8/08 at 11:08 pm #
8. But I expect to see books in bookcases - that’s what they’re for! I can’t imagine a home without books everywhere. When I see these staged houses with all those blank spaces on the bookshelves, they look so cold and lonely, not inviting at all! Just as when we were house-hunting, and never gave a second consideration to all the staged houses with their neutral, boring colors. Didn’t say “I’m a home, come live in me!” at all. [sigh] I guess we’re hopelessly out of style, but everyone feels at home in our home, and our daughter would rather read than watch the TV!
by Judy — 5/9/08 at 11:39 am #