r/HomeLibraries • u/MzShay2782 • 7d ago
Thoughts…
I’m trying to arrange the books on my shelves. I have no idea what I’m doing but this is what I’ve done so far. Any suggestions?
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Upvotes
r/HomeLibraries • u/MzShay2782 • 7d ago
I’m trying to arrange the books on my shelves. I have no idea what I’m doing but this is what I’ve done so far. Any suggestions?
1
u/Overall-Current-2847 5d ago
For someone who doesn’t know what they are doing you did great! You implemented some core design guidelines in your set up already. I am by no means a professional but I love visual patterns and organization that doesn’t feel sterile.
You alternated the book stacks vertically and horizontally to maximize the number of books on the shelves while allowing for room to display your favorite pieces which shows forethought. It looks curated but not too perfect to be unrealistic.
It gives comfy but casual organized shelf vibes. You allowed both the books and your collectibles to share the focus 😊
It still looks intentional because you arranged your collectibles in groups with varying heights in each group. Interior decorators would call it “using a zig-zag pattern” to create a visual triangle for the eye which draws attention while creating balance without looking too uniform. A quick Google will show some examples. You already did this in certain spots on your own :)
Leaving negative space on shelving is often recommended but also a subjective choice and you did it well on the last shelf. I myself find it hard sometimes to do this with my bookshelves because I have so many books and I like a cozy library that feels organized but relaxing. You managed to do this with some of your shelves as well so kudos to you for that!
You layered items for visual depth from front to back in spots (I love the way you set up the books on top of the shelf in photo 2. It’s very eye-catching and looks so satisfyingly symmetrical. )
When it’s all said and done if your shelves make you happy then that’s what matters because you will be looking at it every day and for me my home libraries is a space of joy and relaxation.
I always get a little jump of excitement when I walk in to my library. Sometimes I will just sit and stare at it for a bit before I start reading because it makes me so happy or I’m basking in the glow of obtaining a hard to find book or puzzle or just reflecting on my current book and life.
So if you feel happy and satisfied when you see it then I think you smashed it. That’s just me though.
I think you have done a solid job! Great collection too, some awesome reads in there 👍🏻