Open shelves are great for storing lots of stuff. From candles to home decor and even greenery, you can store almost anything on these doorless shelves. However, one thing you should stop keeping on your open shelves are books with covers (or paper covers). Because the appeal of open shelving lies in their clean and… minimalist aesthetic in your homePlacing multiple books with covers on top can create a cluttered and unkempt look, ruining the clean and sleek vibe you’re going for.
The same idea applies to magazines and paperbacks. Because these can typically look messy, frayed or torn, it is best to avoid storing them on open shelves and instead keep them in a closed cupboard or drawer. Or, for a different atmosphere, you can explore ways to integrate books as art into your homeso that no book is left behind and disappears from view.
Whether you’re just starting to grow your book collection or have been an avid reader for years, below are some tips and hacks for properly storing your books to keep them (and your shelves) looking pristine.
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How to properly store books on your open shelves
Organized books on a bookshelf with a desk next to it – Clu/Getty Images
If you are a book fanatic and have many books with paper covers, the best way to store them on an open shelf is to remove the cover to reveal the beautiful hardcover book underneath. This creates a more refined and organized look on your shelves, even if you have a large collection. Remove the covers and store them in a drawer if you really cherish them, or feel free to throw them away.
There are also others organization tips that will make your bookshelf look so much better. These include ensuring that your books are stored straight and upright on your shelves. Doing this will ensure they don’t fall over and bend, which will not only ruin your beloved collection but also make your space look unkempt. You can use bookends for this, and since there are (almost) endless options to choose from, you can match your bookends to the overall feel of your shelves. The exception to this rule is very large and heavy books, which should be stored horizontally to avoid knocking over their smaller counterparts.
Remember to sort your uncovered books by size for optimal visual appearance, and keep similar sizes on the same shelf. Even though you want to make sure your shelves look full to show off your selection, make sure they aren’t so full that you can’t easily finish your next book. Make sure you dust your book collection regularly to keep them clean, but only with a cloth, as scented products can damage book covers and inside pages.
Read the original article on House Digest.