21 Ways to Beautifully Store Books

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If your book collection resembles something from a horror story attic, here are 21 ways to store books beautifully and inspire the whole family to read more.

From cozy reading corners to color-coded shelves, tropical designs, and floating shelves for kids, you are sure to find ideas that will work in your own home.

 Book Storage Ideas

1. Rolling Metal Cart

Rolling Metal Cart

Source: @sliz.bookshelf

Create a cozy reading corner with a rolling metal cart like this from Amazon. It is the perfect size to hold your latest thrillers, inviting you to curl up in a plush reading chair and get lost to the world.

I love this idea because I can roll the cart out onto the patio if it is warm and sunny. This is one of the best ways to use IKEA carts!

2. Floor to Ceiling Book Storage

Floor to Ceiling Book Storage

Source: @eloise.reads

When you have loads of books, you need loads of space. This floor to ceiling bookcase is a book lover’s dream.

Visit your dollar store to find an old set of shelves and upcycle them. Or, get out your tools and do some DIY to make shelves that perfectly fit your space.

I am obsessed!

3. Slim Vertical Bookshelves

Slim Vertical Bookshelves

Source: @noelles.reads

Don’t let small spaces go to waste, especially if you’re a book lover. A slim, compact bookcase can brighten up any vertical space, adding a touch of style and class.

Create the look using IKEA BILLY bookcase modules, find a bargain at your dollar store, or buy this no-assembly folding bookcase from Amazon.

You’ll want to see these other unique Billy Bookcase hacks!

4. Minimalist Book Case

Minimalist Book Case

Source: @tidywithspark

How cool is this minimalist bookcase? It’s incredibly chic and stylish, perfectly capturing the essence of ‘less-is-more’ with its sleek design.

I will select a few special books and do this in my bedroom. It will certainly reduce clutter and make me feel far more relaxed, not having to see all those TBR books waiting for me!

Check out these other aesthetic decor ideas!

5. Floating Shelves

Floating Shelves

Source: @always.booking.it

I love floating shelves – they are so versatile and easy to install. See how this book lover has cleverly mounted her shelves to be both ornamental and functional bookcases.

Choose retro brown floating shelves for a cottage, vintage, or rustic-themed room. Go for stylish black floating shelves in a room with a minimalist contemporary decor theme.

6. ROYGBIV Book Organization

ROYGBIV Book Organization

Source: @swoonspaces

If this title is giving you anxiety, don’t panic! It stands for the colors of the rainbow in order: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.

This creative homeowner has organized her books by rainbow colors, and the result is absolutely stunning.

How cozy is this space with plush chairs and Ottomans? I found a glorious fun rainbow colored Ottoman on Amazon that will match perfectly with this theme.

7. Pretty in Pink Bookshelf

Pretty in Pink Bookshelf

Source: @rektokross

If you adore all things pink, this beautiful way to store books is for you.

Create a charming and romantic display with a collection of pink books. If you don’t have enough, consider covering your existing books with lovely pink wrapping paper.

8. Tree Bookshelf

tree bookshelf

Source: @flowersbynini

This fabulous idea will get kids excited about books and add a fun focal point to a bedroom or playroom.

If you enjoy DIY, try crafting your own tree bookshelf. If DIY isn’t your thing, look at this stylish tree bookcase I found on Amazon, it’s perfect for adding a unique touch to your living space.

9. Calming Blue Bookshelf

Calming Blue Bookshelf

Source: @sweetbookobsession

Did you know that the color blue has natural calming and serene qualities and is used by home decor experts to create a peaceful environment?

This imaginative book lover has filled their bookcase with blue books, creating a beautiful tranquil display. If you don’t have enough blue books, use lovely silky wrapping paper to cover them.

10. Monochromatic Bookshelf

Monochromatic Bookshelf

Source: @organizingstories

How stylish and chic is this black and white theme for a bookcase? By sorting your books and separating the black and white from the colors, you can easily create this monochromatic look.

I love how the bookcase neatly fits into a corner of the room, creating an inviting reading space. And, the chair and throw match too in black and white – totally obsessed with this!

11. Wire Cart

wire cart

Source: @readforeverpub

I use wire carts all over my home for holding everything from kitchen produce to arts and crafts supplies, so why not for books?

A classic wire cart like this makes a perfect organizer for books. You can even wheel it next to the fireplace on a chilly winter’s night or out onto the patio in summer.

12. House Shaped Bookshelf

House Shaped Bookshelf

Source: @morganizewithme

“Home is where the heart is” and where the books are – if you are a bookworm!

This fabulous bookcase is designed in the shape of a house, complete with a roof and a door. It’s irresistibly cute and inviting, especially with its charming color-coded sections!

13. Horizontal and Vertical

Horizontal and Vertical

Source: @modernrefresh

In my house, we constantly debate whether books should be stored horizontally or vertically. This book lover combines both to solve the problem.

I love how she has added some special ornaments like a vintage clock, elegant vases, and a lush plant to add extra character to the display. 

14. Back-to-Front Bookshelf 

Back-to-Front Bookshelf 

Source: @bookbub

Are you up for a surprise read? By turning the books around and hiding the titles, this homeowner has created a very unusual and challenging display!

She has also filled the shelves with stunning luscious green plants creating a fabulous tropical vibe that I am inspired to recreate in my own home.

If you don’t have green thumbs, consider these natural-looking artificial plants. They will create the same tropical scene and always appear healthy and well-maintained!

15. Tropical Forest Bookshelf

Tropical Forest Bookshelf

Source: @tealsbooks

Imagine escaping to a tropical island in your own home! With this brilliant idea, you can transform your reading nook into a paradise getaway.

I love how this book lover has filled her bookshelves with luscious green plants. She also has plants in pots and in hanging baskets.

16. Rolling Circular Cart

 Rolling Circular Cart

Source: @bookswithvic

Organize your books in a rolling circular cart like this and always be ready to find the next read to suit your mood.

This reader keeps her current read, eyewear, and a cuppa on top, her TBRs on the second shelf, and her will-get-to reads on the lower tier.

17. Front Covers Outwards

Front Covers Outwards

Source: @matylda_daktyl

If you are blessed with loads of wall space, this is a stunning wall shelf idea for book lovers. This beautiful display shows off the book covers, creating an attractive wall display and an easy way to find your books.

Book shelves like this with a bar in front ensure the books won’t topple out when stacked with the covers facing outwards.

18. Kiddies Bookshelf

kiddies bookshelf

Source: @sparxorganizing

I find that stacking kiddies books with the covers facing outwards makes reading far more exciting for them. The colorful and fun images attract attention and create interest.

Floating shelves for kids are easy to install and can be mixed and matched to suit the design of your kid’s bedroom or playroom.

19. Wall to Wall Low Bookshelf

Wall to Wall Low Bookshelf

Source: @maddies.reads

Bookcases don’t always have to tower to the ceiling and intimidate you! I love how this beautiful bookcase is chic, elegant, and inviting.

The low design also creates a surface on top to display treasured ornaments, photos, and souvenirs.

20. All White Bookshelf

All White Bookshelf

Source: @silkreads

For those who love color – in previous sections we have seen rainbow-colored, pink, blue, and monochromatic bookshelf ideas. This one is all white!

Wow – this look is clean, pristine, and so cool. The book lover has also gone for both vertical and horizontal storage and added tropical plants like these plant in bedroom ideas!.

21. Book Storage and Rotation Shelf

Book Storage and Rotation Shelf

Source: @edited.spaces

My last idea is a lesson from a Montessori fan. She keeps kids engaged in reading by setting up a rotating bookcase.

Books are organized by theme and are rotated regularly to add excitement and stimulate little minds. This idea keeps reading fresh and fun and also encourages exploration and curiosity.

Visit your dollar store to find an old bookcase that you can upcycle, or take a look at this fun toy organizer and bookcase combo I found on Amazon.

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