How to store books at home if there are a lot of them

1. Turn the library into the main element of the interior

It will not work to hide a large number of books in the apartment, but you can build a situation around them. There is no need to fence cabinets along all the walls - this way the room will turn into a cramped box, and not into a Hogwarts reading room. Give one of the walls under the books - multi-colored spines will be a great accent. To make it sound even louder, it is worth keeping the rest of the interior elements in neutral colors. White walls, thoughtful lighting, and simple-shaped furniture make great bookshelf companions.

At the same time, you need to remember about equilibrium rule in interior design. It means that bright elements need rhymes, otherwise they will take all the attention. In the case of a book accent wall, there is a risk that the room will visually “fall over” to one side. To balance this element, you can lay a colored carpet on the floor or hang posters on a free wall.

2. Use multifunctional furniture

We are already used to the fact that the sofa sometimes becomes a bed, but not everyone knows that a bed can also be a shelving unit. Choose in the store the option not on the legs, but on the podium with open drawers. This is where your books can be placed. And the rack can be arranged at the head. If you want to hide part of the library, then you can simply put the books in closed storage spaces under the bed, set aside some of the shelves for them in dressing room or a large closet.

A children's bed can also become multifunctional. For example, in the case of a two-level design, shelves can be installed on the upper part instead of a bed. If the child likes to sleep on the second floor more, then the bookcase will fit into the lower tier.

3. Organize books in different rooms

Few people are lucky enough to have a full-fledged office or a spacious living room in a typical apartment where a library could be placed. If you don’t feel like parting with books, try to break the entire volume of the printed collection into several groups and distribute them throughout the apartment. Take children's books, adventure novels, coloring books and atlases to where they are needed most - to the nursery. And books on cooking and household chores are logical to keep in the kitchen. Just make sure they are not dangerously close to a damp or cooking zone. A cabinet above the fridge or closed top drawers are great options.

Even an insulated balcony can be suitable for storing books. So from a place where skis, pickles and boxes of household appliances are stored, it will turn into a lived-in and cozy space. If you are not afraid of condemnation and constant questions “Why so?”, Then part of the library can be placed in the guest toilet. Unlike the main bathroom, there is no high humidity here, and the space above the toilet always remains free - just fit a wall cabinet for books.

4. Use places that usually remain empty

For example, a small section of walls around the window. As a rule, it is completely closed with curtains, but narrow shelving can be arranged in this area to use the space to the maximum. In this case, it is better to replace the curtains with soft Roman blinds or blinds Let the books be seen.

The situation is similar with the end wall of the room, if there is a doorway on it. In typical apartments, it is difficult to fit full-fledged furniture on the sides of the door, so the place remains free. On this wall, you can build the same racks as at the window.

And there is also an option to make shelves under the very cornice - along one wall or around the entire perimeter of the room. But this method is not suitable for rooms with low ceilings - such a border will visually make them even lower. Before assembling shelves, consult with a designer or model the final version in free interior designers.

5. Monitor the status of books

No matter how conveniently you place your collection, everything can spoil its untidy look. Dust, torn or faded roots will immediately betray an inattentive owner. Books age, but this process can be slowed down, if not stopped. Here are a few ground rules.

• It is best for books in rooms with a humidity of about 40-50%. Excess moisture can cause mold. If the books are in dark closed wardrobes with poor ventilation, then it is useful to periodically ventilate them.
• Keep books away from direct sunlight and other high-intensity light sources. They accelerate paper deterioration and cover fading.
• Wipe dust. Ideally, books should be stored in closed cabinets, but if you don’t have one, then periodically clean the shelves. Take a piece of ordinary soft cloth, slightly moisten it and wipe the closed book from all sides. A handheld vacuum cleaner will help speed up the process.