Decorating
Brilliant Bookcases for Every Kind of Room
Elevate the humble book from dusty tome to attractive artwork with shelves that play and display
If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably have a knack for accumulating books, often without realising it. But instead of packing them into stuffed shelves or gathering them in wobbly piles, why not make a feature of your beautiful tomes with the help of a statement bookcase?
These days, bookcases come in all kinds of configurations. So if you only have a pillar for display, no problem, or if you like to see things from a different angle, don’t stress – there’s a design out there with your name on it. Check out these ideas for size then get stacking.
These days, bookcases come in all kinds of configurations. So if you only have a pillar for display, no problem, or if you like to see things from a different angle, don’t stress – there’s a design out there with your name on it. Check out these ideas for size then get stacking.
Build a fun tower
If you have a central pillar or island, stacking books around it will create a focal point, almost like a piece of art. What’s more, each book spine is clearly visible and handy, so you can make a point of reading all the books you’ve neglected. This is the Sapiens bookcase, but also see the Ptolomeo.
If you have a central pillar or island, stacking books around it will create a focal point, almost like a piece of art. What’s more, each book spine is clearly visible and handy, so you can make a point of reading all the books you’ve neglected. This is the Sapiens bookcase, but also see the Ptolomeo.
Back books with dark colours
Painting the shelves a rich petrol blue gives this room a sophisticated, gentlemen’s club atmosphere and the books a strong backdrop. The comfy wing chairs just shout out, ‘Come, pick a book and read.’ I’d be there like a shot.
Discover how dark colours can work in any space
Painting the shelves a rich petrol blue gives this room a sophisticated, gentlemen’s club atmosphere and the books a strong backdrop. The comfy wing chairs just shout out, ‘Come, pick a book and read.’ I’d be there like a shot.
Discover how dark colours can work in any space
Inject personality
This library has oodles of character and warmth, not least because of the Orla Kiely wallpaper. By using recessed bookcases on facing side walls and floating walnut shelves on the back wall, the room feels spacious, despite the busy design.
Explore 11 different ways with wallpaper
This library has oodles of character and warmth, not least because of the Orla Kiely wallpaper. By using recessed bookcases on facing side walls and floating walnut shelves on the back wall, the room feels spacious, despite the busy design.
Explore 11 different ways with wallpaper
Use shallow shelves
Bright, colourful books and magazines are given pride of place on this bookcase. By displaying them facing outwards, you’ll be able to see titles at a glance as well as enjoying the cover designs.
Bright, colourful books and magazines are given pride of place on this bookcase. By displaying them facing outwards, you’ll be able to see titles at a glance as well as enjoying the cover designs.
Give display a quirky twist
Why be tied to the usual linear bookcase designs when old step ladders and wooden planks make such a great display space? Here, the distressed wooden shelves create an edgy contrast to the elegant chair and desk. Make your own by laying timber across the steps, then screwing in place to secure.
Why be tied to the usual linear bookcase designs when old step ladders and wooden planks make such a great display space? Here, the distressed wooden shelves create an edgy contrast to the elegant chair and desk. Make your own by laying timber across the steps, then screwing in place to secure.
Border with neon washi tape
Not only is this shelving unit multipurpose, with its built-in storage and desk area, it’s also bang on trend for a teen, with its red backing and washi-taped front. Best of all, the tape could be swapped for a different colour before you could say The Complete Works of Shakespeare.
Not only is this shelving unit multipurpose, with its built-in storage and desk area, it’s also bang on trend for a teen, with its red backing and washi-taped front. Best of all, the tape could be swapped for a different colour before you could say The Complete Works of Shakespeare.
Create an under achievement
This living area squeezes every drop of available space out of the room with a bespoke under-stairs bookcase. Everything from tomes to the TV sit neatly on view and within reach for an attractive and super-functional display.
This living area squeezes every drop of available space out of the room with a bespoke under-stairs bookcase. Everything from tomes to the TV sit neatly on view and within reach for an attractive and super-functional display.
Drench in a bright colour
If you install floor-to-ceiling shelves, they can sometimes feel too blank, too bright and too white. Why not treat the back of the shelves as you would the wall behind it and paint it in a bold, bright hue? It’s done beautifully in this craft room, and has the effect of making every piece on the shelves pop even more.
If you install floor-to-ceiling shelves, they can sometimes feel too blank, too bright and too white. Why not treat the back of the shelves as you would the wall behind it and paint it in a bold, bright hue? It’s done beautifully in this craft room, and has the effect of making every piece on the shelves pop even more.
Build on the bias
Who says books need to line up horizontally? Give them a new angle with shelves built diagonally. These tomes make a colourful, textured surround for the flatscreen TV, while the shelves chime gently with the parquet flooring and timber staircase.
TELL US...
How do you like to store your books? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who says books need to line up horizontally? Give them a new angle with shelves built diagonally. These tomes make a colourful, textured surround for the flatscreen TV, while the shelves chime gently with the parquet flooring and timber staircase.
TELL US...
How do you like to store your books? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Large, open shelving units make great room dividers, as they let light through as well as bringing colour and interest to both sides of the space. This room is split using an open, boxy design, meaning the owner can grab books from the sofa or bed. Grouping titles according to colour gives the whole wall an arty edge.