Books hold a dear place in our hearts, often reminding us of memories, inspiring us to dream, and connecting us to different perspectives and experiences. Books are more than just stories; they can also serve as stunning decor and conversation starters in our homes. With a little creativity, organizing your collection can transform a cluttered bookshelf into a beautifully curated display. Whether you’re purchasing a home in Saint Paul, MN, renting an apartment in Dallas, TX, or exploring a rental home in Woodstock, VT, finding innovative ways to showcase your books can enhance your living space and reflect your personal style.
In this Redfin article, we’ll explore a variety of creative ideas for storing books that go beyond traditional stacking and shelving. From unique bookshelf organization to thematic displays, these strategies will not only help you manage your collection, but also inspire you to appreciate the beauty of your books in new ways.
1. Make the most out of your bookshelf
Maximizing the space on your bookshelf can transform your collection from cluttered to captivating. By using smart organizational techniques, you can create an inviting display that highlights your favorite reads, while making the most of every inch.
Arrange your books by size
“When organizing books, I’ve found that I can create extra space on bookshelves by arranging the books based on their sizes,” says professional organizer Sara Bereika from Sara Jane Organizing serving the Richmond, VA area. “If the books are too tall, I lay them flat and stack them high to make the most of the shelf height. Additionally, books may not reach the full depth of the shelf, leaving space behind them. If you have a book series, such as Harry Potter, you can arrange them with the front facing forward, and one book in front of the other, using the entire depth of the shelf.”
Double stack your books
Ashley Whitlatch, founder and creator of the literary blog, Books are my Third Place, shares a tip for double stacking your books. “Double stacking is a lifesaver for maximizing shelf space and making sure all your books are visible and accessible, while still looking aesthetically pleasing,” says Ashley. “This method entails creating two rows of books on each shelf. The secret is to slightly raise the back stack, so they’ll still be visible, creating a nice cascading look. You can use things like empty egg cartons or small cardboard boxes to do this.”
Adjust the height of your shelves
Meghan Jackson, professional organizer and owner of Joyful Spaces in Colorado Springs, CO, shares advice on what to do if there is extra room on your shelves above your books. “You can utilize more of that space by adjusting the height of your shelves, adding a shelf riser, or stacking books of a similar height horizontally,” recommends Meghan.
2. Think vertically
Using vertical space for book storage is a great way to maximize your home while showcasing your collection. By looking up, you can create beautiful displays and free up some much-needed floor space.
“Think vertically,” says Olympia von Berg, a professional organizer from Organizing by Olympia. “Any wall space should be viewed as potential storage. Tall, slim bookshelves or ladder-style units let you display your collection without eating up precious floor space.”
Minneapolis, MN professional organizer Julie Starke from Keys to Living Light shares her recommendation for using vertical space. “When considering ideas for storing books, always look up. To store and keep them accessible, look for tall, vertical bookcases. There are several styles to choose from,” says Julie. “Some even swivel to make finding your desired book even easier.”
3. Create a cozy reading retreat
A cozy reading nook is the perfect way to store your books while adding a charming spot filled with natural light for reading. Maria Gartrell, owner of the Erie, PA home decor shop, Vintage & Soul Home, recommends storing your books this way. “One of the more creative ideas for storing books is to make a niche underneath a window seat. This space is usually an unutilized space and a great place to store or display extra books. Whether you make an open niche or a drawer, either is a great idea.”
4. Keep the books out of sight
Storing books in spots outside your usual line of sight, like high shelves or hidden corners, is a smart way to keep things organized without overwhelming your space. “My favorite tip for maximizing small spaces is to focus on storage opportunities both above and below your eye line,” says Denver, CO professional organizer Bohne Leah from Be Organized Method. “We often overlook areas outside our direct view, like blank wall spaces, nooks under tables, or high shelves in closets. By exploring these untapped storage zones, you can effectively optimize the potential of any small space.”
The team at the New Richmond, WI home decor shop, Rustic Eagle Home Decor, recommends placing your books in the overlooked corners of rooms. “Corner units are one of the best solutions, especially in smaller spaces, and can also fill areas that make you wonder, ‘What do I do with this odd space?’ Taller corner units draw the eye upward and can be used to add a holiday display as well.”
5. Transform your walls into stylish book displays
Wall-mounted shelves are a stylish way to store books while saving valuable floor space. They not only keep your collection neat, but also turn your walls into a beautiful display that adds character to any room.
“If you love physical books, but are short on space, your best bet is to use wall-mounted shelves,” advises Mary Cornetta, CEO of Organized Overall in Savannah, GA. “It doesn’t matter if they’re vertical or horizontal, you’ll be maximizing your storage by using blank wall space.”
Bethany Hansen, a Clarksville, TN pro organizer and owner of Next Step Home Organizing, shares her tips on using wall space for books. “As a professional organizer, one of my favorite space-saving tips and tricks for storing books is to utilize your vertical wall space by placing books on open shelving or on built-ins,” explains Bethany. “I like to add clear acrylic bookends. These sleek bookends keep your collection tidy without adding visual clutter, making the space feel open and airy.”
6. Reimagine unused spaces
When it comes to maximizing spaces for book storage, finding innovative ideas for storing books is key. Don’t underestimate the potential of the untouched areas of your home; they can be a hidden gem for organizing and showcasing your collection.
Under the bed storage
Nashville-based professional organizers, Laurie Palmer and Yissel Landaeta from Tidy Hive Organizing suggest, “Just because you have a small living space doesn’t mean you can’t keep all of your treasured books. Under the bed storage such as bins and drawers are great solutions in tight spaces.”
Above kitchen cabinets
Moving onto the kitchen, Jen Holmer, a professional organizer from the Madison, WI organizing company Renewal by Kate provides her recommendation. “When storing books in a small living space, we first recommend editing them down to only the ones you intend to read. Books can live above cabinets in the kitchen to utilize a space that typically goes unused. We love arranging these books by color.”
Dresser drawers
Shelby & Anro Blaauw, Seattle-based professional organizers from Professional Organizers PNW suggest looking to your wardrobes for added storage. “If you’re a Rory Gilmore type with more books than clothes, you can even store books in spare dresser drawers. Floating shelves are a great way to get books off the floor but mini acrylic shelves stacked vertically provide a twist on your more classic shelving.”
Under the stairs
For those unused closets in your home, Mary Gallivan, a Charleston, SC professional organizer from Just So Mary suggests, “Take advantage of hard-to-use areas like under-the-stairs closets by adding shelving to maximize space. For a decorative touch, arrange books in small stacks, turning them into artistic displays that add character to any room.”
7. Try versatile furniture solutions
Multi-functional furniture offers a perfect solution, seamlessly blending style and practicality. As Janine Adams from Peace of Mind Organizing in St. Louis, MO reminds us, “For books you don’t use regularly, look to furniture with hidden storage, like storage ottomans, couches, or chairs that provide storage under the cushions. Just be sure the furniture is strong enough to take the weight of the books.”
Beyond seating, countless furniture pieces can transform into stylish book storage. “By choosing night stands, coffee tables, and TV stands with shelves or drawers, you’re able to store your book collection and furnish your space,” says Mary Frost, a Madison, WI interior designer and CPO of Frost Organizing. “Take your organization to the next level by categorizing your books by genre and storing each type in a different piece of furniture.”
8. Get creative with it
Embracing your love for books can enhance your home’s decor in imaginative ways. As Olga Mykhailovska, an interior designer from Coastal Design Center in Sunny Isles Beach, FL suggests, “If you’re worried about space for your book collection, a great solution is to get creative; fill a faux fireplace with books, arrange them on window sills, or install floating shelves above the bed.”
Do you have books stacked in a pile on the floor? Olga goes on to make a recommendation about turning the stack into a decorative accent. “You can even stack your books on the floor to display a favorite figurine or lamp. No matter the option you choose, books add color, texture, and sophistication to your interior.”
9. Place your books thoughtfully
Choosing the right spots for your books can make a big difference in how often you reach for them, and how much you enjoy your collection. By placing your favorite reads in easily accessible locations, you invite more moments of literary delight into your daily life.
Donna Richardson, lead organizer and founder of Linen and Lime Home Organizing in Clarksville, TN has a clever method for prioritizing the placement of her books. “Favorite and go-to books should be displayed on bookshelves, bedside tables, or coffee tables, making them easily accessible for your reading enjoyment. Keeping your collection visibly organized enhances the overall reading experience. For those random favorites, seasonal reads, or cherished keepsakes, consider storing them in under-the-bed containers on wheels or in a storage bench or ottoman. This way, you can stow them away while still having quick access when you want to revisit them.”
What to do with books you’re ready to part with? Donna continues, “There are many ways to ensure they continue to enrich the lives of others. You can gift them to someone new, donate them to your local library or charities, or take them to thrift stores. A quick Google search can also help you find various organizations that will gladly accept your used books.”
10. Declutter your collection
When it comes to maximizing space in a small home, curating your book collection is essential. This thoughtful approach not only frees up room but also enhances the joy of surrounding yourself with the books you truly love and cherish.
As Lisa Smith, professional organizer and founder of Simplify Studio Professional Organizing in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC suggests, “The absolute best way to save space when storing books in a small space is to first edit your book collection down to only those that you need, love, or use. Storing books that you know you will never read, takes up valuable space and interferes with the joy to be felt when looking at your collection of absolute favorite books.”
Inspiration and ideas for storing books
Finding creative ideas for storing books can really make a difference in both your space and your home’s aesthetic. Whether it’s using multi-functional furniture, taking advantage of hidden corners, or setting up cozy reading nooks, the key is to let your collection shine. With a bit of thoughtful organization, you can turn clutter into stylish displays that celebrate your inner book lover.
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