My mom is in the middle of a big project: organizing her bookshelves. She wants to label the shelves with general sections (poetry, fiction, reference), but she doesn't want to use a basic label-maker. She's going for the distinguished library look—"brass tags or something like that" she told me—but she's been having trouble finding what she wants. For you, mom, here's a list of 8 options found while scouring the web...
- We found a website called Woodworking Parts that sells brass and nickel-plated label holders, specifically sized for shelf edges (about $8 for 10). Rockler also sells them for $3.39 per set of 2.
- You can order custom-engraved or blank metal tags in a variety of sizes from MetalTags.com, a manufacturing company based in Houston, Texas. We called to see if they take retail orders, and they told us that they do, but they require a minimum amount of $50. You could also try your local hardware store for custom-engraved tags.
- Library supply stores are a good place to look. Demco sells clip-on, adhesive, and magnetic shelf labels. Levenger also sells sets of 6 clip-on labels for $28.
- Use chalkboard paint to make your own chalkboard labels, or try out these blackboard vinyl stickers from Etsy ($18 for a set of 16).
- Repurpose write-on metal, ceramic, or slate garden markers into shelf labels by adding removable adhesive backing.
- Cut up adhesive-backed cork sheets into the appropriate size, and stencil or stamp your tags directly onto the cork. It creates a rustic, wine-cellar-style look.
- Another way to dress up DIY labels is to stamp or stencil your tags onto Scotch paper tape.
- The Container Store sells plastic shelf labels (about $6 for 4), as well as magnetic erasable labels for metal shelves ($11 for 5).
Other ideas? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Selected Works Bookstore by Janel Laban
The scrapbooking section of Michael's & Joann stores have metal plates (black, brass, silver, creamy white) that can be tacked on with small thin nails. Print the word in a beautiful font, insert...done.
view I Love Upstate's profile
How about using section dividers between books (like in bookstores) instead of putting labels on the shelves?
view Julie's profile
Hardware stores (Harbor Freight, for example) sell hardened steel letter stamps, and which she could use to emboss (impress, rather) the genre upon brass blanks, heavy paper labels, metal bookmarks, or copper plant tags from the garden center.
view Splomo's profile
FYI...we bookstore nerds call those 'shelf-talkers'. Like I said...nerds.
view calamityayne's profile
With all due respect to Mom, is this really necessary? Wouldn't a quick glance at the spines tell you which books are where?
view Emily the Cat's profile
You could probably find someone on Etsy who would be willing to do something custom...like all those people who do stamped metal jewelry.
view jamiealyse's profile
Better Homes and Gardens had a picture a while back of bookshelves labeled with Scrabble tiles.
view ADrury's profile
I'm with Emily. It seems a little on the fussy side, but to each her own!
view clampers's profile
ooooh...shelf-talkers. color me nerd.
view klt108's profile
How about covering a book with decorative paper or fabric that stands out and writing or attaching a label to the spine? Each book would begin or end the section and what type of book it held.
view misskitty324's profile
Here's another option, from a library product supplier:
http://www.carrmclean.ca/UploadedImages/Documents/LibraryCatalogue/ShelvingAccessories_202-313_2010.pdf
view mbah's profile
Ikea also sells them. I'm picking up some next month. I cant find the link online but if you stop by you may be able to find them
view terraskye's profile
After YEARS of holding on to EVERY BOOK I have ever read I have come to a deep philosophical question.
WHY IN THE H3LL DO I KEEP THEM?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Art and Design books are continually referenced...but "No One Will Ever Have the Same Knowledge Again"? It was a funny read ONCE. But there is sits. Taking up space. One of so many.
Buddha says "He who owns little is little owned".
Do I rid myself of these paper chains?
view parttimedesign's profile
Many thanks, Sarah, and all who commented. I can appreciate your mom's dilemma, since I also have too many books. I've pared down 3 times but can't seem to get below 1,500 in MANY different categories, so I have to label them. I also reference a lot of them in my work, plus I just love books. I love how warm they make a room feel, how colorful and diverse they are, and how they reveal a person's journey. I love the way they smell, age and feel in my hands -- not to mention the wisdom they contain. I'm inspired now to reorganize my books. I especially like the clip-on moveable variety and I love the carrmclean site.
view penelope's profile
OMG!!!!! This may be my favorite post yet. It has never occurred to me to look for library supply stores online though I'm completely obsessed with recreating a traditional library in my own home, (so far I just have everything organized according to the DD system). My heart is actually racing looking at some of this stuff. There goes today's paycheck. I'm officially a nerd. Thanks for this post!
view ShopgirlCA's profile
i love the ones that gregory uses in his home office (over on unpluggd)
http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/gregorys-refreshed-and-refreshing-home-office-tech-tour-093960
I think they are from IKEA for they fit really well with his Besta bookcases.
view saya*'s profile
Card. Catalogue.
'nuff said.
view teacupcake's profile