How to organize your bookshelves

If you’re an avid reader, you might have more books than you know what to do with. Here are a few ways you can organize your bookshelves.

• Alphabetically. In bookstores and libraries, books are organized alphabetically by author. You can use this system at home or instead alphabetize your volumes by title. Choose whichever method makes it easiest for you to find the book you’re looking for.

• By genre. Another common way to organize books is by category. Some genres you’re probably familiar with are fiction, biography, history, poetry and travel. But don’t be shy to use more atypical classifications such as urban fantasy, true crime or French cooking.

• By cover. If you want bookshelves that are visually striking, try grouping all your books by color. Similarly, you can wrap all your books in one type of paper, or place the spines towards the back so that the pages are facing you.

Style your shelves
In addition to classifying your books, use these ideas to make your bookshelves a key part of your decor.

• Place items like photographs, houseplants and knick-knacks around your books to show off your personal style.

• Paint the insides of your bookshelves an interesting color or cover them with wallpaper. Combining this with books organized by their covers would really make a statement.

• Stack a few books on their side. This adds visual interest and the stacks can function as bookends for the other volumes.

There’s no one right way to organize your bookshelves, as long as you like the effect. Just don’t forget to leave some space for new volumes.