We often think that pushing all the furniture against the wall and leaving a large open area in the middle of the room will somehow expand the space. However, unless you're blessed with soaring ceilings and fabulous architecture (and even then...), this rarely produces the airy, elegant effect we set out to accomplish. For the average low-ceiling-ed boxy apartment, character comes in knowing how to delineate the space into separate zones. Enter the bookshelf...
Using Bookshleves to Create Zones
Adam, one of our participants in the Spring Cure, and mastermind behind the simple but genius living room solution pictured above, reminded us of the transformative power of the bookshelf. We thought his home cure was too good not to highlight again.
In addition to adding a rug to anchor his seating area, he used two interesting bookshelves to create a separate office space while still allowing light from his porch doors to filter into the whole space. Screens have often been used to a similar effect, but the functionality and extra storage space that a bookshelf provides makes it a very appealing option.
Here are a few of our favorite shelving options...
Ikea's Expedit
Design Within Reach's Cubitec Units
West Elm's aptly named Room Divider Shelf
The Woodwind from Room and Board, although they have many other wonderful additional options.
(Images: Adam from Denver via Apartment Therapy Spring Cure 2009)
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What a difference!
view Cashew's profile
nice, I like it :)
view plumeria's profile
So slick! I was considering turning my bookshelves on the side to create division right next to my couch like this, but couldn't visualize it right in my head. So I put up curtains instead, and I don't love them. Now that I see how sweet it looks, I wish I'd done it. Maybe I will.
view EC's profile
Very nice. Does anyone know where the lamps that are sitting on top of the shelves came from?
view modernluv's profile
Open bookshelves like these also let a lot of light through, and I love the matching lamps on top -- they look perfect for the style of the shelves.
Closed shelves can be used this way, too, but they do block light. I'd decorate the back of the shelves somehow (fabric, decoupage, corkboard, wallpaper...) to make whichever area sees that part more attractive. (Could even paint them wall color and hang art on them, assuming the backing is sturdy enough.) (Maybe use Command hooks on Ikea cardbord backs..)
view SherryBinNH's profile
Looks much better, more defined space!
view sfteri's profile
This is great! I love the AT posts where simple and inexpensive solutions make a huge difference to a space.
view missmouse's profile
It looks wonderful, and I, too, think the lamps are a stoke of genius---But
where does the ottoman usually go? Certainly not blocking the speaker as it is now.
I can sympathize, though. I have big, big speakers because I love the sound, but it is a pain in the keister to decorate around their hulking boxiness.
view mrs yow's profile
good job - looks great
view Sassy in SF's profile
The small expedit is $49 this weekend at IKEA!!!! :)
view romeoandjewels's profile
Missmouse, you said exactly what I wanted to say! I love posts like this one that show how simple changes can make huge differences.
view Emika's profile