Decorating Ideas

Idea to Steal: Organize Your Books by Color

Idea to Steal: Organize Your Books by Color
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The way we see it, the benefit of having books in the home is twofold: There’s the enjoyment you get from reading them, of course, but also the enjoyment of living alongside them afterward. If your stack is feeling a little staid, consider arranging your books by color—a deceptively easy refresh that won’t cost you a dime. Find plenty of inspiration below, and get ready to bring even more personality and character to your space.

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Photo by Tony Vu.

Photo by Tony Vu.

Photo by Frank Tribble.

Photo by Frank Tribble.

Create a Rainbow

If you’ve got multiples of every hue represented in your book collection, consider styling a colorful vignette that spans the spectrum. There are no rules here: Arrange books by like color in vertical stacks, create a horizontal rainbow on the shelf, or try any other configuration that suits your fancy.

Photo by Lesley Unruh.

Photo by Lesley Unruh.

Photo by Jessica Sample.

Photo by Jessica Sample.

Pick a Color

The color-blocking method works wonders in a monochromatic palette too. For a more focused—but equally statement-making—scene, pick a single color of books with which to outfit your shelves. Try using multiple tones of your chosen color to keep the look from feeling one-note.

Photo by Nicole LaMotte.

Photo by Nicole LaMotte.

Photo by Laura Resen.

Photo by Laura Resen.

Go Neutral

If bold hues aren’t your cup of tea, fret not: Organizing books by color works just as well for those who are more inclined toward neutrals. A mix of tans, creams, blacks—even an all-white look—is the perfect way to add texture and character without going heavy on color.

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