Posts Tagged organizing books

by Carole Hyder

Most everyone I know owns books.  Some people have skads of them—so many, in fact, that they’re stored in boxes in the basement.  Others wouldn’t think of keeping them in boxes—so they’re stacked in various corners waiting for the right place to call home.

Setting up a library or reading area is always a good plan for someone who owns a lot of books.  The extra bedroom could become a quiet reading spot.  An unused dining room may convert beautifully to a library, complete with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rolling ladder to access the most remote volume.

Because books represent the opinions and stories of others, they do need Feng Shui consideration for proper integration. Here are some ideas of where books can be appropriately placed and where to avoid putting them.

1. Books should be maintained in an upright and/or horizontal position.  Since books come in different sizes and colors, they can easily turn into a haphazard display.  I’ve taken to storing the books I have in my office according to color—–it works for me! I’ve seen books arranged according to size, which definitely adds an element of intentional placement to a large bookcase.
2. Never store books in your bedroom nor under your bed.  Books represent the voice/opinion of the author and therefore bring with them a lot of “noise” and vibration.  Other than the book or two you may be reading at night, store the rest of them elsewhere.
3. Having a nice arrangement of books near the front door sends a positive message to those who come to visit that you are studious, well-read and intellectual.
4. Arrange your bookshelves with an artful eye by adding photos, plants, sculpture or mementos.  It will break up the intensity ofthe books and add some eye candy.
5. When all else fails, use shelves with doors so that the doors can be closed on all the book clutter. It doesn’t solve the underlying problem of too many books or scattered energy, but it does lessen the problem.

Books are our friends, so you want to treat them respectfully and with care.  Sometimes we just need to let them go. Libraries are always looking for used books, as well as used book stores. If it’s no longer being read or appreciated, it may be time to turn the page on your books and bring them to a happy ending.