As regular readers know, I have a thing for bookcases.  I have a long row in my living room that I accessorize and store my piles of books in (I wrote about accessorizing my bookcases here).  But as I browse online and see all the creative ways people display their books and jazz up their bookcases, I’m inspired.  I want to share what I’ve found with you and then keep you updated on how the inspiration manifests itself in my bookcases. 

 

Inspiring Bookshelves

Now here’s an organizer after my own heart.  But, where do I put all my accessories?

I love the look of this bookcase wall with its boldly painted backdrop.  But, this one has too many accessories and no room for all my books!  By the way, notice the sheer drapery panels at each end of the bookcases; that’s an unusual idea.

 

I’m toying with the idea of trying something like this to add a little of the unusual to the backs of my very ordinary Ikea shelves.

Here’s another couple of versions of color being used as the “back wall” of bookcases so that accessories and books are really showcased.  I like this playful use of color.

 

 Painted backs can work in both casual and formal settings. 

Sometimes you don’t have space for a whole wall of bookcases so using a charming cabinet like this can be a good alternative.  Leaning the art on the top shelf is a great idea to break up the scale of items used on the shelves.

Alternative Bookcase Displays

People can be quite creative when displaying their books – some less successfully than others.  See what you think about some of these ideas:

 

 

 

Use bookcases as architecture.  Here’s a great way to turn a little niche into an office space.

 

 

 

Bookshelves in Unusual Places

Bookshelves don’t have to be relegated to the family, living room or office.  This long dining room wall needed a focal point and the bookshelves provide it.  Below shows how even small spaces can incorporate book displays. 

 

 From a tiny space for books to a grand space for books.  While I love the light and space, how do you pull down a book to share and how do you dust up there?

Press your books into service as a side table…..

Or as art……

Inspired?

Did anything here inspire you to change up the way you display your books?  Do you have any ideas on how someone could manage their book collection or display a few cherished volumes?  Share your ideas in our Comments (located below the ads – subscribers have to click through to the actual site by clicking on the banner).