Creating a Beach House Bookshelf

I admit it, I have a book "problem". Addiction might be a better description; Interior Design, Travel, Coastal Cookbooks, business tomes and of course, a favorite novel or two.... 

They are stacked all over the floor in my office, (I already used up all the space in my built in "closet" bookshelves) hiding in nooks and crannies in my bedroom, on top of the dresser and window frame in my guest room, and stacked on our living room floor...

We moved closer to the beach in August, and I have not had a spare second to figure out a new bookshelf and reading corner in our new place.  After getting ready for company this past weekend, it has become suddenly very evident that I need to figure out something quickly. We have plenty of wall space and extra corner space, not to just need to configure  the space right. (and find the right furniture!)

Here's a few ideas that I have been collecting!   What do you think?

So wish I had a nook like this! I could hide away from the world. Not sure if I would spend my time reading though, probably would just stare out at the harbor... (so sorry - not sure of the actual image source!) 

From Country Living Magazine, an adorable reading spot complete with built in bench and cozy pillows.   Love the color!  (there's not quite enough books on this shelf though!) 

What a fun project from Thrifty Decor Chick!  If only I had someone small at my house, I would definitely try this.  A remodeled unused closet with a new little padded bench and built in book shelves.  The nautical themed light is perfect to light up this snuggle spot.

Love this space!  Especially the extra built in space above the door frame. (so sorry - not sure of the actual image source!) 

What a great use of a view corner! Pretty bookshelves underneath the windows creates an instant window seat.  Not crazy about these particular cushions, but love the idea. (found on HomeDit.com, but probably not the original source)

If only we had the space for a complete little room like this!  Love the lights above the shelves...(original image source unknown)

From my friend Victoria at sfgirlbythebay.com - LOVE how her shelves in her San Francisco Cottage turned out!  Sleek, modern and spaces for books and treasures..  Must see the whole blog post for her special pics. 

Only in my dreams.... but how I lust after those teal velvet cushions.

6 Ideas for Book Decorating at Your Beach House

1. Use a clear glass vase or even a vintage mason jar full of collected seashells for bookends - easy to do!  Makes your bookshelf instantly beachy, and so easy to change with the seasons and as you collect new beach treasures.  Think sea glass, shells, driftwood.... 

 My office bookshelf....

2. Use books to create an interesting impromptu side table! Would be such a great idea to use different books to reflect a season, or a favorite artist or coastal theme.  I might add a fabulous tray on the top of my stack of books though, as I have been know to spill sometimes...

3. Make an impact by grouping books in coastal colors together. Or grouping themes together - like a group of classics in the same color shade.  Especially interesting if they are well-loved! 

4. Keep your coastal bookshelf interesting with space for artwork, vintage objects and real shells.  Specimen shells are very cool, but honestly I am not a big fan of real coral, unless it is truly vintage.  There are so many option out there for really good faux coral...  Don't worry so much about matchy-matchy decor, just show off what you love, and what makes you happy!

5. Create a stack of books to make a design impact, giving your coastal room a completed elegant look.  Mix with coral, shells or other found seaside objects.  Get creative, but don't overdo it!

6. And my favorite idea of all - an entire wall of bookshelves to show off your 

summer reads, favorite art and collected treasures.  

Painting the inside of the shelf really gives it an extra pop!  

So easy to change; paint the inside a different color, change the accessories, stack the books a different direction, change out the family photos or even add seasonal accessories. Possibilities are endless to create something that  is truly an unique reflection of your home, and coastal lifestyle!

All of these ideas and more can be found on my Pinterest Board "Book.Dreaming". Stop by and see what else might inspire you to look at your collection of books just a little bit differently! If you are curious about where I look for inspiration, take a look at my Decorating Book Page at Liberty Bay Books for all of my favorites.  Caron's Book Reads 

My bookshelf is overflowing with sea glass books and these new favorites! 

Books are just essential to me... do you have any to recommend? Happy Weekend!

Creating A Space for Memories... Coastal Bookshelves

I admit it, I am a collector of stuff.  Books, sea glass, shells, vintage coastal pieces, photos, driftwood - I need a place to empty my pockets when I get home from the beach.  Poor Tom finds sea glass everywhere; in the dryer, in the car, in the couch cushions.....  have I ever mentioned that he is a saint?

Got out the design books this past week, and did some searching on the internet to find some great beach house book shelf ideas.  Here's just a few pics that I found to inspire me to redo my "hot-mess" of a bookshelf!

 Love the clean lines of this bright white space with dark wood accents.  Check out the Nantucket baskets and tiny dark blue model sailer.. (image courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine)

 From "French Seaside Style" - a traveler nook!  Vintage lamp with a nautical chart inspired shade..  the collection of ships at sea art is really interesting

 Also from French Seaside Style  (my new favorite interior design book!) Another nautical inspired shelf and room, with a classic tripod lamp and photos of vintage ships...

 Cottage inspired bookshelf with classic bead board styling, glass floats and pretty white starfish (image courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine) Needs a little more color for me, but still very pretty!

This might work - has my favorite color of aqua!  Not too crazy about the floral chair, but I like the collection of "stuff" - natural collected shells, baskets, boats, oil paintings

What do you think?  What do you display on your bookshelf?

My bookshelf is really a reflection of me, and what I love.  Especially the photos and memories of my family, it's so hard to be away from them, and it helps to see their faces every day on my beach-inspired bookshelf.

Thanks Susan for the wonderful birthday present to add to my collection!  (my birthday was in April - I am just super super late on my thank you notes!)

Susan's art,  "Coastal Collections" can be found on our site!  

Her canvas wrapped pieces would be perfect on a bookshelf!   Here's a few of my favorite images from the Susan Fairgrieve's Coastal Collections:

Would love to hear your ideas!

Have a great Tuesday - we're off to Las Vegas to find more coastal home decor products for our customers - wish us luck!