Writing a book about books came quite naturally to Vanessa Dina and Claire Gilhuly. Working in publishing, they live and breathe books. They've predictably accumulated vast literary collections – and have had to store them somewhere.
After gathering loads of experience stowing and stashing books in every available corner of the house, they came together to share their wisdom, in the form of Book Nooks.
Book Nooks, available starting September 17, is an in-depth dive into the art of storing and displaying books. Offering a long list of suggestions, from unexpected places and organizational methods to reading lists curated by authors, it's the perfect addition to a book lover's collection.
To hear more about Book Nooks ahead of its launch, H&G sat down with authors Vanessa and Claire. Here's what they have to say about how to curate a cozy, cocooning reading nook, and what they most hope readers take away from their guide.
Book Nooks is packed with stunning book storage ideas, whether classic shelf setups or out-of-the-box solutions (like Vanessa's out-of-use fireplace, now filled with colorful stacks). Offering practical guidance rather than unachievable goals, it caters to the regular book collector who is looking to upgrade their arrangement.
'We love the idea of surrounding yourself with your favorite reads and how that may influence how you design your space,' Vanessa tells H&G. Because she and Claire both specialize in food and lifestyle books at Chronicle, she says Book Nooks 'felt like a natural extension' of their day-to-day work.
'I think this book is special because it gives you several easy tips and tricks, really accessible ideas to style a space with books,' says Vanessa. 'Whether that is an end table, bedside table, a staircase or a massive built-in bookshelf there are clever ways to make your book collection stand out and be functional for the everyday. There are also some great reading lists from some very cool authors: Jasmine Guillory, Alex Elle, and Nik Sharma just to name a few.'
With younger generations showing off their love for literature on social media – and compiling large collections at home – Claire says she's optimistic that books will continue to act as a key form of home decor, too.
'With the rise of #BookTok, I've been happy to see plenty of younger folks who still love and collect physical books, and we wanted to encourage that and also add something new to the discourse,' she says.
How can you create a warm, welcoming book nook?
Book Nooks doesn't just cover arranging books for the sake of storage – it also offers tips and tricks for creating a cocooning, inviting book nook in your home. The 'perfect' book corner looks a bit different for everyone, but there are a few key elements that set the scene (and the mood).
'The perfect book nook reflects your taste in books and your design sensibility, and it inspires you to crack a spine,' says Claire. 'My perfect nook is a cozy library with stuffed shelves, piles of worn books, and lots of pillows and blankets – preferably on a snowy morning with a cup of coffee and nowhere to be for hours.'
Claire suggests 'decor elements with personal meaning' to complete the picture, like family heirlooms, framed photos, and souvenirs from travels. 'I like incorporating art on my shelves as well – small paintings and sculptures instantly elevate a bookcase,' she says. 'Of course, a comfy spot to sit and curl up with a book is also essential.'
Vanessa adds that the ideal book nook is 'cozy, warm, and welcoming.' With 'artwork, personal photos, and a small vase with fresh cut flowers. I really don’t think you can go wrong,' she says.
'I think of being nestled in a corner with pillows and a blanket and my favorite book,' she continues. 'That usually involves pillows, cushions, and soft lighting. But if you don’t have the room for that a simple end table or corner shelf can also serve as the perfect nook.'
What is the best way to organize books?
Book organization is a surprisingly divisive issue, with color coding, alphabetical, and genre-based methods vying for a place. But Book Nooks makes room for collections organized in every way, explaining that the way you place your books depends on the surrounding environment.
'Start with the room – whether it’s the kitchen, living room, or bedroom, you can organize your collection by subject and go from there,' says Vanessa 'For example, in the kitchen, cookbooks would be the obvious choice.'
'If you're designing a classic study, you might style your books in a traditional manner, shelved in neat rows alphabetically by author name,' says Claire, noting that in many ways, the decision is intuitive. 'If you're styling a kid's room, you might be a little more playful, organizing the books by color in a bookcase that's accessible to little ones.
'In a bathroom with limited space, a stack of petite books on a side table or windowsill makes the perfect spot for a scented candle,' she continues. 'Consider the function and design of your space; that should dictate how to style and organize your books.'
Early this year, the bookshelf wealth trend rocked the design world, bringing eclectic, collected book collections into the spotlight. Featuring vast book assortments, cozy textiles, and plenty of art, the trend was met with mixed reviews from book lovers. Vanessa says she's in two minds about bookshelf wealth.
'Love that it brings books into the limelight. Reading is essential,' she says. 'But I don’t agree with having them if it’s not intentional and if they aren’t meant to be read. That’s just silly. Surrounding yourself with things that are important to you and that bring joy are the most important factors. If it can serve as inspiration as to what to do with your book collection then that’s great.'
Get the 'book nook' look
A low, stylish surface is key for a successful reading setup, and this piece from Wayfair is fit for any style.
Ensure your cozy and warm, no matter the season with a designated reading throw.
A cordless lamp is the perfect addition to a book nook, offering ambient light without the hassle.
Vanessa tells H&G that Book Nooks was created to 'spark some creative and innovative' ideas about book storage, and hopes readers are inspired to create their very own reading-ready spaces right at home.
'Rather than following the latest design trend on social media or trying to curate the "perfect" look, consider your personal style in order to create a nook that you love and that displays books in a way that's authentic to you,' says Claire. 'There are so many ways to go about it. Our hope is that readers find some inspiration in these pages and create their own totally unique book nook.'
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