Books in decoration, sorted by size

Three methods coexist. By colour: very Instagram, very Pinterest, very dated. Functionally useless (you look for a book by its content, not its cover colour). Visually infantilising. Avoid. By author or theme: logical for function (finding a book), but visually chaotic (random heights and colours). For working libraries (study, workshop). By size: the most visually elegant and pragmatic method. Books arranged by height. Calming effect, storage remains functional.

Sort into size families. Large formats (art books, coffee table books, over 28 cm). Medium formats (essays, large-format novels, 20-25 cm). Small formats (paperbacks, standard novels, 15-19 cm).

Arrange by shelf. Lower shelves: large formats (often the heavy art books, easier to access). Middle shelves: medium formats. Upper shelves: small formats.

Intersperse decorative objects. Every 10-15 books, intersperse a decorative object: a vase, a ceramic, a sculpture, a framed photo. These objects break the monotony of the row and add rhythm. Rule: approximately 70% books, 30% objects in a decorative bookcase.

A few books stacked horizontally. On each shelf, lay two or three books flat (stacked horizontally) to break the "straight vertical line" effect. Often a large format laid flat, with a decorative object placed on top.

Covers you dislike. Many modern books have unattractive covers. If a cover bothers you, turn the book around (spine visible rather than front). A trick decorators have used for years.

Pierre Yovanovitch sorts his bookcases by size with very precise balance: 40% vertical books, 20% stacked horizontally, 30% decorative objects, 10% empty space. These proportions give a bookcase that breathes.

A pro tip: raw stone or marble bookends. Instead of filling the shelf entirely, use fewer books and beautiful bookends to "hold" the row. More airy and refined effect.