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The first step to organizing a bookcase for function is sorting books by category, which makes it easy to find what you need. Nu-Deco Crafts, a brand specializing in home decor and furniture, advises grouping books by type such as fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, or children’s books, and placing each group on a separate shelf of the bookcase. You can also label small bins or baskets on the bookcase to hold smaller book categories (like travel guides or poetry collections). For example, a 5-shelf bookcase can have cookbooks on the bottom shelf, fiction on the middle two shelves, and non-fiction on the top two shelves. This categorization ensures the bookcase is not just a storage piece but a functional tool, saving time when looking for specific books and keeping the bookcase neat.
Mix books with decorative items to add style to the bookcase
To balance style and function, mix books with decorative items on the bookcase, this prevents the bookcase from looking too plain and adds personality. Nu-Deco Crafts suggests placing small decorative pieces (like potted succulents, vintage vases, or small sculptures) between book groups. For instance, on a shelf with fiction books, you can set a small ceramic vase next to a stack of novels, or place a potted cactus on a shelf with cookbooks. You can also use decorative bookends to hold books in place while adding a stylish touch, like wooden or metal bookends with unique shapes. This mix of books and decor makes the bookcase a focal point in the room, turning a simple storage piece into a decorative part of your home. The key is to keep decor proportional to the bookcase, avoid oversized items that block books or make the bookcase look cluttered.
Arrange books by size and color for visual harmony on the bookcase
Arranging books by size and color creates visual harmony, making the bookcase look more stylish while remaining functional. Nu-Deco Crafts explains that grouping books by size (tall books together, medium and small books together) prevents the bookcase from looking messy. For tall books, place them on the bottom or top shelves of the bookcase to add stability; medium and small books work well on middle shelves. You can also arrange books by color for example, grouping all blue-spined books together, then green, then red to create a rainbow effect or a monochromatic look. For a more subtle style, arrange books in a gradient from light to dark colors. This size and color arrangement make the bookcase visually appealing, drawing the eye while still keeping books easy to find. It works especially well for open-bookcase designs, where the interior is fully visible.
Use storage boxes and baskets to hide clutter in the bookcase
Storage boxes and baskets are practical tools to hide clutter in the bookcase, keeping it functional while maintaining a clean style. Nu-Deco Crafts points out that items like loose papers, book markers, or small toys can be stored in decorative boxes or woven baskets on the bookcase, instead of leaving them scattered on shelves. Choose boxes or baskets that match the bookcase’s style, like linen boxes for a modern bookcase or woven baskets for a rustic bookcase, and place them on lower or upper shelves of the bookcase. For example, a woven basket on the bottom shelf of a wooden bookcase can hold children’s picture books or extra magazines, while a linen box on the top shelf can store important papers. This use of storage solutions keeps the bookcase’s surface neat, allowing the books and key decor items to stand out. It also adds texture to the bookcase, enhancing its overall style.
Leave empty space to keep the bookcase balanced
Leaving space on the bookcase is essential for both function and style, it prevents overcrowding and allows the bookcase to breathe. Nu-Deco Crafts emphasizes that filling every inch of the bookcase with books and decor can make it look cramped and overwhelming. Instead, leave 10-15% of the bookcase’s space empty for example, on a 5-shelf bookcase, leave one small section of a shelf empty, or keep the top shelf half-empty. This space makes the bookcase look more open and inviting, and it also leaves room for future books or new decor items. For instance, an empty spot on a middle shelf can be used to display a seasonal decor piece (like a small pumpkin in autumn or a snow globe in winter). This balanced use of space ensures the bookcase remains functional, with enough room for current books and stylish, avoiding a cluttered or overstuffed look.