How to Organize a Bookshelf
Don’t know how to organize a bookshelf? No need to worry.
Bookshelves are one of those places that can very quickly get messy if you ignore them for a while.
You can leave them looking all spick and span one day and then come around a couple of days later to see the same place looking like it's been ransacked.
To keep your bookshelf looking nice and tidy, it’s important to spend 10 – 15 minutes daily taking care of it. That involves doing some light dusting and replacing any of the items that have been moved from their spots.
But, before that, you need to know about some basic rules and tips to help you organize a bookshelf properly. And that is what we are going to be helping you with in this post.
Tips on How to Organize a Bookshelf
1. Start Fresh
First things first, and that is to completely empty out your bookshelf.
An artist can't draw on an existing painting now, can he? The same goes for organizing bookshelves.
You need to have a blank slate to start fresh, and you can do that by emptying out any books, stationery, and knick-knacks you may have put on the bookshelf. Once the thing's empty, you can get started with actually organizing it.
2. Heavy Stuff at the Bottom, Light Stuff at the Top
Take this as a rule for whenever you have to organize a bookshelf.
Always place the heavy stuff such as large book volumes and big boxes in the lower-most section. Thereafter, move upwards with the lighter items such as medium-sized books and trinkets.
At the very top, you should have some small knick-knacks and ornaments.
You can appreciate the sense of this step by imagining how a bookshelf would look like if the placement of the objects was flipped…meaning if all the heavy stuff would be resting at the top and all the light and dainty stuff was placed at the bottom.
I mean, the whole thing would be veering this way and that with all the weight at the top.
3. Stack Your Books
There are mainly two types of books that people generally keep on their bookshelves.
One type includes the books that are not very frequently read, and they pretty much sit on the shelves most of the time.
The other type includes the books that are read frequently on a daily/weekly basis.
As far as the former type is concerned, it’s alright to place them in vertical stacks. However, the books in the latter category are better off placed in horizontal stacks.
Books that are placed on top of each other are easier to take out and put back. Hence, this orientation is better for books that have to be frequently read.
4. Sort the Books According to Size and Color
All the books on your bookshelf – regardless of whether they are placed horizontally or vertically – should be arranged according to their sizes. Books placed in a neat ascending or descending order have a much cleaner and more attractive look to them as compared to books placed haphazardly on top of/next to each other.
Similarly, you should try and group the books together according to the colors of their bindings and covers. For a broad classification, you can place all the black-colored volumes on one shelf and all the colored ones on another.
5. Don’t Place All Your Books on One Level
This is also a very important point to keep in mind when you want to organize a bookshelf.
If you have, for example, ten books to place on your shelf, don’t place them all on the same level; even if there is just enough space for all of them to fit on it.
What you can do is put four of them on one level, then three of them on the level below that, and then three on the penultimate level.
There are two benefits to this type of arrangement.
Firstly, your books will have room to breathe. They won’t stay squished together, and you will have an easier time taking them out and putting them back.
Secondly, this type of scattered placement looks artistic, and it can improve the overall look of your bookshelf.
6. Don’t Use Your Bookshelf Just for Keeping Books
A bookshelf that only has some books on it looks dull and boring.
Ideally, books should only take up half of the space available on a bookshelf. The rest of the space should be given to other useful items and trinkets.
You could, for example, place an ornamental clock somewhere near the top of the shelf. You could also place things like a penholder or something artistic like a small painting.
7. Don’t Fill Every Shelf to Full Capacity
This is another useful tip that you can keep in mind.
When placing items on each level on the shelf, don’t load it to full capacity. You could, for example, place a few books on a single shelf along with some trinkets and then leave some portion of the whole space empty.
This stops the shelf from looking overstuffed and it’s more pleasant on the eyes.
Conclusion
And that’s pretty much it.
If you want to organize a bookshelf, the first thing that you need to do is get a clean slate. Completely empty out everything from the shelf and start fresh.
Thereafter, you can start placing things on it while following the tips mentioned above in this post. Check out these organizing hacks for library-worthy bookshelves that illustrate some prerequisites like proper placing to decorating your home library.
One of the most important points that you should keep in mind is that a bookshelf is (despite the name) not only for books. You can keep other types of items on it as well such as a few decoration pieces. Things like this make the shelf look more artistic.
And, yes, once you do organize your bookshelf, don’t ditch it. Bookshelves can very easily get untidy and unorganized. You should keep coming back to keep setting the things back in their places and to make sure that everything is in its spot.
Explore more
- 2 Tier Corner rack
- 3 Compartment Tall Box with Lid
- 3 Fold Clothes Drying Airer Racks
- 3-Tier Rolling Storage Cabinet
- 360 Degree Round Make Up Holder
- 360 Degree Square Make Up Holder
- 4 Tier Slim Cabinet
- Adapter
- Adaptors
- Adopters
- Aesthetic Space Solutions
- Affordable
- Affordable Storage Solution
- After-Party Clean Up
- Airtight Food Container
- Aluminum Foil Tray
- Aluminum Foil Trays
- Ancient Civilization
- Aroma Diffuser
- Aromatherapy
- Aromatherapy Diffuser
- Aromatherapy Diffusers
- Art of Kitchen Display
- Automatic Drying Rack with Smart Drying System
- Automatic Drying Racks
- Automatic Laundry Rack
- Baby Shower
- Balanced Lifestyle
- Balloon
- Balloon Arch
- Balloon Art
- Balloon Boquet
- Balloon Centerpieces
- Balloon Decorations
- Balloon Garland
- Balloon Garlands and Arches
- Balloon Pump
- Balloon Stand
- Balloons
- Bamboo Organizers
- Bamboo Racks
- Bamboo Storage Shelf
- Bamboo Tissue Box
- Bamboo Tissue Box with Desktop Storage Organizer
- Baskets
- bathroom accessories
- Bathroom Cleaning
- Bathroom Mats
- Bean Bags
- Bed Organization
- Bed Side Table
- Bedside Organizers
- Bins
- Birthdays
- Blenders
- Blending VS Juicing
- Bolt Cutters
- Book Shelves
- Bookshelves
- Braided Storage Basket with Lid
- Broom
- Broom and Dustpan
- Broom and Dustpan Set
- BroomMops
- Brooms
- Brooms and Dustpans
- Brushes
- Bucket
- Budget-Friendly Packing
- Cabinet
- Cabinets
- Cat Lovers
- Century Square
- Child-sized bookshelf
- Children's Bean Bags
- Children's Cardboards
- Children's Chairs
- Children's Tables
- Chisels
- Chopping Boards
- Christmas Gift Guide
- Circulator
- Clean Kitchen
- Cleaning Accessories
- Cleaning Brush
- Cleaning Caddy
- Cleaning CLoth
- Cleaning Clothes
- Cleaning CLoths
- Cleaning Essentials
- Cleaning Hacks
- Cleaning Mop
- Cleaning Necessities
- Cleaning organizer
- CLEANING ORGANIZERS
- Cleaning Supplies
- Cleaning Techniques
- Cleaning Tools
- Clear Storage Boxes
- Clever Storage Solutions
- Closet Organization
- Closet Space Maximization
- clothes drying rack
- Clothing Rack
- Clothing Racks
- Clutter Reduction
- Clutter-Free Home
- Clutter-free space
- Cluttered-free home
- Coasters
- Coasters and Placemats
- Comforting Space
- Confetti Balloons
- Containers
- Contemporary Home
- Convenience Stores
- Cooking
- Cooking Essentials
- Cooking Space
- Corner bookshelf
- Corner Shelves
- Cos
- Cosmetic Organizer
- Cosmetic Organizers
- Cosmetics Organizers
- Crystal Diffuser
- Cup Coasters
- Cushion
- Cushions
- Cutting Board
- Declutter
- Decluttering
- Desk Organizers
- Desk Trays
- Desktop file organizers
- Desktop Storage Organizer
- Detailing tools
- Diatomite Absorbent Mat
- Diet Tips
- Dish Drainer
- Dish Drainers
- Dish Rack
- Disney
- Display bookshelf
- Display Shelves
- DIY
- DIY Balloon Backdrops
- Dog Lovers
- Double Tier Make Up Holder
- Drawer dividers
- Drawer organisers
- Drawer Organizers
- Drawers
- Drying Racks
- Dust-Free Home
- Duster
- Dustpan
- Dustpans
- Eco Friendly Baskets with Handles
- Eco Laundry Baskets
- Eco-Friendly Items
- Eco-friendly Laundry Basket
- Eco-friendly Laundry Products
- Eco-friendly Living Room Rugs
- Eco-friendly moving
- Eco-Friendly Products
- Eco-friendly round rugs
- Eco-friendly Storage Baskets
- Eco-friendly Storage Products
- Ecofriendly Homecare
- Ecofriendly Homeware
- Ecofriendly Storage Boxes with Lid
- ecoHouze
- Efficient Organization
- Efficient Shopping
- Efficient Stockroom
- Electric Circulator
- Electrical Tips
- Emotional Adventure
- Emotional Impact of Moving
- Energy-Savers
- Essential Oils
- Evolution of Laundry Hampers
- Extendable Drying Rack
- Extendable Kitchen Rack Organizer (Coffee)
- Extendable Laundry Rack
- Extendable Stainless Steel Sink Drainer
- Extendable Stainless Steel Sunken Sink Drainer
- Fabric Laundry Basket with Cover
- Fabric Laundry Baskets
- Fabric Ottoman
- Fabric Storage Box
- Fabric Storage Boxes
- Fabric Storage Stools
- Fashion Retailers
- Feng Shui
- Feng-Shui
- File Boxes
- File Organizers
- Foil Balloons
- Foldable Bamboo Shoe Rack
- Foldable Corner Shelf
- Foldable Hanging Laundry Basket
- Foldable Laptop Buddy
- Foldable Linen Storage Box
- Foldable Racks
- Foldable Shelf
- Foldable Shelves
- Foldable Storage Box
- Foldable Storage Boxes
- Foldable Storage Self
- Folding Drying Racks
- Food Containers
- Food Storage
- Food Storage Containers
- Food Storage Solutions
- Fridge Organization
- Fun Juice Recipe for Kids
- Fur babies
- Fur parents
- Garden Rakes
- Gardening
- Gardening Tools
- Gender Reveal
- Gender Reveal Balloons
- Glass and Bottle Sponge Scrub
- Glass Food Containers
- Glass Food Storage
- Glass Storage Jars
- Gloves
- Green Living
- Green Move in Singapore
- Greenshield Wipes
- Grocery Errands
- Grocery Shopping
- Hangers
- Hangers & Pegs
- Hangers and Pegs
- Hanging Baskets
- Hanging Laundry Baskets
- Hanging Organizers
- Harmonious Abode
- Harmonious Home
- Harmony
- Health and Wellness
- Healthier Home in SIngapore
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Helium Kit
- hoe Racks
- Home Decor
- Home Essentials
- Home Improvement
- Home in Singapore
- Home Management
- Home Office
- Home Organization
- Home Storage
- Home Tools
- Homecare
- Homeware
- homeware superstore
- House Relocation
- Household Wet Wipes
- Housewarming
- Housewarming Essentials
- HOUSEWARMING GIFTS
- Housewarming Must-Haves
- Housewarming Party
- HOUZE Laundry Essentials
- Houze Slim Ladder
- HOUZE SUPERSTORE
- Hurom
- HUROM Juicer
- Hyacinth Woven Baskets with Handles
- Hybrid Mattress
- Industrial Revolution
- Innovative Designs
- Instagram-Worthy Vanity Space
- Interior Design
- Ironing Boards
- Jewelry Boxes
- Jewelry Collections
- Jewelry Organization
- Jewelry Organizers
- Juicer
- Juicers
- Juicing for Kids
- Juicing in Singapore
- Keyboard Organizers
- Kid's Cardboard
- Kid's Chair
- Kid's Table
- Kids bookshelf
- Kids Reading
- Kids Series
- Kitchen
- kitchen accessories
- Kitchen Accessories in Singapore
- Kitchen Corner Rack
- Kitchen Essentials
- Kitchen Fittings
- Kitchen Fittings in Singapore
- Kitchen Organization for Busy families
- Kitchen Organizers
- Kitchen Pantry
- Kitchen Racks
- Kitchen Space
- Kitchen Storage
- Kitchen Storage and Racks
- Kitchen Storage Containers
- Kitchen Storage Racks
- Kitchen Utensils
- Kitchenware
- Knitted Hanging Lampshades
- Knock Down Cabinet
- KonMari Method
- Ladder bookshelf
- Ladders
- Latex Balloon
- Laundry
- laundry accessories
- Laundry bags
- Laundry Bags and Baskets
- Laundry Basket with Lid
- Laundry baskets
- Laundry Baskets and Bags
- Laundry cabinet
- Laundry Day
- Laundry Enthusiast
- Laundry Essentials
- Laundry Hampers
- Laundry Hangers
- Laundry On the Go
- Laundry Products
- laundry rack
- Laundry Racks
- Laundry Room
- Laundry Room Organization
- Laundry Shelf
- Leather Bottle Protector
- Leifheit
- Leifheit Warehouse Sale
- Lifestyle
- Lifestyle Products
- Lifestyle Tips
- Linear Box
- Linear Box with Lids
- Lipstick Organiser
- Living Room
- Living Room Essentials
- Living Room in SIngapore
- Low-level bookshelf
- Make Up Organization
- Makeup Collection
- Makeup Lovers
- Makeup Organisers
- Mastering your Move
- Maximise Space
- Maximizing Space
- Maximizing Storage
- Medieval and Renaissance Era
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Mindful Cleaning
- Minimalism
- Minimalist
- Minimalist Home
- Minimalist Kitchen
- Minimalist packing
- Minimizing Stress
- Mirrors
- Modern Innovations
- Modern Shopper
- Modular Shelving System
- Mop
- Mops
- Mosquito Killer Lamp
- Mosquito Repellent
- Mother's Day
- Mother's Day Gift Ideas
- Movers
- Moving Containers
- Moving Out
- Moving Out Tips
- Moving with Kids
- Moving-Out
- Multi hangers
- Multi-Drawer Desk Organisers
- Multi-Drawer Desk Organizers
- Multifunctional Wooden Clothing Rack
- Multifunctional Wooden Clothing Racks
- must have clothes drying rack
- Natur Knitted Collection
- Natural Cleaning Products
- New home
- Non-slip Hangers
- Non-Traditional Celebrations
- Office Storage Supplies
- Office Supplies Organizers
- Office Supplies Storage Solutions
- Online retail business
- Open Shelves
- Organisers
- Organization
- Organization Hacks
- Organizational Solution
- Organizers
- Organizing
- Organizing Shopping Trolley
- Ottoman
- Ottomans
- Outdoor
- Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Outdoor Essentials
- Over-the-door Drying Racks
- Overhead Shelf Hanging Basket
- Paint
- Pantry
- Pantry Organizations
- Pantry Organizers
- PARTY and GAMES
- Paya Lebar Quarter
- Ped Bedding
- Pegboards
- Pen and Pencil Holders
- Peranakan Cushion Covers
- Perfect Choice in Singapore
- Perfect Storage Products
- Personal Safety Alarm
- Pet Accessories
- Pet Ball Bazooka
- Pet Ball Thrower
- Pet Ball Thrower with Ball
- Pet Bedding
- Pet Beddings
- pet beds
- Pet Bottles
- Pet Bowls
- Pet Care
- Pet Care Solutions
- Pet Cleaning Essentials
- Pet Collars
- Pet Cushion Bed
- Pet Drinking Bottles
- Pet Durable Chewable Toys
- Pet Feeders
- Pet Feeding Bowls
- Pet Feeding Essentials
- Pet Knitted Balls
- Pet Knotted Balls
- Pet Lovers
- Pet Owners
- Pet Steel Bowl
- Pet Toy Double Knotted Bone
- Pet Toy Plastic Wheel
- Pet Toy Tug Bone
- Pet Toy Tug Star
- Pet Toys
- Pet-Cushion
- Pet-friendly foods
- Pet-friendly Home
- Pet-friendly parks
- Pet-friendly places
- Pet-Friendly Spaces
- Petcare
- Pets
- Piñata
- Placemats
- Plastic Chopping Board
- Plastic Containers
- Plastic Laundry Baskets
- Plastic Toolboxes
- PLQ MALL
- Plunger
- ponges
- Pop Up Shops
- Portable All-in-One File Box
- Portable Balloon Hand Pump
- Portable Glass Bottle
- Portable Water Bottles
- Post Renovation Clean Up
- Pot and Pan Racks
- Prong Hoes
- Pull-out Baskets
- Pure Essentail Oils
- Pure Essential Oils
- Racks
- Rattan Laundry Basket with Linen Lining
- Raya Sale
- Rayen
- Rectangle Single Tier
- Regular Cleaning
- Relocate
- Relocation
- Relocation Needs
- Relocation Tips
- Remote Workers
- Remove Pet Stains
- Renovation Tip
- Renovations
- Retail Business
- Retail Industries
- Retail Space Organization
- Retail Storage
- Retailers
- Retails
- Rolling Organisers
- Rolling Storage Cabinets
- Rolser
- Room Organization
- Room Renovation
- Room Renovation Ideas
- Room Renovations
- Rotating bookshelf
- Round rugs
- Round Silicone Food Jar
- Safety Measures
- Sanctuary of serenity
- Satin hangers
- Scouring Pads
- Screwdrivers
- Scrub and SPonges
- Scrub brushes
- Scrubs
- Seagrass Baskets
- Seagrass Plant Basket with Handles
- Seagrass Rug
- Seagrass Storage Basket
- Seagrass Storage Boxes with Lid
- Self-Care
- Serene Home Office
- Shelf bench
- Shelf-Hanging Basket
- Shelves
- Shelving
- Shoe Box
- Shoe Boxes
- Shoe Rack
- Shoe Racks
- Shoe Rack\
- Shoebox
- Shopping
- Shopping Experience
- Shopping in SIngapore
- Shopping Partner
- Shopping Spree
- Shopping Trolley
- Shopping Trolleys
- Singapore
- Singapore Retailers
- Singapore Warehouse
- Singaporean ABode
- Singaporean Fur Dads
- Singaporean Fur Moms
- Singaporean Fur Parents
- Singaporean Home Kitchen
- Singaporean Home Office
- Singaporean Homes
- Singaporean Pet Owners
- Singaporean pet-friendly parks
- Singaporean pet-friendly places
- Singaporean Refreshing Drinks
- Singaporean Retailers
- Singaporean Shopper
- Singaporean Workspace
- Single Tier Make Up Buddy
- Sink Drainer Rack
- Skin Care Tips
- Slated Wood Diatomite Mat
- Slim Cabinet
- Slim Cabinets
- Slim Racks
- Slimline Storage Box
- Small Appliances
- Small Retail Venture
- Small Spaces
- Smart Cleaning Habits
- Smart Sorting
- Smart Storage Solutions
- Solemate
- Space and Order
- Space Maximization
- Space Optimization
- Space Saver
- Space Saving Solutions
- Spade
- Spice Rack
- Spice Racks
- Spin Mop
- Spiral Cosmetic Organiser
- Sponge
- Sponge and Scrubs
- Sponges
- Sponges and Scrubs
- Spray bottle
- Stackable
- Stackable Baskets
- Stackable Containers
- Stackable Shoe Box
- Stackables
- Stacking Shelves
- Stainless Steel Toolboxes
- Stockroom
- Stockroom Transformation
- Storage
- Storage Bags
- Storage Basket
- Storage Baskets
- Storage Bins
- storage box
- Storage Boxes
- Storage Cabinet
- Storage Cabinets
- storage containers
- Storage Drawers
- Storage Hacks
- Storage Maximization
- Storage Multi-purpose Storage Bins
- Storage Needs
- Storage Ottoman
- Storage Products
- Storage Racks
- Storage Solution
- Storage Solutions
- StorageSOlutions
- Stress-Free Move
- Studio Apartments
- Stylish Storage Box
- Summer
- Surface Wipes
- Sustainable Home
- Sustainable Home Improvement
- Sustainable Lifestyle
- Sustainable Retailing
- Table Lamps
- Table Matters
- Taking Care of Pets
- Tassel
- Tefal Warehouse Sales
- Telescopic Double Pole Stainless Steel Clothes Hanger
- Themed Balloon Decorations
- Tidy Workspace
- Tips about Moving Out to a New Space
- Tips and Tricks
- Tissue Boxes
- TOCAR Multipurpose Bookshelf
- Toilet brush
- Toolbox
- Toolboxes
- Toy Storage
- Traditional Laundry
- Tranquil Workspace
- TRAVEL
- Travel & Clothing
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
- Travel Adaptor with USB Charger
- Travel Beauty Essentials
- Travel Essentials for Pets
- Travel Lock
- Travel-Friendly Laundry Solution
- Travelling
- Trendy Carts
- Tropical
- Tropical Juices
- Trowel
- Under Bed Storage Boxes
- Under-bed Clear Storage Boxes
- Under-bed Storage
- Under-bed storage boxes
- Under-Sink Cabinets
- Underbed Storage
- Unpacking Tips
- Utility Knives
- Vacuum
- Vanity Space
- VESPER Hybrid Mattress
- Vornado
- VORNADO Fans
- Wall Art
- Wall-mounted Racks
- Wardrobe Organizers
- Wardrobe Storage Cube with Handles
- Warehouse
- Warehouse Organization
- WASTE BINS
- Wastebin
- Wastebins
- Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets
- Water Hyacinth Tissue Boxes
- Water Hyacinth Wicker Storage Basket with Open Front
- Wet Wipes
- Wonderful World of Juicing
- Wooden Clothing Ladder
- Wooden Clothing Rack
- Wooden Clothing Racks
- Wooden Foldable Corner Clothing Rack
- Wooden Foldable Corner Racks
- Wooden Multifunctional Racks
- Wooden Step Stool
- WOWS
- Wrench