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Are Rainbow Bookshelves Outdated?
Once the hallmark of chic interior aesthetics, the color-coded bookshelf arrangement is increasingly viewed by professional organizers as a relic of the past. According to experts, this visually stunning method can compromise the functionality of a collection, introducing frustration instead of ease. Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers, summed it up well by saying, "The visual aspect of color-blocked books seems as dated as avocado Formica kitchen countertops." This sentiment highlights a growing consensus among organizers that choosing books based on function rather than appearance is more effective.
Practical Organization Over Aesthetics
Kendra Littlejohn from Organized by Kendra echoes that sentiment, noting, "Color-coding looks stunning in photos, but in real life, it can become overwhelming." She emphasizes that prioritizing aesthetics often defeats the core purpose of organization, which is to facilitate easy access to books. With that in mind, alternative methods are gaining traction.
Alternative Styling Approaches: Sorting by Content
One effective approach to organizing books that many experts recommend is sorting them by author or category. Nancy Meck, founder of Meck Organizing, argues against searching for a book based on its spine's color and instead champions using the content-driven method. This allows readers to find books based on their utility rather than their visual appeal.
Fine-Tuning Organization: The Role of Subcategories
Zaslow shares a compelling example of organizing library spaces into more defined subcategories: “I learned a lot when I helped a reverend organize her office in the church. While I saw religion as a broad category, she divided books into liturgy, theology, scripture, and biblical history.” This approach enhances the organization by grouping books based on their specific subject matter, making it easier for users to dive into a particular area of interest.
Maximizing Space: Organizing by Size
Another useful tactic involves organizing books by size. Lisa Malone of InHome Boutique Spaces suggests placing larger books on the bottom shelves where they’re less likely to topple over and utilizing smaller books for upper spaces. This not only optimizes shelf space but also makes the overall display cleaner and more balanced.
Differentiating Formats: Separating Hardcovers and Paperbacks
Malone also advises separating hardcovers from paperbacks to ensure a balanced look. This way, you won't struggle with one genre being overshadowed by another and can avoid cluttered spaces. Such simple methods reinforce efficient organization while retaining the visual charm of your collections.
Keeping Your Books Accessible: The Real Goal
Ultimately, the goal remains clear: "Use them or lose them!" Meck insists that whatever style you choose, books shouldn’t be secreted away in unused storage; they should be appreciated and accessed regularly. Littlejohn also highlights that it’s still possible to infuse some color into your shelving system without overshadowing functionality. You might consider using color to accent specific shelf sections while keeping the bulk organized by content, allowing you to satisfy both aesthetic desires and practical needs.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
As trends evolve, what remains vital is a comfortable blend of aesthetic beauty and functional order in personal libraries. Whether through dynamic organization by categories or sizes, it's essential to adopt methods that resonate with how you access and engage with your books. Seeking to rejuvenate your space? Now is the perfect time to reassess how you store and display your literary collection.
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