Dividing a Room with Bookshelves: Creative Layout Ideas
Arriving at the perfect interior design is highly elusive. Even for professionals, it can always feel like something is a bit off. On one hand, too much stuff can lead to an unsettling sense of clutter. On the other, leaving the wrong item in storage can create the feeling that something is missing.
Bookshelves can help create the perfect balance. Even if you are part of the growing population who keeps their library digital these days, bookshelves are equally effective at housing photos, keepsakes, cookware, and any other item that you want stylishly displayed. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore a wide variety of ideas on how to divide a room with bookshelves.
Open Shelving Partition
Using open shelving partitions is one of the most straightforward ways to divide a room with bookshelves. These types of bookshelves are secured to the floor and stretch to the ceiling, creating an open partition wall for storing books and other personal effects. Because the shelves are open, natural light can still pass through. This creates defined space without detracting from the bright, airy ambience of the open floor concept. As the open shelves face both directions, this type of divider provides 360-degree access that allows more items to be put on display.
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Wall
Even if vast book collections are not the emblem of wealth, education, and sophistication that they were in bygone centuries, the classic floor-to-ceiling bookcase wall will never go out of style as an interior design piece. This classic look provides a stately aspect to any room and immediately arrests the attention of onlookers. It is the ideal frame for displaying items without eating into interior space. Built-in bookcase walls provide convenience and safety for homeowners who have small children, while portable bookcase walls offer greater customization.
Dual-Sided Bookshelf Divider
The dual-sided bookshelf divider is an innovative type of modular partition. It can effectively serve as a wall or screen for breaking up space. Its high level of customizability makes it just as effective at creating definition in sprawling living rooms as it does providing a level of privacy in more cozy studio apartments. These types of bookshelf dividers can be as sleek or stout as you prefer, with options coming in lithe metal frames or more robust wood casing. They work well for providing visual intrigue at the bottom of a staircase or for transitioning an open kitchen to a dining area.
Corner Bookcase
Dividing a room with bookshelves is all about effective use of space. Sometimes, that space is at a premium. When this is the “case”--pun intended--corner bookcases provide an enticing option. Similar to a regular wall bookcase--only cut in half to form an “L” shape--the corner bookcase slides perfectly into 90-degree angles. This allows homeowners to make the most effective use of corner space that cannot be utilized any other way. As an “out-of-the-way” option, corner bookshelves are a bit more function than form compared to other types of bookcase partitions, but they are a great means of housing essential keepsakes while keeping clutter to a minimum in cozy confines.
Ladder Bookshelf
If you have ever seen a step-ladder, then you understand the concept of a ladder bookshelf. This unique type of case uses a tall, slender frame with narrow shelves on the top that get progressively wider going down the “rungs.” Typically made from wood, acrylic, or metal, the sleek design of ladder bookshelves is another style that works well in smaller spaces. They are an especially strong bookshelf option for highlighting items you want to be seen. Placing cherished photos or stunning artwork on the smaller top shelves really helps them stand out over less eye-popping items placed lower down the ladder. This concept works exceptionally well in the exploding home office design trend. Remote professionals can highlight their family photos and other dear pieces near the top of the ladder while storing essential “work stuff” closer to the bottom.
Floating Shelves
The floating shelf is a central component to anyone wanting a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Made from wood, metal, or acrylics, floating shelves come in a wide variety of sizes. They attach directly to the walls to help homeowners maximize limited space or break up large wall areas. Floating shelves really catch the eye of onlookers and make a great way to display photos, keepsakes, plants--and, yes, books.
Stunning Interiors Through Creative Bookshelf Layout
Even though it is easy to say “nobody reads anymore,” bookshelves still play a crucial role in modern interior design. They are an essential component of showcasing cherished items, maximizing area in cozy confines, or breaking up space in sprawling interiors. From traditional floor-to-ceiling wall cases to more sleek and modern open options, explore any of the bookshelves ideas listed above for a creative interior layout.