Decorating with books

I know negative sounding posts can be an annoying read, so I'll try to stay positive after saying, "I'm just not feeling the trend toward color coordinated book displays."

The internet is certainly useful when needing quick answers but nothing replaces the feel of a real live book and speedy, digital practicality aside, I like to be able to quickly and surely find a book by the writing on its spine.

Perhaps a small vignette on a side table, to lend substance and height and complete a color story.

I have this many books but doubt I could sort them in such even quantities of color

I like my books to have a more organically collected appearance, perhaps because they were.

The most lovely to me is the haphazard collection mixed with objets, photos, and souveniers in a slightly messy array.

Oh well, guess I'm old-fashioned that way.

"The best decoration in the world is a roomful of books" - Billy Baldwin

library day

Alessandra Branca

When I was in grade school I couldn't wait for library day. I still love books and together with my husband, have amassed quite a collection.

Today I am meeting with a contractor about my plans for a library in my home--Yay!

I am just dying to get all of those boxes unpacked and out in the light of day.

I am thinking of having the tops arched as in the photo above.

I am going for a dark, moody, masculine space.

I am already thinking about how to style the shelves.

 I will not organize by color of the book spines.

I prefer a more organic arrangement.

The walls will be painted Chinese red so I need to decide on a paint color for the shelves.

I am leaning towards black...

just like this Alessandra Branca library that is my main inspiration.

Which would you choose?

Libraries

I got my wish for a library in my new house in what was billed as a main floor bedroom. It 11 by 11 feet with one window, french doors to the foyer, a closet and door to a bath.

I have pondered its tiny decor and considered something glossy like this Miles Redd library. (above)

I adore this Chesterfeild sofa but I think I will be using my Duncan Phyfe style settee.

Built-ins are a long way in the future for us. They are cozy looking though.

This nook created by shelves would be easy to replicate with ready-made shelves.

Who wouldn't love a library ladder? The chandelier and floor are marvelous too.

All images via House Beautiful