Book Recommendations & Bookshelf Styling Tips & Sources!
Michael J. Lee– I LOOOOVE this bookshelf/ reading nook. The wallpaper reminded me of old marbled endpapers and it was the perfect hint of pattern!
BOOKS , BABY! Lets start off with book recommendations- you guys were helpful in recommending your favorite reads for my Florida trip, and are the BEST distraction during stressful times, and so I’ve gathered the most mentioned with my personal favorites into one “virtual bookshelf”. I starred the ones I have yet to read personally but are in my queue, and numbered ones I have comments on. Many of these are no brainers that you probably have already read, but JUST in case I included some of the blockbuster best-sellers I loved.
Leave your favorites in comments so we gather and ever bigger reading list!
CLICK BOOK COVER FOR LINK!
- This was one of the best books I’ve read this year – moving, interesting and meaningful.
- This is SUCH a fun book, I loved it. It’s a modern day take on Pride & Prejudice.
- This books premise sounded totally bizarre and I was really unsure about it- but I ended up loving it!
- EVERYONE told me to read this book. I liked it, but didn’t LOVE it. I was however suprised by how insightful and smart Jessica is, and her story had juicy celebrity bits. Also very raw and real.
- So many of you recommended this, but I personally disliked it. Didn’t like any of the characters and could not get emotionally invested in the story.
- SO GOOD! A great escape, well written “chick lit” that will make a GREAT movie.
- Another one that everyone seems to like, but I did not. Hey, each to their own!
- Another one that many of you mentioned (as well and Verity shown next to it). The plot and cover sounds/looks questionable, but maybe it’s the fluffy escape we all need right now?
- This is an old book but one of the best thrillers Andrew and I have both read. SO long, but SO SO SO good.
- I did not like Ng’s first book (too sad and depressing) but loved this one- but not everyone did. However, it’s now a show in Hulu with Reese and Kerry Wahsington and I want to tune in.
- Andrew’s recommendation :) He also loved the Bob Iger biography for those interested.
- Amy’s book is SO funny if you want something completely escapist and uplifting!
I also gathered some images of spaces we’ve designed that have great bookshelves! Books are so important in a home, and can be a mix of decorative and collections of those you really love.
This space was created as an adult library/den. We painted everything Farrow & Ball Green Smoke to give it a deep, cozy feel and worked in pottery, picture frames and knick knacks into the shelving to break up the books (so important!)
Sarah Winchester
This bookshelf is mirrored on the other side of the window seat, so TONS of shelf space. Again, we mixed in sculptural object and frames to break up the books. Also, change the stacking direction of your books every other shelf for a more interesting collection.
Michael J. Lee
This was a massive library that we had to fill (another mirrored set of shelves on the other side of the fireplace)! Because there were SO many shelves we ran out of the owner’s personal book collection FAST. So we bought boxes and boxes of vintage books in coordinating color bindings from a local secondhand book shop.
Michael J. Lee
We designed this built in in a small city condo to house the TV and all the client’s books and objects.
Michael J. Lee
This was a client who LOOOOOVED to read, as you can see. This one is more jam packed, but we still tried to break it up by varying the direction of the books and inserting some objects/ candles into the mix.
Michael J. Lee
Another client with a great collection of books!!! :) Love how this turned out, even as full as It is! Hanging art on the shelves intself with small sticky hooks helps break up big masses of books/ built ins.
Michael J. Lee
A tightly edited custom built in with a mix of books and objects (and wallpaper on the back- this is a textured woven grasscloth and it makes everything on the shelves feel so much more special!)
Michael J. Lee
An oldie but goodie! I love how this study came out– painting the trim and millwork Farrow & Ball Down Pipe and then using a grasscloth on the walls made this space incredibly cozy!
Michael J. Lee
This space had alcoves on either side of the fireplace so we designed some floating shelves and a cabinet base to use the space more wisely (you can see the whole house HERE). We used a blue grasscloth on the back wall to give them shelving unties some definition and mixed books, small art works, pottery and pictures to give it a collected but edited feel.
Sarah Winchester
Obviously not everyone has built ins or the budget to do built ins. They are a FABULOUS value for your money though, and we always advise clients to do them if budget allows as they utilize space so efficiently. But there are so many amazing freestanding options that can look like built ins and also freestanding bookcases (we love to use matching pairs to flank a fireplace or TV/ media unit to create that symmetrical look. Below are a few great options! And remember, the bookcases with solid backs can be wallpapered, a pretty easy DIY with something simple like a grasscloth!
CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS
ExploreEnjoy More
Browse:
[…] Some book recs + bookshelf styling tips…bookshelves are always such a challenge to me, so I was excited that Erin compiled some […]
My year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh brilliant writing funny sad just great
Please read “Where the Crawdads Live” if you have the chance… it took me a long time to check out at library, but you will not be disappointed.
Great post, loved the pictures, ideas and the information !
Wait…………..Where is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine?
Hey, Erin! In the last image (Sarah Winchester), I love the color of the back of the shelves. Do you know if that is paint or wallpaper and would you have the source? Thanks so much!
You’re speaking my love language, books! I have bookshelves stuffed with books to read already so I added some of your suggestions to my library e-book holds. Bookstores and libraries being closed now in Seattle so e-books are the only way I can get more books.
THANK YOU for not turning the books backwards — I don’t see how any one who actually likes books can do that, and so many designers do it!
Thank you for this beautiful post. Take care!
I’ve recently lived the Nightingale!
Also, is the rug in the very first picture one of yours??
Exactly the post I needed. THANK YOU.
So nice to see bookshelves with real books and family photos! One of the many things I like about EOS, you tend to decorate for “real life”. Normal people like to display things that are important to them…..not high end decor without any meaning. Thanks for the book selection, too!
Somewhat related to books and bookshelves – I’m looking for ideas on how to design and style my family’s homeschool space – especially if our classroom has to continue for months/not weeks. Thank you!
Love all these options! Dying to have a library/den instead of my front-back living room.
Thanks Erin, my favorite kind of post! (And BTW, all your bookshelves are styled beautifully)
A few of my favorite reads not on your list are City of Thieves, The Other Americans, Nightingale, The Book Thief, Wild, Kite Runner and Sapiens.
For crime and thrillers, ie guilty pleasures, anything by Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Ruth Ware and the entire series of The #1 Ladies Detective Agency. I just started an Attica Locke book, such great writing.
Thank you for your list!
What could be better! Books and bookshelves. Going through my book shelves now in an attempt to read as I/we wait out the Corona virus.
Thanks for the fast response- very helpful as I attempt to reorganize my bookshelves after 15+ years of the same look!
Love these images! Can you please re-post links to your favorite bookshelf knick-knacks?
Anyone else like to play “Where’s Waldo?” with Erin’s striped book spine in the photos ;)
I do! :) ha ha!
Somehow I don’t have your newest book but as I’m requisitioning a guest room for my office during the quarantine (yes my hubs has covid boo) your book will be a perfect addition bc the room already as a sweet blue/white wallpaper and blue painted floor.
I’m shopping the rest of my house and garage for decor and have found: a leather wrapped desk, brass lamp, rug, alabaster lamp, bamboo side tables and a knoll chair. I think in the past i’d have tried to shop for the space but clearly I already have what I need.
Wallpaper source for the first pic? (marbled Wallpaper on bookshelf.) Thanks !
Yes, I would love the details on that wallpaper too!
hi EOS, thank you for this, but please, the next time you are posting products (and especially books) in this uncertain environment, can you link to local vendors like the brick and mortar booksellers that are really in need of our support? as so many bricks and mortars temporarily close their doors, they are scrambling to find ways to stay afloat and depending mostly on online sales. i realize it would be an extra lift but it would be so tremendously beneficial. if you could point your many readers in the direction of their local bookseller, it would allow for meaningful community connections. many thanks, sara g.
https://www.papercutsjp.com/
https://www.portersquarebooks.com/
http://www.harvard.com/
https://www.brooklinebooksmith-shop.com/
I understand your point and every reader can find a local bookstore in their area if they want to buy hard copies that way. I linked to Kindle books because most people aren’t going shopping outside the home right now. But also, I too am a small business who has salaries to pay and overhead costs, all of which already are affected- so linking this way helps support my small business in a small way. This isn’t a hobby, it’s a job that supports my family and several other people as well. Hope that makes sense.
Great, very understandable point, Erin.
This! So many small businesses are struggling right now and I want to support them! Your suggesting shopping at local shops could make a hugely positive economic impact in our communties. Thank you for considering. Rachel W.
Dear Edward is a story that stays with you…loved it. Also finished Hearts Invisible Furies which will go down as an all time favorite.
Adding this to my ‘Want To Read’ pile. Thanks!
Thank you for the book recommendations ! This is so appreciated ! Great timing too !
Stay well !
I love talking about books!! Gentleman in Moscow (all time favorite) and All the Light We Cannot See are my Top 2. Recent books I’ve liked: Island of Sea Women, Dutch House, Night Tiger…also Road to Little Dribbling, A Walk in the Woods (both Bill Bryson, sooo funny!). The entire Flavia de Luce series starting with Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
I would love to get my hands on Dear Edward as I’ve heard that’s a really good one.
I also love your number one and two. It’s been a really shitty three years and I just pulled out All the light to have a go. May reread a gentleman actually- he is the definition of solid amusement with depth.