The start of the year is a great time to switch things up at home. Lillian has reinvigorated her kids' enthusiasm for their books by adding some forward-facing shelving. It's a triple win here: more reading, smart storage for small spaces and incredibly cheap ($4 each!). So just what are those little shelves and where can you get them?
They are none other than $3.99 spice racks from Ikea (the Bekvam). Each one is 16.5 inches long which is terrific for small rooms. If you don't live near an Ikea, keep your eyes open at thrift shops, garage sales or dollar stores.
Visit Lillian at Domestic Simplicity to compare this book display to her other book shelf and also to smirk at "the chaos that ensues around and behind me when I try to spend 10 seconds just taking pictures of some bookshelves." (And you may recognize Mia and Nick's lovely room from our Small Kids, Big Color contest.)
Thanks Lillian!
(Image: Domestic Simplicity)

Ercol Bar Stool
I think I'll HAVE TO go to Ikea, once again... oh, such a torture ;-)
Ha! I just put a few of these up in my nursery. Not the easiest things to hang but I'm very happy with the results.
Cute! Our little girl is ready for her own bookshelf by her bed...unfortunately, sharing a room with her brother (a room that already includes 3 bookshelves...I know...we shouldn't need one more...) leaves little room. Perfect!!
oooh. i like this idea and the price too.
We've filled our little bookshelves in the reading nook with favourite books, and have a growing pile on the floor. These will be perfect for the narrow space I was thinking of using for more shelves, but stressing about how to do it cheaply!!
I'm going to paint them a sage green I think!
Thanks OhDeeDoh!
I used the exact same ones in my kids room. I sprayed them white and they look so cute.
I was at Ikea yesterday . . :( Figures
We also spray painted these white and hung two of them on either side of the room next to each of our boys' beds. Works great for spaces where there isn't enough room for a shelf.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yFWwrYxAq2ZWi-8VDTBu0A?feat=directlink
Ah yes the number one reason I am appalled to live in the midwest: no IKEA or stores that compare
Totally out of them at the Frisco, Texas store.
wow, i was JUST about to do a search for something like this for the babe's room. Her room is too small for a proper bookshelf. This may do the trick
yep, I will be doing this too. brilliant!!
Wonderful...I am definitely doing this
Great idea... BUT... I did this with a similar shelf and my kids pulled it off the wall (twice) - maybe my DIY skills aren't up to much.
I found a brilliant forward facing kids bookshelf that was floor standing - four years later the kids still love it!!
I got it from www.tidybooksusa.com
*sigh* Of course they're from Ikea.
I wish Ikea would get a decent web presence and actually sell things on their website instead of just teasing those of us who don't live near one of their stores.
Just picked some up today and can't wait to hang them! Great idea!
awww i used to LOVE Pat the Bunny!
yay we hung ours : http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1355.snc4/162710_500840343675_667403675_5918387_4235222_n.jpg Thanks for the idea !
What is the best way to hang these? Definitely going to get these next trip to Ikea!