Sion Goff
Your books are everywhere: on the table, under the bed, maybe even acting as a coaster.
Cute? Maybe. Practical? Not even close.
If your home library (or actual library) is starting to look like a mini tornado hit it, it’s time for a reset.
Whether you’re a student, a writer or someone who hoards paperbacks like souvenirs, I’ll dive into the best ways to organize books that are equal parts practical and Pinterest-worthy.
Let’s start with the bookshelf ones.
Table of Contents
Ways To Organize Books On A Bookshelf
The idea is to declutter the book mess and prevent brain fog when viewing and finding the books.
1. Arrange books alphabetically
If you’ve got a brain like a steel trap when it comes to titles, organizing your books alphabetically will feel like second nature.
This method is super handy when you’re in a rush and can’t remember where you placed “The Silent Patient” or “Atomic Habits.” You can go old-school by organizing by book title (A to Z), or take the more literary route and sort by author’s last name (that’s only possible if you’re good with names, though).
This method is employed by the renowned writer Hanya Yanagihara as well, who has about 12,000 books in her Manhattan apartment.
2. Organize books by genre
This way of organizing books is for mood readers. Yes, the ones who jump from heart-pounding thrillers to soul-soothing self-help books.
Set up cozy categories like:
- True Crime Fix.
- Romance Reads.
- Business & Marketing.
- Productivity & Self-Growth.
It’s fun because it’s like building your own mini Barnes & Noble — but tailored to your needs. In fact, a study found that 22% of American book owners arrange their books by subject.
And where do you place them? Well, you can use your existing bookshelf or rustic floating shelves, especially if you’re working with limited vertical space.
This method not only declutters books but also gives each section a purpose. And honestly, isn’t that what every overstuffed bookshelf needs?
3. Grouping books according to size
If you’re the type who gets twitchy at the sight of uneven stacks, this one’s for you. Grouping books by size brings a sense of visual harmony to your shelves. You can arrange them in ascending order for a waterfall effect, or go descending for a bold grounded look.
Want to add a bit of drama? Try placing your tallest hardcovers in the middle and taper sizes outward like a shelf rainbow, like the one shown below.
This method is perfect for design-forward thinkers. The ones who treat their bookshelves like a piece of home decor. It’s less about finding a book and more about that Pinterest-worthy shelfie that feels satisfying.
4. Let the color guide your book organization
Color-coding your bookshelf is hands down one of the cutest ways to organize books. You can achieve this through 3 ways:
- Gradient flow: Cool blues fading into warm reds for a rainbow effect.
- Color blocks: Grouping in bold solid sections (red, yellow, blue).
- Light to dark: Arranging by brightness for a sleek look.
It’s the go-to method for visual thinkers and anyone who gets a little thrill from good bookshelf styling. And is also used by interior designers like Brynn Olson for her client projects. She says her go-to-method is sorting them…,
Sure, you might forget where you shelved “The Psychology of Marketing,” but what you trade in convenience, you gain in pure aesthetic joy.
5. Arrange your collection of books by height
Looking for the best ways to organize books in a bookshelf? Arranging them by height brings an instant sense of order.
Start by placing your taller hardcovers or oversized art books on the lower shelves. These add weight and stability, like the foundation of a well-built house.
Reserve the upper shelves for paperbacks or shorter reads. They’ll feel lighter and won’t overwhelm the space. You can also go full minimalist by keeping the height perfectly aligned or creating a wave effect by alternating small and tall sections (like I discussed in the 3rd point).
If you’re working with limited room, wooden floating shelves come in handy.
They let you create pockets of organized height wherever wall space allows; perfect for renters and students.
6. Placing bookends to organize your books
Bookends may be considered as dividers, but, God, what beautiful dividers are they! Using bookends is one of those creative ways to organize books that blends functionality with flair. In fact, the global bookends market is projected to grow from $59 billion to $100 billion by 2035 – such is their growing popularity.
Whether you’re working with open shelving or a cramped desktop library, the right bookend holds everything together. For a sleek and modern touch, try a wooden & iron bookend.
It’s great for vertical space management and keeps your frequently accessed paperbacks within arm’s reach. If you want something more decorative and unique, check out these heart-shaped finger bookends.
They’re not just sturdy but a home decor statement. Place them on your reading nook shelf and watch them steal the show while holding your favorite book categories in place. These bookends make great presents for book lovers as well.
7. One smart way is to organize by group of 3
Source: ChatGPT
Here’s a little secret borrowed straight from the world of interior design — the rule of three.
Emma Deterding, the founder of Kelling Designs, explains it beautifully,
And yes, it works like a charm with books, too. This method is ideal if you have a limited collection of books or want to add a curated vibe to one of your floating shelves or side tables. Just group them in sets of three, placing them either vertically or flat-stacked, and pair them with an indoor plant, candle or decorative objects to complete the look.
Want to showcase a few favorites or add interest to a dull space? This is your move. It doesn’t overwhelm the space, helps you declutter books and lets each mini group stand on its own.
8. By read and unread status
Let’s be honest. We all have that towering pile of books we swore we’d read next weekend. So why not make it easier to track your progress?
Organizing books by read and unread status is one of the most practical ways to organize books on a bookshelf, especially for busy readers juggling work, studies and a growing TBR (to-be-read) list.
But how do you go with it?
Keep your unread books on one shelf and proudly display your favorites on another. For example, if you’ve already read “The Midnight Library,” give it prime real estate, front and center. Meanwhile, keep “The Psychology of Money” in the “next up” queue.
You can dedicate 2 sides of the shelf for this purpose as well – ‘read’ on the right side and ‘unread’ on the left side.
P.S. Create a dramatic effect using the book nooks.
9. Organize by purpose or category (study, work, hobby)
Books aren’t just for bedtime. Some fuel your career, others support your passions and a few…just help you survive finals week.
Organizing your books by purpose is a great way if you multitask like a pro. Here’s how to break it down:
- Base layer for study material: Place textbooks, exam guides and research papers on the lower shelf for quick access during crunch time.
- Middle tier for work reads: Keep productivity books, branding guides or marketing strategy bibles grouped together for focused reading.
- Top level for hobby picks: Stack baking books, travel guides or photography how-tos here.
Fran Lebowitz, an American author, commented that this method was her personal favorite by saying,
You can use modern bookends or small labels to break up each category. This method works great for marketers, freelancers or anyone whose bookshelf moonlights as a personal assistant.
Because when every book has a job, your shelf becomes less cluttered. And your mind follows suit.
Ways To Organize Books Without A Bookshelf
How to arrange books without a bookshelf? Well, you don’t have to think. I’ve compiled some of the best ways of doing it below.
1. Storage bins
Storage bins are a godsend when you’re tight on space but still want your books to stay tidy and protected from dust bunnies. This method is especially handy for small apartments, dorm rooms or shared spaces where vertical shelving isn’t an option.
You can slide the bins under your desk. Such home organization products not only save space but also keep curious kids who come to visit, away from the books. If you want a piece that’s waterproof and aesthetic, check out this foldable book organizer.
It’s suitable for both paperbacks and hardcovers, keeps your collection visible at a glance and folds flat when not in use. An organizational expert Marie Kondo puts it this way,
And these bins are just that.
Bonus tip: You can even sort your books by book categories like study, hobby or fiction/non-fiction (Hertfordshire University uses this method in their libraries).
2. Book cart or rotating shelf
If you’re tired of overstuffed shelves, a rotating shelf or book cart is one of the cutest ways to organize books without a bookshelf.
Unlike traditional shelving, this mobile setup gives you flexibility and flow. Roll it to your reading nook on lazy weekends or spin it around when you need that one paperback you swore you’d finish last month.
Need something functional and stylish? Say hello to this modern rotating bookshelf.
Have book categories in it like work reads and kids’ bedtime picks. Plus, it doubles as a statement piece in your home decor.
3. Stacked in a stylish column or nightstand tower
Stacking your books in neat vertical piles beside your bed or in a corner is another effective method, I must say. It works wonders in small rooms or dorms with zero shelving.
You’re open to being creative here — create themed stacks by book categories or even color-coded books. Just make sure your tower’s not wobbling like a Jenga set.
4. Under-bed storage
And the next way? Slide your books under the bed. It’s a practical way to organize books without sacrificing square footage. You may use storage bins or zippered organizers (as shown above), or put them in stacks as it is.
If you’re using bins, however, make sure to label them for quick scanning. If you want more ideas like this, check out our guide on minimalist dorm room ideas.
Anyhow, back to the point…it’s great for students or minimalists who want their space to be clean but still crave easy access to their favorite reads. Such storage organizers are one of the favorite organization hacks used by top professionals like Shira Gill.
5. Use mantel display
If your fireplace mantel is just collecting dust and random trinkets, why not turn it into a stylish mini library?
Stack a few books horizontally and prop up a couple of standout titles vertically with bookends or decorative vases. It’s an underrated yet charming solution for anyone wondering how to organize books without a shelf in sight.
You can switch books out seasonally, color-code your display or simply showcase your current reads here. Bonus: It doubles as eye-catching home decor with a cozy, curated feel.
FAQs
How to organize 200 books?
Start by dividing books by genre, purpose or read/unread status. Then choose a method, alphabetically, color-coded or by size. Then, use vertical shelves or storage bins for storage. Also, keep your most-used reads within easy reach and donate books you no longer need.
How to decide which books to keep or donate?
Keep books you truly enjoy, plan to reread or hold sentimental value. Donate those you’ve outgrown, won’t revisit or that are damaged. Ask yourself: Would I miss this if it was gone? If not, pass it on to a library or charity.
How to store books as a minimalist?
- Keep only the books that bring value: like meaningful reads, references or rereads.
- Use under-bed storage, rotating shelves or compact storage bins.
- Group them by purpose and arrange in small, styled stacks.
Should books be stored flat or upright?
Store books upright to prevent spine damage and ensure airflow – this is ideal for most books. However, larger or heavier hardcovers should be stored flat to avoid bending or warping. Avoid stacking too high, and support upright books with sturdy bookends.
In what order should I arrange my books?
You can arrange books alphabetically, by genre, by color or even by size. Some prefer sorting by purpose (study, work, hobby) or read vs unread. Choose what suits your reading style and space, as the goal is both function and visual harmony.
Bottom line
So, whether you’re a genre-junkie or just tired of your books living rent-free under your bed, there’s a method here with your name on it. These practical ways to organize books don’t just tidy up your space; they reflect you.
Got a method you’ll be implementing? Drop it in the comment section below.