Real Page-Turners: Our Favorite Bookshelf Organizing Ideas

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Beyond the obvious purpose that bookshelves serve (ahem, holding books), they also allow you to display art and organize all those not-sure-where-to-put-them items. Check out some of our favorite ideas for inspiration and then start showing your books some love.

Photography: Matthew Hranek

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An Artful Approach

This bookshelf display has a practical design -- the wood-paneled wall is divided into shelves that provide spaces of differing heights to hold not only books but other collectibles like sculptures, vases, and bowls.
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Within Reach

Whitewashed wood-paneled walls and honey-hued wooden slats on the floor are meant to make this space feel like a boat. The bookcase was designed by an architect for maximum storage -- and the convenience of reaching for a favorite read with a moving ladder.
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Small and Tucked Away

Add practical storage and visual interest to a smaller space by combining books stacked by color with kitchen tools.
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Simple and Practical

Subtle hues and casual comfort give intimate ease to this modern room. The top shelves are dedicated to an array of books of different sizes and colors while the bottom supports a mini bar area and cupboards below for storing extra items.
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A Personal Library

If you have enough books to warrant your own card-catalog system, turn an entire wall into a mini library. Leave the rest of the room neutral so that the wall of books provide the only vivid color.
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Photography: VICTORIA PEARSON

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A Curated Display

Along one wall of the living room, floating shelves hold "things we think are beautiful," the owner of this home says; these include ceramic vessels, old bottles, surfboard fins that washed up on the beach, and even a twisted column of melted candle wax.
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Polished Accents

From the stairway, an internal window offers a glimpse of this den's plywood shelves and a midcentury Danish modern armchair.
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A Smooth Transition

A rolling ladder, which slides between the open kitchen and the living area, allows access to shelves holding serving pieces and books.