Read All about It: Books as Design Elements
I love to read, but my love of books goes far beyond just the words inside of them. I also think they’re very attractive and dress up nearly any room. Plus, they have the added bonus of giving visitors a little bit of interesting insight into the home’s owner. I could spend hours browsing other people’s bookshelves and coffee tables.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use books as a design element:
Here are some of my favorite ways to use books as a design element:
I'm a huge fan of big, open spaces, but without definition, they can be unruly - not to mention that they often lack storage space. A room dividing bookshelf, like this one, solves both problems, adding storage while breaking the space into manageable "rooms" without sacrificing the open feeling.
I love the old-fashioned (and practical) touch of a library ladder. While I often think of libraries as staid, traditional environments, this space proves that they can be modern and fresh, too.
Built-in bookshelves are a fantastic way to maximize storage space. This little nook is fantastic - it packs so much into a tiny space. Plus, the view from the stairs - shelves full of books - is so pleasant.
My favorite thing about this room is in the corner - the floating bookshelves. I've seen these in a lot of cool interiors lately and I like how they showcase the books without taking up much space or distracting from other design elements.
I'll admit it: I'm a sucker for an Eames lounge. But I also really like these bookshelves, which combine open shelving to house pretty books with covered spaces to hide a mess. It's a great mix.
When I walk into someone's house and I'm greeted by books, I know I've met a new friend. This tableau is simple - not at all overwhelming - but it keeps books in the spotlight.
These built-ins are practical but also really cute. In a room this bright, books could be too much, but since they're set back a bit, and in light wood, they complement rather than distract.
Books or no, I love this kid's room - it's so bright and fun. I especially like, though, the way the coordinating shelving acts as book storage.
It's not necessary to display thousands of books to make a design statement. In this room, one simple book on the coffee table adds interest without clutter.
Like the image above, this room is clean and simple, while showing books off to their best advantage.
This image sums up my favorite way to display books - in conjunction with other objets d'arts. These busy stacks of books are perfectly balanced by clean Asian-influenced sculptures.