Get Your Bookshelves Ready for Read Across America

Read Across America is an annual celebration of reading held on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. March 2. In support of the goals to motivate children to read and create lifelong successful readers and learners, here are some tips that inspire not just reading, but curiosity and learning.

Bookshelves work as storage spaces for books and display spaces for curios and souvenirs. However, your books and accessories don’t have to jockey for a position on your bookshelves. When the shelves are mindfully arranged, they can be transformed from a lowly storage unit to a stylish expression of your interests.

Simplify

Using the “less is more” technique, resist the impulse to pack the shelves with all your accessories and books. Choosing a tone-on-tone color scheme for figurines and vases will create a clean look. But be sure to mix up shapes to avoid monotony. Step back every once in a while as you go to assess your arrangement. Mix larger items with smaller ones, tall books with short ones, or try placing a few off-center until you get the look you like. The Cherry Creek Traditional Modular Wall system from Hooker Furniture give you plenty of options to display books and objet d'art.

Create Empty Space

As you are organizing your bookcase, remember to leave some empty space to let the eyes rest. Changing the orientation of your books by stacking some of them on one shelf, placing them vertically on another, and mixing their orientation on a third shelf will make your display more interesting. Using the books stacked horizontally as a riser for smaller pieces, and placing accessories and artwork on top of the unit will also create visual interest.

Stagger Accessories

Mix up the placement of collectibles and art to create a visual rhythm. Colorful book covers will stand out against the warm wood finishes of a bookcase. Alternating the placement of bright pottery and framed artwork or photographs will keep the eye moving smoothly from shelf to shelf. You can personalize the look by using framed prints of photographs you’ve taken. The Brookhaven Three Piece Open Bookcase by Hooker Furniture offers functional storage and plenty of display space with adjustable shelves.

Artful Displays

Display your favorite pieces by giving them a shelf of their own. This also helps keep you from overwhelming your room with visual clutter. Try a few shelves that highlight your special pieces mixed in with shelves of books. Keeping it airy and uncluttered lets your books and artwork take center stage.

Create a Book Nook

Create a bright book nook or reading space in a corner with plenty of light. Add a comfortable, upholstered chair, reading lamp, and accent table. Fill the shelves with sculptures, trophies, framed art, and, of course, groupings of books. The loose, informal design helps the eye move from shelf to shelf. The Danforth Low Bookcase from Hooker Furniture holds just the right amount of books and, since it is a small shelf, doesn't over power your reading nook.

Gallery-Style Display

Bookcases aren’t just for books and art doesn’t have to be hung on the walls. Use a wide assortment of accessories to create a gallery-style display. Photographs, small statues, books, or pottery – you can use whatever you would like to display. Beware of overcrowding, you want to create a space that invites visual exploration. And you might just inspire someone to read.

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