Scenario: you’ve just moved in, everything is everywhere and all you want is to feel at home already. For us, that means among other things, having our books out and accessible. We didn’t have a decent bookcase, so books stayed in boxes that took up valuable space, if only we’d seen this things might have looked better. These images from theshutdoor’s Flickr page prove you can make piles of books look good with a little effort.

We realise this storage solution is not for everybody for obvious reasons – accessibility is somewhat limited, but as a temporary solution while you are looking for a permanent book storage system, it can work. To avoid a big messy pile that screams ‘just moved in and overwhelmed’ try creating smaller, carefully arranged piles of books in different rooms or areas. And please don’t stack them too high, or you may have to cry ‘timber….’
Theshutdoor’s whole house is very serene and full of light, check it out here.
My books are still in boxes. I was thinking of doing exactly what is pictured above but hadn't actually tried it out yet. I will when I get home tonight. Anything is better than this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gina_ann9/2787566383/in/set-72157606897879849/
view GinaAnn9's profile
I have a permanent solution, but was thinking about going this route anyway because I like the aesthetic!
view honeyfresh's profile
"realise" should = "realize"
view Daily Nuance's profile
I'm not a huge fan, but I agree that it's better than boxes. :)
Tabitha - http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
view Tabitha (From Single to Married)'s profile
I love the way it looks...but it will trap lots of hair/dust/debris down & around the books. When/if you mop you have to pick them all up, put them somewhere and then replace again. I can't imagine having that kind of patience.
view I Love Upstate's profile
"realise" = "realize" in Melbourne, I believe. I think we can forgive this one.
view kayonyc's profile
duh. we moved in 4 months ago and i still haven't decided how to store my books. i'm taking them out of boxes today.
view k8theriver's profile
Don´t care about the books, I want the Bowie poster!
view jjanul's profile
I like them stacked against the wall--I'm not as fond of the books three and four stacks deep.
And yes, realise is acceptable, Daily Nuance. Note this entry from Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/realise
view BetterBombshell's profile
oh, i used to have that poster! :-D
view *heather leaf*'s profile
I'm emptying my boxes tonite...
view bepsf's profile
The poster stands out more than the books! Yum
view thirddegree's profile
jjanul- you have your priorities in order.
view StudioStarter's profile
Just make sure you put up a really cool poster over your book pile to detract attention!
view megbot's profile
I second (third?) the poster is wonderful!
view DrRubyDoomsday's profile
Daily Nuance, Realise is the British spelling. (you know, the "original" english). Don't be an annoying (and dumb) grammar nazi.
view ooh_food's profile
Stacks of books are a design statement? Please.
view Palmetto's profile
so leave the books in boxes, stack two boxes & throw a colorful piece of fabric over it, and you've got a side table. or stack two boxes, place them next to two stacked boxes, throw a colorful piece of fabric over it, and you've got a coffee table. all any of it takes is a little imagination.
view loislane's profile