So, I’ve mentioned before that I’ve gone back and forth on this back wall in our living room. My heart has always said, “Bookshelves,” but my brain was saying, “Do something else.” Well, I gave it some serious thought and there is “nothing else”. Ha!
No matter how hard I try, I can’t imagine anything more perfect than a big, floor-to-ceiling library wall!
Here’s some of my inspirations—
This first photo (via Design Sponge) has been on every home mood board I have made for the past 5-7 years. It’s just crazy inspiring to me how the books fill the A-frame shape around the door. And since this space is so similar to our living room wall, it just seems crazy not to go for it!
This second photo (via Little Green Notebook) has always spoken to me as such a great family space. I have considered the lights and ladder that she did quite a bit. (We decided to skip the ladder for now since we have a baby on the way, but I’m still considering adding lights to ours.) Everything about how this is styled appeals to me so much.
Side note—if you want to add closed shelves to the bottom of your DIY bookshelves, definitely read her post.
So, we’re building the shelves now. After that I need to work on filling them. I have a two season plan for how they could be styled. And I’m off to hunt for cool vintage books that match our color scheme, with special consideration for finding children’s books.
I have bookmarked our local Nashville library sales, but where else should I hunt for books?
Ugh! I am so excited about this project. It’s truly a dream project!! I’ll share more photos with you as we move along! xx -Elsie
I adore the notion of a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf! As a small bookworm myself, I have always wanted a room such as that in my property.
wowo that is cool, i want my room like this
I adore the notion of a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf! As a small bookworm myself, I have always wanted a room such as that in my property.
In terms of where to locate books, I’ve purchased at least a dozen used books from AbeBooks.com. They’ve a fantastic selection, they provide a description of this condition that the novels are in before you purchase (all I have obtained have appeared almost new)they are quite reasonably priced, and the delivery is quite reduced and sometimes even free. The only thing to note once you purchase is they do ship from many distinct places in the U.S., so in the event that you purchase multiple at once they may be delivered at various times.
And also you mentioned you have a baby on the road? I know you have mentioned that in some different articles, so congratulations! I am sure that is going to be a happy and good learning experience for both you and Jeremy. I am excited for you guys
that is cool
Useful info, I like it, thank for sharing.
Wonderful idea.
Did Bookman/Bookwoman go out of business already?! They had books going for $1!!
I love the idea of a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf! As a bit of a bookworm myself, I’ve always wanted a space like that in my house.
As for where to find books, I have ordered at least a dozen used books from AbeBooks.com. They have a great selection, they give a description of the condition the books are in before you order (all that I have received have looked almost new), they are very reasonably priced, and the shipping is quite low and sometimes even free. The only thing of note when you order is that they do ship from several different locations in the U.S., so if you order more than one at once they might be delivered at different times.
And you said you have a baby on the way? I know you’ve mentioned that in a few other posts, so congratulations! I’m sure that will be a joyful and great learning experience for you and Jeremy. I’m excited for you guys!
I look forward to seeing what you decide to do. Will probably look great either way but I’d love to see an unending wall of books floor to ceiling.
Oh and I forgot to say, best way to fill them quick is goodwill outlets first Saturday of the month when everything is half off. It’s a scary place and bring gloves but you’ll find tons of antique books for 10-15 cents. Completely worth the chaos of being there 😉
We did this very thing in our home. A lot of books are filler and a lot of books are favorites of mine. I never felt it odd that some aren’t ones I would read. I stuck those at the top 😉 All of them are 1800s-1960s so to me it was just finding beautiful binding. I had been collecting old books since I was a child so that one day I could have a beauty and the beast room. Yeah I might not read them all, but I fail to understand why they aren’t considered decor like vases and found objects that people display. Beautiful binding is a work of art to me. Oh and here’s my shelf: https://www.instagram.com/p/BEjMGKvKaxb/
Great project! But have you considered buying books for their content, instead of for the color of the cover? I’m definitely all into buying books with the purpose to read them, it’s a great way to decorate and you might learn something along the way too! It may even become a new passion! I mean, that’s the great thing about books: they not only have a beautiful cover, but there’s something inside as well 🙂 Can’t wait to see the project finished, it will be stunning!
These bookshelves are AMAZING. So jealous you have the perfect space for it!! Can’t wait to see you you style it. 🙂
www.wonderlandsam.com
OMG yes!!! This will look so cool and I can’t wait to see how you style it! Having a library wall, or a bookshelf wall, what ever you want to call it, has always been my dream. I think it looks so cool and you will always have a book to read 😉
omg this is like a dreammmmm! can’t wait to see it!
also have you been to Parnassus Books in Nashville? Great independent bookstore owned by Ann Patchett! show some love to indie bookstores if you can! <3
Shameless plug – If you are looking for someone to do this for you, consider contacting California Closets! 🙂
Yes, Yes, Yes! Love McKays. If you’re even in Knoxville they have an amazing location as well.
I’m not sure why so many people are worried it’s going to be all books we would never read. I’ve already started collecting and so far it’s a ton of gardening, cookbooks, 1970s craft books. All things I am very interested in.
I’m sure I will buy SOME books just by color (from Library sales), especially for the very top since it’s 12 feet high up there, but that doesn’t mean it’s just a completely useless wall of books. Don’t worry!
I guess I should have written this in the first place, but I am buying books that we are interested in. That’s why the bottom part is going to be mostly kids books. 🙂
xx- Elsie
Good ideas!
xx- Elsie
Hi Carmen!
we are adopting a baby! We’re 7 months into an 18 month program!
xx- Elsie
Haha- nobody’s going to hell.
xx- Elsie