For Luxe “Old Money” Bookshelves, You Absolutely Need This Goodwill FindDesign Ideas
Fill your shelves in the most professorial-looking way.
Mar 29, 2024
11 Clever Bookshelf Decor Ideas for Styling Your Space Like a ProDesign Ideas
From color-coding tips to layering in art and trinkets.
Jan 25, 2024
19 Clever Room Divider Bookcase Ideas: Functional Decor at its FinestDesign Ideas
Open floor plans can be intimidating to decorate. Define spaces, add decor, and improve functionality with these clever bookcase room divider ideas.
Jan 24, 2024
13 Stylish Bookshelves to Encourage Your Little One’s Love of ReadingDesign Ideas
Each pick is both functional and cute!
Apr 6, 2023
14 Brilliant Ways to Use the IKEA Kallax BookcaseDesign Ideas
Aside from the fact that IKEA makes furnishing a living space quick and easy (well, kind of easy, at least), it has also blessed fans with products that can be personalized on a whim. Those MDF dressers and EKET cabinets may look basic, but with a few helpful hacks, you can turn your IKEA HEMNES (and pretty much every other item from the Swedish chain) into a DIYed masterpiece.
Feb 26, 2023
This Is the Best Book Display Idea for Anyone Messy or Just Running Out of SpaceProjects & Improvements
This stacking method is both stylish and genius.
Feb 25, 2023
A Couple's 450-Square-Foot NYC Rental Boasts Budget Book Storage SolutionsTours
Brendan and Kiersten got married in July and have been living together for six years. They moved into their current apartment two years ago with their Corgi, Lottie. Being lovers of books, they transformed their second bedroom into a library and office space that would make any bookworm jealous.
Dec 6, 2022
10 of the Most Clever, Small Space-Friendly Book Displays We Saw This YearDesign Ideas
If you're an avid reader, you know that fitting your collection into a new home can be a challenge, but these creative, small-space friendly, and impressive book displays we saw this year will inspire your own.
Nov 23, 2022
Here's Why You Should Consider a Bookcase in This Unexpected Living Room SpotDesign Ideas
Bookcases aren't just for flanking fireplaces.
Aug 17, 2022
B&A: Bookworms Will Love How Two Homeowners Maximized Every Inch of a Blank WallProjects & Improvements
"One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to interior design is not utilizing perfectly good space!" this DIYer says. This project leaves no usable inch untouched.
Jun 10, 2022
Jenna Fischer Just Gave a Peek Into Her Home Office
News
It's a major improvement from her Dunder Mifflin desk.
May 10, 2022
Yes, You Can Store Books In Your Bedroom — Here’s HowDesign Ideas
If you've purchased more books than ever in the past two years — but didn't move to a roomier space — that may mean you’ve officially run out of shelf space. But there's no reason to worry: Books can be stored almost anywhere and showcased in the most unusual spaces and imaginative ways.
Apr 13, 2022
9 Ladder Shelves Perfect For Small SpacesOrganizing
Chic and practical? Just say yes!
Jan 18, 2022
Serena William’s Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Doubles As a Piece of ArtDesign Ideas
This isn't your standard set of shelves.
Dec 15, 2021
These Stylish Floating Shelves Add Storage Without Taking Up a Ton of SpaceProjects & Improvements
Not only do floating shelves free up precious floor space (especially when several are hung together), but they serve as a pretty focal point in a room, too.
Sep 22, 2021
A Beautiful Irish House Has Incredible Bold Burgundy BookshelvesTours
Every lamp, light fitting, wall color, floor covering, cushion, chair, switch, and socket has been considered and thought about in this beautiful home in Ireland.
Jul 29, 2021
This Norway Home Has 1,000+ Books, 100+ Plants, and 1 Very Cool Lofted BedroomTours
AT readers went absolutely WILD for the floor-to-ceiling bookcase in this Oslo loft; it's our most-liked photo of all time on Instagram!
Jun 28, 2021
If You're Not Using a Barrister Bookcase, You're Missing OutDesign Ideas
They're not just for books!
Jun 3, 2021
The Plant Lover’s Guide to Styling a BookshelfPlants & Yard
Adding live plants to a bookshelf may seem easy enough in theory, but doing so in a thoughtful and intentional manner may not be as foolproof.
Mar 29, 2021
It’s Surprisingly Hard to Squeeze a Bookcase into a Small Living RoomDesign Ideas
But these spaces prove it can be done!
Sep 8, 2020
The World’s Most Popular Bookcase: Best Uses of the IKEA ExpeditProjects & Improvements
If you love looking at pictures of interiors like we do, you’ll probably see a few of the same pieces crop up over and over, design classics like the Eames lounge or Harry Bertoia’s wire chairs. But one of the most ubiquitous pieces has a humbler pedigree (and a much lower price point). It’s the IKEA Expedit, and it’s taking the world of storage by storm.
Mar 11, 2020
Beautifully Organized: Home Libraries of All SizesOrganizing
Whether grand or small, full or empty, bursting with books or outfitted with objects, I’d wager that all of us have bookshelves of some sort in our home. Having a dedicated library room is not a luxury that all of us can have, but no matter how small your library, there are still some tips for making it as beautifully organized as possible. TOP ROW: Keeping carefully grouped books visible, the hidden storage in Suzanne’s Color in Harmony Room makes the shelves multifunctional.
Mar 11, 2020
Small Space Solutions: Compact & Smart Home WorkstationsOrganizing
A clean, organized, and well-lit home work space is a must. And what better time to tackle this issue in your home than the fresh start of a new year! Many of us don’t have the luxury of a separate home office or studio, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create a healthy environment for working at home. Even if you don’t work from home, carving out a space for productivity is important and a smart way focus on specific tasks without distraction.
Mar 11, 2020
Forget Rainbow-Colored Shelves: 7 Ways to Display Your Books
STYLE
If color-coded shelves feel played out, feast your eyes on these stunning alternatives.
Jul 14, 2019
Before & After: A New Side to IKEA’s ExpeditProjects & Improvements
Krys saw potential in Ikea’s popular Expedit shelf, and not just as vertical storage. When flipped horizontally, the unit fit perfectly in an awkward space in Krys’ dining room. Now, if she could only make it look like it belonged there and had a purpose… By modifying other simple upholstery projects she’d seen online (including a headboard and seat cushion), Krys custom created a restaurant-style dining banquette that’s cute, cozy, and packs extra storage.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: From Beige Dresser to Faux Card Catalog BookcaseProjects & Improvements
Our favorite before and after projects are the ones that are downright unrecognizable after being transformed, and this project certainly fits the bill! Diane and her husband came across this dresser for cheap at a thrift store and decided to make it look like a type of furniture Diane had always wanted — only more practical! From Diane: First, we removed the top two drawers and built a base for the bookcase. Then we used lattice to create the fronts of each card drawer.
May 4, 2019
Tara’s Project: Empty Wall to Go “Built-In”Life
While my list was long with projects I need to tackle, I chose the one that will help me do the last of my unpacking. This little wall will be home to my books. As glaring as my curtainless windows are in the above pic, I just really, really need to get my books out of boxes. The last three bins hanging around have been waiting for a bookshelf, and this short wall by the kitchen will be the perfect spot for a faux “built-in.
May 4, 2019
Fresh Ideas for Showing Off Your Book CollectionProjects & Improvements
Although you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you can definitely appreciate its presentation. Along with keeping all of your favorite texts organized (and at arm’s length), a well-styled home library can often become an artful centerpiece inside your home; so it pays to come up with thoughtful ideas for book storage. To prove the point, I gathered some cool, contemporary book displays to share for inspiration.
May 3, 2019
The 5 Design Books I’ll Always Keep on My BookshelfProjects & Improvements
As the House Tour editor here at Apartment Therapy, looking at a wide range of homes is a requirement (and a delight!). And while many of those spaces I see online, I still have a penchant for flipping through the pages of a good coffee table design book for inspiration.
May 3, 2019
This Faux Built-In IKEA Hack Could Save You ThousandsProjects & Improvements
When Oriane and her husband Christopher moved into their large Chicago home, a lot of things needed updating (as these before photos prove). On a pretty tight budget, they ended up tackling many of the DIY projects of the remodel themselves. Everything from fresh paint to a new kitchen makes their condo beautiful. Though every room is lovely today, the formal dining room is one of the most impressive spaces.
May 3, 2019
10 Beautiful Book Displays to Catch Your Kid’s EyeOrganizing
Less than a month until we all say, “So long!” to summer and, “Hello!” to school. You’re sure to get your little one ready with a backpack, notebook, and pencils galore, but don’t forget to ready their minds as well! Maybe your little guy or gal already loves to read, but for those who are a little more reluctant why not display their books front and center? All of those colorful, beautiful illustrations are sure to catch your kids’ interest.
Apr 7, 2019
One Minute Tip: Three Ways to Use Vertical SpaceOrganizing
Today’s One Minute Tip comes from Fay Wolf, with three simple ways to rethink vertical space. • The Star: Fay Wolf is a singer-songwriter, actor and professional organizer. She’s acted on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Bones, and her songs have been heard on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars. Fay’s Los Angeles-based company New Order has been organizing lives since 2006, helping creative people deal with both inner and outer clutter.
Mar 12, 2019
IKEA’s Iconic BILLY Bookcase Just Turned 40 and Got a Fresh Birthday MakeoverDesign Ideas
Am I the only one who wants a complete makeover every time another birthday rolls around? There’s just something about starting a new year that feels like the perfect time to try out a fresh look. My own is coming up next week and I’m already planning to dye my hair a new color and maybe get another ear piercing. And it turns out, IKEA furniture is a fan of the new year, new me mantra too.
Mar 6, 2019
Before and After: A Sophisticated IKEA Built-in Bookcase Hack for $1KProjects & Improvements
This dining room is so graceful and elegant—that delicate molding and beautiful hardwood floor, but its new owner found it lackluster and hollow. IKEA’s BILLY bookcase to the rescue! Well, more like eight BILLYs to the rescue… Reader Oriane Szekelyhidi-Williams kindly shares a wealth of details about the inspiration behind this project and the challenges faced: We purchased our condo knowing we would be doing a BIG overhaul on the space.
Sep 16, 2018
The Best Spot for Small Space Storage May Be Right Behind YouDesign Ideas
If you're hard up for storage solutions, you may be looking below your sofa or your bed, or above your cabinets — but what about behind?
Apr 13, 2017
Bookcases in Bold, Surprising ColorsDesign Ideas
We love bookcases. We love color. Put them together and you have something even dreamier than the sum of its parts, worth looking at and lingering on for a long, long time. If you’re thinking about painting your bookshelves, you’ll find plenty to be inspired by in this collection of shelving in every color of the rainbow. Above: A set of gorgeous emerald green bookcases spotted on One Kings Lane.
Jan 16, 2017
Before & After: A Thrifty & Whimsical Bookshelf MakeoverProjects & Improvements
When bookshelves are in OK shape, it can be so tempting to leave them as is. After all, you’re just going to cover them with with books and tchotchkes, right? Sahana had to go and overachieve by putting curtains AND wallpaper on her total steal of a bookshelf duo. From Sahana: We recently moved from New York to North Carolina. While we were hunting for some furniture, we got an awesome deal of two bookshelves for $20.
Jul 9, 2016
This Customizable DIY Dresser Drawer Bookshelf Is Just What Your Wall NeedsProjects & Improvements
Reuse old dresser drawers to create a bookshelf installation like Mike and Kate’s! The couple found free dressers on Craigslist and used the drawers to transform an empty wall in their Chicago home. dresser drawers (preferably dovetailed) paint wall mounting hardware measuring tape hammer drill From Kate: I turned to Craigslist and found free dressers, took the drawers, and trashed the dressers themselves (don’t worry—they were really ugly).
Feb 10, 2016
Before & After: Family Room Fireplace Gets a Functional UpdateProjects & Improvements
Havalah’s family room fireplace featured an extra-long mantel that also spanned some strange built-ins. With an update, this focal wall becomes much more functional. From Havalah: When we moved into our house, there was this funny looking mantel in our back family room. Then next to the fireplace, there were these two ‘holes’ like cabinets that were completely useless to us. We decided an update was definitely needed.
Mar 15, 2015
IKEA Hack: The Best BILLY Built-Ins of All TimeProjects & Improvements
Transforming IKEA furniture — and especially the BILLY bookshelf — has been done before. But when I saw this hack, I was truly impressed. Prepare to have a bunch of superlatives spewed your way, because it’s really that good… Gwen from The Makerista recently redecorated her friend Laura’s living room and, as part of the project, brought someone in to create these remarkable “custom” library shelves, using the IKEA Billy as the base.
Feb 25, 2015
The Beautiful, the Bizarre, the Wonderful: 8 Crazy Bookcases We Can’t Get Enough OfDesign Ideas
Bookcases don’t have to be boring. After you see these 8 designs, you may never be satisfied with plain old, run-of-the-mill bookcases ever again. Sorry about that. The SCALA bookcase by Faktura, with its asymmetrical shelves, is more visually interesting than your average bookcase. It’s quite lovely — and is available to purchase for $1,400, no DIYing required. This beauty is the Gerald Bookcase, available from Made Goods.
Feb 2, 2015
Design Dilemma Solved: 7 Ways to Add Visual Height to a RoomDesign Ideas
Something feeling “off” about one of your rooms? It could be the space is a little too heavy on the low-end. You might need a visual weight adjustment. Relocating certain design details high-up in a space can create a more sophisticated, balanced room. There are ideas you can try that will take only a little time to tackle, and there are some that might take the afternoon. You decide what your room might need and how much time you have this weekend!
Mar 8, 2014
Before & After: Home Office Gets a Light & Lively MakeoverProjects & Improvements
Wendy from Designed to Dwell had a perfectly nice formal study, yet she came to a realization I think we’ve all had at some point: sometimes what we think we like isn’t our style after all. Check out how Wendy lightened and brightened to create a completely fresh new room that’s much more her. After living with the formal study for a few years, Wendy realized her study needed a makeover.
Oct 23, 2013
Before & After: Boring IKEA Billy Bookshelf to Rad Reading BenchProjects & Improvements
The great thing about Ikea’s Billy bookshelf is that it’s an inexpensive, versatile storage unit for any age — the downside is when you’d like it to be a bookshelf for kids but the height and reach is too much for little arms.Leave it to Lisa Campbell to fix that! She just turned it on its side, so that it not only holds books safely, it doubles as a bench! She added some decorative trim, secured the shelves, and sewed a cushion for the top.
Feb 20, 2013