Sure, we all know the way it sounds to say that books—which have been round since about 500 BC—are formally again, however hear us out: Barnes & Noble is making a serious transfer in 2025, with plans to open 60 new shops. So if books aren’t essentially making a comeback, the shops that promote which are, and we would have TikTok to thank.
“Because the rise of BookTok throughout the pandemic, bookstores have seen a major surge in recognition, particularly amongst younger individuals,” Barnes & Noble shared in an interview with Quick Firm. “Our shops have turn out to be standard social spots, providing an expertise that on-line procuring merely can’t match.”
And it isn’t simply large shops—even indie darlings like Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, NY, opened a second location in 2022 following the success of their first.
Photograph by Rocky Luten
For e book lovers, that is nice information. There’s one thing so fantastic about flipping by way of a bodily e book, seeing your progress with every turned web page, and—I hope it isn’t simply me—utilizing an precise bookmark. However right here’s the dilemma: What do you do with all these books when you’ve reached the again cowl?
I used to donate mine or move them off to associates, however these days, I’ve discovered myself wishing I may attain for a e book I learn a number of years in the past. The difficulty is storage. My small New York residence doesn’t permit for infinite stacks of hardcovers. So, I took a deep dive into bookshelf styling. Right here’s what I discovered:
Begin With A Clean Slate
Take the whole lot off your cabinets. Sure, the whole lot. Whilst you’re at it, contemplate beginning a donation pile for these books and random trinkets that in some way ended up calling the shelf residence. Mud the whole lot off—books, cabinets, and all. A clear slate makes it simpler to visualise your masterpiece within the making.
Combine Up the E book Orientation
When placing the books again up, stack some books vertically, others horizontally. This straightforward trick provides dimension to your cabinets and retains them from wanting too uniform. Plus, these horizontal stacks? Excellent pedestals in your favourite ornamental objects. There’s actually no proper or flawed option to go about this. Get funky with it.
Add a Contact of Greenery
Nothing breathes life into an area fairly like crops. In case your cabinets get minimal daylight, go for trendy fake florals (like these from our Store). In any other case, a pothos plant is a perfect low-maintenance choice that may gracefully drape throughout your cabinets because it grows. Belief me—I don’t have the greenest thumb, and even I can maintain one alive.
Photograph by James Ransom
To Rainbow or Not?
Ah, the age-old debate: Must you arrange your books by coloration? The reply: It’s utterly as much as you. Some designers recommend sticking to 2 or three dominant colours for a cohesive look, whereas others swear by the “work with what you’ve received” philosophy. Personally, I’ve 35 books in wildly totally different colours that every one want a house, so aesthetics take a again seat to practicality.
Give Your Knickknacks a Dwelling
You recognize that TikTok pattern “Sporting vs. Styling an Outfit”? The identical precept applies to bookshelves. Decorate, decorate, decorate. That quirky journey memento you swore you wanted? These sentimental catch-alls your mother gifted you through the years? They lastly have a spot. Candlesticks, framed images, and vases additionally make for stylish little particulars to enrich your e book assortment.
So, as bookstores make their triumphant return, let’s have a good time by giving our books an area as lovely because the tales they inform.
What’s your favourite e book proper now? (I suppose I may match one other…)
