Have you ever thought of books as a decorating element? I’m sure you’ve seen wallpaper that looks like a library wall of books. You don’t have to have thousands of books to feel like you have a library and you don’t have to hide your books; after all if you love books you probably would like them close at hand. Books can make your home feel warm and cozy.

If you have a small room a wall of books may seem like a luxury, but there are ways to display them without giving up too much space. Bookcases are the logical place to store books for easy access. If you have limited wall space you may have to think outside of the bookcase so to speak. If you have a collection of smaller books think of going up the sides of the doorway and over the top.
Choose a wall with a door and a small space of wall on at least one side of it and allow 8 ½”-9” for depth and then have shelves built or go to the home center and buy ready made shelves and install them up and over the doorway and on the small area of wall that you have dedicated to the books. Open shelves will allow you access to light switches near the doorway or cut out the back of a bookcase for the switch. You might be surprised how a ‘wall of books’ is possible in a small space.

Arrange your books by size for a more uniform look. Add some framed pictures if you have space or some other artifacts that reflect your personal style; just don’t get too carried away with display items if books are to be the focus.

If you have a table lamp that isn’t the right height, a book or two under the lamp will elevate it for your reading comfort; that’s really making books work for you. Having the things you love around you will make your home your favorite place to be.