I went to my apartment committee meeting last night. One of my neighbours kindly hosted the meeting. The apartment needed a few adjustments as the living room was packed with furniture and books. Here’s how to display books in your apartment.
Don’t display all your books
Many people love books. I do too. Browsing book shops, bringing a book home. Casually keeping books on your coffee table. Reading in your zen space. I don’t have a lot of books but if you do, and space is limited, don’t display them all.
Be discerning with your book display. Remember that less is more and value quality of quantity. Choose the books that are special to you. These might be gifts, books you bought while travelling. Whatever, just don’t display all your books.
Too many books in a smaller space, when factoring in other pieces of furniture can present as visual clutter. Can feel overwhelming in the space also.
My neighbour had too many books displayed and stored in two bookcases. This created clutter on the floor space of the apartment and compromised flow of movement.
I think in a one or two bedroom apartment where the open living area is approximately 4 x 4 metres, then one book case is enough.
In this situation I would consider a tall storage piece for the TV as well as books. Having the one piece, rather than a separate TV unit and a separate bookcase is a more efficient use of space.
A taller piece also means your utilising wall space and height and taking things away from the floor space. Which increases the flow of movement in and around other key pieces of furniture.
Different ways to display your books
My neighbour had two full bookcases. Some books were displayed with the spine first. Vertically and horizontally. Other books were displayed with the paper side first.
In photoshoots I sometimes display books with the paper side first. Because I don’t need the colour of the spine for that particular shot.
But in your home I think it’s cool to display books spine first. But also front cover first as well. Especially, if it’s a beautifully designed coffee table book.
Some clients like their books displayed by colour. You can play with other book display ideas such as themes and thickness.
I like to display books both vertically and horizontally. You could also layer books displayed horizontally by size increments. Starting with a big book as the base and layer that with slightly bigger books on top.
Remember if creating smaller displays to work in odd numbers and to create interest, intersperse other objects such as candles and vases in between your books. This creates a natural break, point of interest and highlights special books.
I also like to display books on a coffee table. How many books will depend on the size and shape of your coffee table.
For example in my own apartment I have a smaller extendable coffee table, so I have just one larger book with an ornament.
But my mum has a longer rectangular coffee table and I style this with three stacks of three books.
Books add so much warmth to a space. I think it’s important to remember that less is more when it comes to how to display your books for a beautifully curated selection.
