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Call me old-fashioned, but I love libraries. Growing up, we had a little library room and I would often go in there to read or play among the rows and rows of imagination-filled tomes. Even today, I find it relaxing to be surrounded by books at a library or bookstore. It’s something I don’t do nearly enough now that Kindles and iPads and too-busy-too-read-much-anymore have entered my life.
But I still treasure my books and like to see them lined up on their shelves. All my sad, mismatched shelves. I dream of someday having my own book nook, or perhaps an upstairs hallway lined with neat shelving, but until then, I have an odd amalgam of storage spots.
Shelves are, of course, one of the easiest things to build yourself. My very first bookshelf was nothing more that a few boards with bricks as risers, but there are plenty more refined ways to tuck books into odd corners. For that, I love this simple headboard bookshelf (below) from Fresh Home Ideas. It solves a storage dilemma and adds some architectural interest to the bedroom. Bonus!
This slightly more advanced version of the headboard bookshelf (below) has a lot of style. You can even incorporate BIY (buy-it-yourself) shelving into the unit to make the project come together quickly.
If I were to go straight BIY, I do love the look of the Kent bookcase from Pottery Barn. It also keeps your favorite hardcovers from getting all dusty. Because if there’s one household task I’d prefer to avoid completely, it’s dusting.
So, where do you keep all your books? Have you found — or made — shelves you love? Share pictures, please!
Tags: bedroom, bookshelf, diy projects
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September 01, 2011 7:22 PM
In theory the idea of a bookcase headboard sounds great and the photo is lovely, however, for those of us in “earthquake country” (So Cal) it is not only impractical but downright dangerous!! Same thing applies to so many kitchen photos with exposed shelves of dishes....only a good idea if you want to change out your dishes after they go crashing to the floor. Lovely to look at, tho.
September 02, 2011 12:33 PM
Yikes! Good point, Kathryn. Can you tell I write from a home base smack dab in the middle of the country — where neither West Coast nor East Coast earthquakes reach us?
September 02, 2011 2:08 PM
Well, it's not like you can't find those wall and floor tie downs so your shelves don't topple. You can also retro fit your shelves with either a tiny metal bar to hold them in (and it's chic metal+wood) or glass/plexi an inch or two high. If you like the look of open shelving in the kitchen, but are in an area prone to earthquakes, you could also do the same in the kitchen- just install a rail or do all glass/plexi fronts on your cabinets to give the illusion that they're shelves and not cabinets!
September 03, 2011 11:46 AM
I love these bookshelves I made with my Dad! http://theamazingmrso.blogspot.com/2010/09/more-woodshop-fun.html
September 06, 2011 11:07 AM
I like the idea but isn't it a little bit dangerous? the books can fall on your face while sleeping! maybe you can construct something to lock the books in. Just my thought.
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