Are you a book collector with a passion that goes beyond reading? Then, many creative ways to store books are just as important as the reading ritual. Nicely storing and displaying your books is therapeutic in a way. Besides, it can help boost your home’s décor and the urge to read more.
There are tips and guidelines all over covering book collection displays. These resources offer ideas for creative ways to display and store books. So, you can skip feeling overwhelmed once you have a list of informative ideas to help you out. Keep reading to discover the ideas.
Creative Ways to Store Books Without a Bookshelf
If you do not have a bookshelf at home, you should not worry anymore about book storage. This article will help you with that. We have compiled a list of ideas on book storage and display. So keep reading to learn more about creative ways to store and display your book collection.
1. Arrange Your Book Collection on the Fireplace Mantel
You didn’t think the mantelpiece was only good for decoration, candle, and plan display, did you? It also makes a great storage and display spot for your book collection. It’s one of the oldest creative tricks of ensuring that your books have an aesthetic role in your home.
An arrangement that could work on the mantel is if you arrange the books horizontally in piles of three books maximum. Experiment with the book placement on the fireplace mantel as long as it can withstand the book’s weight. Use this idea to achieve a look of intentional décor and storage for your book collection.
2. Use Horizontal Shelf Storage for Your Book Collection
Another creative way to display and store your book collection is on shelves. You can size your shelf however you like and in whatever way aligns with your space. One of the most effective shelf designs is a floating bookshelf.
Using shelves for book collection storage is also a traditional method of going about it. The advantage of installing floating shelves is that you can continue to add levels as your collection grows. Also, include décor among your book collection stored and displayed on a shelf.
3. Mix and Match Your Favorite Books on a Bar Cart
Usually, there are many ways of utilizing a bar cart. For example, you could place it somewhere in a corner and stack your favorite books beside glassware and beverages. The bottom part of the bar cart can have the books, ornament, and a potted plant creating the perfect mix-match.
A self-storage unit is another creative way to store books without a bookshelf. This idea is the best if you plan to store your collection in the long term. The first thing you have to do is secure a self-storage storage unit with a trusted company like Vaultra Storage.
Before booking a storage unit, you have to consider your needs. For instance, find out how much shelf space you have to store ad display your book collection. Also, find out if the room can accommodate your growing collection. If not, then consider renting Vaultra’s storage units.
5. Include Pictures in Your Book Arrangement
There is a way you can turn your book collection into art pieces. With the correct placement of your books, you may free up space for the most aesthetically pleasing ones. You may also display framed prints and your favorite books to achieve a mixed-media display.
6. Display Your Books on a Windowsill
Utilizing your favorite windowsill as storage is the best thing you could do for your book collection. The natural light hitting the books will be inviting enough to encourage you to read them more. So create a reading spot next to your favorite titles and enjoy.
Placing books on the windowsill gives you quick access to them. Then, all you have to do is arrange the books nicely, depending on the frequency of reading every book. That will help you quickly scan the books to get the one you want. Small layers of three will work better.
7. Arrange Your Book Collection in a DIY Tree Bookcase
This option allows you to explore various bookcase designs. For example, you could create a DIY tree bookcase that works if you are a nature lover. A floor-standing tree bookcase with a small geometric element bookcase could also work if you are looking for something traditional.
Tips to Remember when Storing Books
You must follow the rules when storing and displaying books to ensure they last. Apply those rules when applying various books storage and displays ideas but precisely when using a self-storage unit. They are as follows:
Remove Food Particles and Moisture from the Books
If you are fond of snacking and drinking while reading, your books likely contain particles and moisture. No matter how small the amount, these two elements could damage the books.
Remove the elements before putting the books on display. Moisture and food particles accommodate mold and mildew growth. The air in the enclosed space will only accelerate this, especially without air conditioning.
Wrap the Books or Use a Storage Container
Look for material that can cover all your books before storing them. For example, towels or saran wrap may work. Ensure you do this for the books you plan to leave storage space for the long term. If using a wrap isn’t an option, use the next best thing, storage containers.
You’ll need big storage containers that will keep dust and vermin out. Storage bins will also work as long as they are new, clean, and dry. Seal them properly to get these results.
Choose a Climate-controlled Storage Unit
Ensure the storage unit has climate control to preserve book quality. Again, you’ll profit from this, especially for a collection of old rare books. Climate control ensures a steady temperature suitable for sensitive items like old collectors’ books.
Position the Books Vertically
If your choice of storage for your books is containers and even shelves, ensure you place each book vertically, with paper edges facing up. There is plenty of support for books in this position. Also, only place an adequate number of books in each container to avoid spine warping.
Final Words
Follow the rules of creative ways to store book collections to ensure you preserve yours. Explore various display storage alternatives besides shelves and see what works more. For an option like using a storage unit, ensure you reserve a unit from a trusted company.