Organize your library like a pro. Ideas for organizing books

If you are here it is because like me, you are probably a lover of reading, and also like me, you have probably asked yourself at some point: I need to organize my library! But… where do I start?

Don't worry, we're in this together. I'll try to make sure we go hand in hand together to find the best ideas for you. Organize books in a practical way, functional and, why not, pretty and aesthetic.

A well-organized space not only makes it easier to find your books, but it also adds a special touch to your home. In addition, A well-ordered environment can be inspiring and motivatingIt will make you want to read more and I guarantee there is something magical about organizing your books.

It will make you feel wonderfully good.

🌟 Why it is important to organize your library

It's not just about aesthetics, but also about comfort and functionality. When you have your library well organized, You find books faster, you optimize space and you even avoid ruining your books —don't leave them just any old way!— and your favorite copies.

Besides, A well-structured space invites you to read more and enjoy the habit of reading more.Having an organized library can also make it easier for you to find the information you are looking for, especially if you need to find a specific book for study or research.

And be careful, if you also share your collection with other people - those who later do not return the books... - an organized library It will avoid confusion and make it easier for you to access the titles. that interest you without stirring everything up.

And last but not least, it also helps you preserve books in good condition, preventing them from being bent, dirty or damaged due to poor storage, which is painful…

📚 Methods for sorting books

But let's get down to business, because you are here because you have asked yourself How to organize a home libraryThere really isn't one best way, but there are several methods you can try depending on your tastes and needs.

Below, I leave you with what I consider to be the best options for organizing your collection efficiently:

1. By gender or category

This is a classic and how I have the books in my library organized at the moment. If you have books on different topics, it is best to classify them into different genres. Namely:

• Fiction novels (fancy, Science fiction, thriller…)
• Non-fiction (history, philosophy, self-help…)
• Study or reference books
• Comics and graphic novels
• Essays and biographies
• Children's and young adult books
• Poetry and theatre
• Dictionaries and encyclopedias

Here you can create your own categories, separate them or improve them according to your library. This is just a generic reference. However, this method allows for an intuitive search and makes it easier to recommend books to other people.

2. In alphabetical order

A classic way to sort. If you are meticulous and want to quickly find a specific title, sorting alphabetically by author or title is an excellent option and one of the most popular among readers.

It is true that this method is ideal for those who have large libraries and need to find a book without wasting time, but it also applies to everyone, since it is the fastest way to get to the book you are looking for.

3. By colors (the aesthetic method)

Aesthetics are important. Where I work there are people who come to buy a book and ask you "I don't know what it's called, but I know it has a red cover", so sorting books by color works…

If you're looking for a library that looks like it came straight from Pinterest, this method is for you. Grouping books by color looks nice, although It can make searching difficult if you don't remember the cover of each book well. —and this is the key—. It is a fun way to decorate your space while maintaining a certain order.

4. By size

Another idea to organize your library in an aesthetic way. It is ideal for those who want a symmetrical and harmonious organization. Group books by height or thickness and give your library a modern touchThis method is useful if you have shelves with different heights and you want to make the most of the space.

For me it is more complicated if the idea is to organize them so that they can be accessed quickly, but you have to admit that organizing your bookshelves by height gives it a wonderfully nice touch.

5. By frequency of use

If there are books you use daily and others you rarely consult, arrange them according to their importance. Those you use frequently should be close at hand, while those you use less often can go on high shelves or in storage boxes.

I use this one a lot. I have some books near my reading spot —Meditations of Marcus Aurelius or the Bhagavad Gita— which I like to read when I don't have time to read specifically, just to glance at some of its wonderful paragraphs.

6. By mood or personal themes

A creative and helpful way to organize your bookshelf is to organize it by how the books make you feel or when you prefer to read them. You can group titles into categories like “light reads,” “inspirational books,” “epic adventures,” or “mysteries and suspense.”

If you ever think “I feel happy/sad/upbeat/anxious/energetic and I want to read” this is the way to go. Of course, you have to know yourself very well to choose wisely according to your mood.

7. Mixed method

If none of these methods convince you completely, you can combine them and use a little of all of them at the same time. Do it your way, since no one knows your tastes and reading habits better than you.

For example, You can organize the books by genre and within each category sort them alphabetically. or by size. Or you can also sort them by categories and within them by mood. Feel free to experiment!

🛍️ Ideas for organizing books in small spaces

Maybe you're a bit like me, and you don't have the chance to have a huge bookshelf to store all your books. If your problem is lack of space, here are some great ideas to organize a library without needing a giant room:

• Floating shelves: They take up little space and look great. They are light to look at, functional, cheap and can be put up in 5 minutes.
• Under the bed or in drawers: Perfect for reference books or those you don't read often. Just make sure you turn them over every week, so they don't get dusty.
• Stacked as a nightstand: A piece of furniture made from your largest books can serve an aesthetic, modern and functional purpose.
• At the top of the doors: That useless and forgotten space. If you have space, place a shelf over the door to make the most of it.
• Corner shelves: Use those dead corners at home and turn them into storage spaces for your books.
• Use decorative baskets or boxes: If you don't want your books to be on display, this is a great alternative. But face it. You want your books to be on display…
• Slanted shelves: They are an excellent option if you want your books to be visible without taking up much space.

🌟 Extra tips to keep your books organized

Once you've found the method that works best for you, follow these tips to keep your library always impeccable:

• Get rid of what you don't use: Don't accumulate for the sake of accumulating. Dona either sells books that you no longer need. Many people will thank you for it and you will have more space for the really important books.
• Clean regularly: Prevent dust and moisture build-up. I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but seriously. It's essential to keep your library in harmony. Seriously.
• Use separators or labels: If you have a lot of categories, marking the sections will make your life easier. Don't spend more time than necessary looking for a book because it's poorly catalogued.
• Avoid over-stacking: If you put too many books in a pile, it can be difficult to access them and you could damage them with the weight. I have had this happen to me and even have one on top of the other. I don't recommend it.
• Adequate lighting: Make sure your library has good lighting so you can find books easily. wireless shelf lights and very well priced. Get one.
• Avoid humidity: If you live in a cold and humid place, use dehumidifiers or place silica gel sachets to protect your books. You will avoid premature deterioration of your beloved personal library.
• Reorganize periodically: As your collection grows, adapt your system to keep it working well. It's not a matter of doing it one day and leaving it alone. Give your books some love. They will respond in kind.

🌟 Give your library your style

So you know. There is no one way to do it. Organize your library, so find the method that works best for you. The important thing is to enjoy the process and make your reading space a welcoming and practical place. If you are an avid reader, you may need to adjust your organization system from time to time to adapt to your new acquisitions.

Organizing books has never been easier. Whatever system you choose, remember that the most important thing is that your library reflects your personality and is a space where you enjoy spending time. Now, let's read without limits! 📚✨