Monday, March 14, 2011

BEAUTIFUL BOOKSHELVES









When I moved into my apartment, one of the major selling points was that it had a great built in shelving unit. I knew immediately that it would make a great space to showcase my books! Here are a few things I did to keep it from looking like just your average bookshelf:
~ Shelf Paper: I went to Paper Source and found the prettiest, hand pressed ,shimmery paper
    I could find to line the back of the shelf. I used double stick tape and it was so easy! It gave  
    the shelf a much needed POP! of color
~ Arrange Books by Color: I arranged the books like I organize by closet-by color! I did light
   to dark, left to right
~ Take off Hardback Covers: This way you can really see the many colors of the books and it
   looks more like a "library"
~ Intermix Precious Mementos: I intermixed my favorite photos in pretty frames and little
   pretty things like a golden pear or my lotus votive on top of books. Even a vase of peacock 
   feathers on one side
~ Add levels: I tried to not stack all books the same way - some are horizontal, some are  
   vertical. All the stacks are different heights and widths adding interest
~ On top: I grouped together photos of family and friends in large and small frames
~ The Most Treasured Books: I am a total book worm so these are obviously not all my
    books- just a collection of some my most treasured books. Including my childhood set of
    The Chronicles of Narnia (top photo)


How do you lovelies arrange your bookshelf? I always love to hear new ideas!
xo
Jonesy


17 comments:

  1. I love books so I naturally love bookshelves! One day, I shall have one like these!

    besos,

    ML

    Join the Easiest Blog Project Ever at:

    Twenty York Street

    Twenty York Street

    ReplyDelete
  2. gorgeous bookshelves indeed!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great idea! I need to try that with some of my boring white bookshelves!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ohhh love your bookshelves and how you organized everything!!

    well if it's between mulberry and miu miu i would def say miu miu! mulberry's bags are a bit nondescript for me.. but that's just a personal preference.. (hello my new wallet is covered in sequins) hahaha.. so you can tell that my taste runs towards the gaudy perhaps?? hehehe. i'm very excited for your future purse purchase and can't wait to see what you decide on!! but if you're still interesting in a miu miu bag.. pssst. say tuned for an upcoming post!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. great bookshelves!:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. what a great idea to put the paper behind the shelf.

    jen
    http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lisa! You are so right the Mulberry's are a little nondescript! The Miu's are much more unique- much more showstopper, much more girly! Thanks for the great advice!
    xo
    lj
    http://jonesyloves.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. arranging a bookshelf is an art and you've done a great job! since i'm limited on space, I just try to place as many books on my bookcase as possible. xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love it, just amazing! I love that you lined the back with such amazingly pretty paper! I adore your blog and now following, maybe you'll have time to visit mine:)


    Kisses,
    Annabelle
    http://vivaluxury.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks Annabelle- love your blog! Just became a follower! xo lj

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love how you organized the books by color, the shelves look lovely! I am in need of a good bookshelf for my apartment, what a great selling point for yours w/ the built ins ;)
    Have a great weekend!
    ~Giselle
    http://www.machinewashwarm.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello dearest,

    Thank you very much for visiting my blog, I am very glad to hear that you like my boots! I actually got them online from ideeli.com, I think they have them there from time to time.

    Kisses,
    Annabelle
    http://vivaluxury.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I adore any furniture that lends itself to organization...bookshelves are no exception! I am a fan of mixing books with DVDs and scattering picture/ nick-nacks here and there for visual interest :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have to say, this is the cutest and most informative post! I love this post because I've never really thought about how to make book shelves look more interesting and stylish. But you surely did here!! Love everything about it! Esp. the way you organized the books by color! LOVE!

    ReplyDelete
  15. ooh, this is gorgeous. I love the idea of adding extra colour & depth to a built in, so beautiful. xx veronika

    ReplyDelete
  16. love it! just bought a bookshelf myself and have had so much fun organizing it beautifully :)

    cksxo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete