Turning A Spare Bedroom Into A Home Library With 800+ Books

[@WellOfEchoes]

As a bookworm, I’m so happy to see the books NOT organised by colour for this makeover. Sometimes it looks effective, but in a larger library, books need to be organised by either author or genre. It looks lovely Alexandra. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼

[@nataliepilcher6688]

Yes!

[@pamkowal7464]

I organize by height within genre.

[@GillDawe]

Yea, trying to find one of 800 books by colour??? Nightmare.

[@jemma50]

Megan H, I totally agree! Especially with this many books. Organizing by colour has never made sense to me, although it does look nice in some cases with far fewer books! ;) But this is a rainbow of books and it looks awesome! ♥

[@jemma50]

@@GillDawe right?!

[@elizabethchurchill2933]

I organize my books as if I'm seating the authors (or in some cases the protagonists) at a large dinner party, in an effort to facilitate the liveliest and most interesting conversations amongst them.

[@nochannel4425]

I love this, what a cool concept.

[@WellOfEchoes]

This is brilliant 👏🏼🙌🏼

[@jhlsfox0230]

oooh I love this!!

[@steph4691]

I need pictures!

[@nikkihines3652]

Perfect !!! 😎

[@laurenmiller149]

this is gonna sound weird, but I organize by books by vibe. they don't have to be the same genre or of similar color way, they just have to... feel good together lol.

[@ReadwithStefani]

Same!

[@bethanywhetstone6448]

I do the same thing. If it doesn’t feel right I rearrange until it does.

[@angelacanedit]

same

[@teagan8908]

Exactly! If the books don't look good together they must be moved!

[@alexeloriaga8285]

I feel this though!

[@SpicySapphire]

As a bibliophile, I totally have room envy. I’ve been trying to figure out how to do the same in my office. Thanks for the ideas!

[@AngelaSmith2030]

Yeah this is a really good idea

[@gingersutton8240]

I envy all you younger who are able to style the book loves of your lives. I can hear how you are pulling your identity together by how you store & collect your books & how you want to feel in your book room. I am very senior now! I am preparing to simplify myself w the emphasis of down sizing. I have given 100s of my beloved books away & the leaving behind tell the end of my story. It is wonderful to be able to know who you turned out to be & how you grew into that person. Cherish history being told w the use of your books. Choose well, my dears!

[@theresabu3000]

I was really sceptical that track shelving would look good. But with the books it really gave library/office vibes - which was what she wanted. I personally would have future proofed the tracks so they go as far down as possible - and she can add shelves later if she needs to... 😇

[@alicephillips841]

Kudos to you for not falling for the design trend of placing books with spines hidden. For book lovers like me, this seems so stupid and really screams that the books are nothing but props. Great design on this room!

[@drei5573]

i think this is proof that books don’t need to be arranged by color in order to look good! great job alexandra ❤️

[@apfelprincess45]

They don't have to look good, the arrangement has to make you the owner happy.

[@DraconicMaiden]

I'm actually so happy to see the books organized and NOT by color. As a person who also has a vast book collection, color organization drives me up a wall...I would never be able to find anything. Love the idea of a rug and the curtains!

[@allisonpiazza2317]

Breaking up authors/series makes me physically twitch. 😂

[@rebeccacartier153]

My books are organized by category, then the Dewey decimal system, and then by color if it makes sense… but I have no where near 800 books, my collection is more like 60 books.

[@michelledee9304]

We are book collectors and converted our garage into a library. There is floor to ceiling book shelves on 3 walls of the garage. It's nice to see other readers on your channel. Our books are organized by subject and then by author within the subjects.

[@wendygalligan8984]

I'd love to se a pic of this Michelle, how cool!

[@bettyfadrigon673]

Room looks great!! I am. 73 year old grandmother, and dedicated follower of you. One day, soon, I will be downsizing, and plan on implementing many of your ideas. I picked out the same curtains for my granddaughter’s bedroom, and would love to add the hand tie backs. Do you mind sharing?

[@ellison2024]

Hint: Click the title of the video above. She put links to everything. They are from Anthropology. I loved your comment! And I can only hope to be that cool at 73. Have a great day!

[@nancys4775]

Awww....I thought I was the eldest follower at 57. Nice to know that there are other cool seniors following our madly talented and wholesome AG. : )

[@PinkShips-h9r]

You can count me in, I’m 70, but my pic is 10 yrs old.

[@robine6337]

63 and a follower!

[@corrinea8712]

You don't have to be young to love decorating!! I won't give my age but I'm up there too! I redecorate all the time! Forever young💕💕

[@DIYDanie]

Ugh, so good 😍

[@magorzatakucharczyk7301]

Danieeeee

[@Justmewatchingavideo]

So ironic! I just put up track shelving in my office. I think I may add more shelves because I didn’t realize just how many books I have. I also plan to incorporate a few shelves for craft supplies. Thank you for affirming that I chose the right way to go, and pointing out how you put most of the shelves the same height for a clean look. Can’t wait to see your kitchen video.

[@turningcursive2255]

One of the biggest transformations with the fewest elements changed and I love it! Surprised that I think that it’s one of my faves!

[@WellOfEchoes]

I agree, it’s one of my favourite rooms also 🥰👏🏼🤩

[@valarya]

For my bookshelves, they have to be organized by genre (fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, etc) -- and then grouped by AUTHOR, no matter the series. It's how I love it :D lol

[@lauriebriggs9705]

I agree. So easy to find what you are looking for. That’s why actual libraries organize their shelves this way.

[@lauraelliott2100]

My to-be-read shelves have to be like this too, with one shelf specifically for sequels to books I've already read. But my read books are currently in color order expect my favorite authors who get top shelf billing :D

[@72mje]

Valarya - Agreed. All these other organisational systems give me anxiety issues... :)

[@mauricepowers3804]

It actually looks bigger!!! And beautiful 🥰 I would add an ottoman that can tuck under the shelves so she can prop up her feet when reading in that Awesome chair!! Great room🌻

[@87ishani]

Is exactly what I thought too :D

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

I love this makeover. Spreading the books around makes the room a bit more relaxing (is that possibly a thing). The rug is beautiful in this room. Any who, yeah, I love the remake.

[@zerbstablackthunder3514]

Just simply seeing your books is relaxing.

[@hannahl610]

I would’ve loved to see it painted dark - I like those dark cozy vibes, as I think light colours can end up looking dingy when a room doesn’t get much light. Also I spent so long living with “rental beige” walls that now I own my apartment I just want colour everywhere 😂 But it’s definitely polarising and it can be hard to paint over, I can see why she’d prefer to keep the walls light

[@leticiavallejo7914]

I painted my chocolate brown to give it a cozy look and I love it!‼🤗

[@zarahvanderlaan6584]

i painted my walls forest green and i love it it's so cozy, i definitely prefer darker walls

[@serenakoleno9338]

Don't forget she is using the room to write. Important to have good natural light.

[@farisfayedalshebani]

Fits well into my space, I painted the back green. It's very easy to customize just the back if that's something you want to do. I would suggest sanding it first before painting, I got a little impatient. The shelves kzbin.infoUgkxM8H4CjCb79vzeyvgaFMdzmLm88oVFPMkare pretty small so keep that in mind if you're going to have it horizontal that some books won't fit. I like the snug look that it has. Good small shelf if you don't have much space, but not too small. Simple to put together, though you'll need your own tools, a screwdriver and a mallet/hammer, it's easiest to do with another person.

[@MakaahMoo]

I would love to see a video where the makeover centers around maximalism!! I used to be afraid of having "stuff" but I've developed a love for organized chaos and honestly don't understand how come I don't see or hear of it more often in general (:

[@RocketChild]

This is definitly my type of make over. Sometimes I see 'book lover' videos online but there's hardly any books. This big library was perfect. Personally I prefer to organise my books standing upright by genre, series, then alphabetical order. I like the extra storage of the bracket shelves and will keep that in mind for the future

[@Datgurlmeechiecooks]

All that open floor space and AG didn't bring in a single basket, Im shocked at this turn of events. But gorgeous per usual!!

[@TelevisionwithTricia]

Late to the party here - I discovered the Studio Fix series and am now binging my way through the rest of your videos. Love the books!!! Love how they are organized like an actual library and NOT by color. Also love your top in the intro - one of your most flattering outfit combos!

[@pamelafox7677]

Love it, this was a success. The deep shelves look luxurious and as noted allow for layered decor.

[@whitneydupuis5542]

As a book lover and book collector, this is a dream. Beautiful job. Thank you for respecting the book sorting/display/organization. It’s more important than people know. Haha

[@diabolicme]

The flash back made me realise how long i have been watching your videos... Kudos AG

[@EliseMcDowell]

LOVE this soooooo much!!! It’s my dream to have a whole room dedicated to my books 😍😍😍😍

[@peggynorton5535]

Same here

[@amsbmp]

Its a room made for a magazine spread. "Hey, Hgtv I'm ready for my show" worthiness. Ty for sharing

[@Sami-dg7dh]

i organize by genre and then i keep my faves and current reads in their own spot :)

[@marvymaxee]

I am so impressed with this transformation! Congrats on seeing the incredible potential in that small space. 👍🏻 Functionality and beauty-perfectly combined.

[@aneleh6]

So pretty! I have a lot of books and I don’t organize them at all. I didn‘t know it was such a thing among bookworms. Also I love when books look read, so donkey ears and broken backs are totally fine with me:)

[@grammarnazi12]

I actually love buying used books over new ones for this reason (in addition to being significantly more budget friend of course)! I feel like used books have more character, though if I had the budget I wouldn't mind buying all new books and imbuing them with said character myself too.

[@GillDawe]

Love how this turned out. I just love how books look on a shelf together, so much colour! I organize my books by genre, then alphabetical by author. Just seems like the best way as someone who reads every day. I need to find that book I'm looking for quick!

[@jemma50]

Gill Dawe, exactly! ♥

[@FurnitureFan]

I do likewise, because some authors write across genres, fiction and non fiction. I really liked the flexibility of the track shelving. I have the best of both as I have wooden bookshelves with adjustable notches.

[@lauriebriggs9705]

And that’s why actual libraries organize that way.

[@GillDawe]

@@lauriebriggs9705 My inspiration :P

[@WatYaGonnaDo]

Graeme!! It’s spelled Graeme!!! How utterly cool.

[@penn6693]

I loved Daniel's laugh when she first saw the room, so genuinely happy! Looks wonderful, Alexandra.

[@O-Demi]

I have recently been to a cafe stacked with books just like this, from top to bottom, and it roused my almost forgotten love for reading

[@janetd4862]

Love the reading corner. The chair looks comfy, but I would personally want an ottoman, too.

[@gingersutton8240]

Yes, ambient light!

[@suzannepharr7869]

My favorite book decorating tip is to lean some of my art books against the other books facing out so the covers are on display like they do in bookstores. But any book with a great cover works. It creates instant art!

[@astzfat3319]

Love it! You always create inviting cozy warmth! I catch myself - stopping most every video to check out the books' titles & contents! Averaging 60 books per shelf, I've got well over 4,000 well loved books on shelves/double book depth, 7' tall. The room will feel like being held in a big other worldly hug! Seeing this video, you've inspired me to rebuild to single depth, utilizing more wall space, making all books more visable/more easily accessable and making the room more cozy. Thank you! 💞

[@debjones1028]

What a great makeover. Love the way it turned out. I am a bookworm. I read very fast. Two books a day is not unusual. BUT, holding the books makes my hands cramp. So, I sold all my books, over 2000 of them. Now I have them all on my iPad.

[@margiepickle]

Love this library! I organize my books by category and then by color within each category so it still looks harmonious.

[@carlyh6913]

I'm so glad Carla made AG pretend type at the desk like she always does

[@RaeC]

When you said track shelves I was thinking o no. Then I saw them in and realized that’s why I’m not a designer or decorator. Looks amazing.

[@andreakovacs3308]

Exactly! I had the same feeling 🙂

[@globe1987]

As a student, I organise my books by topic. Makes them so much easier to grab when I need them.

[@margywalker1722]

I love this library room makeover, my only tiny thing i would change is to either leave the curtains straight, or move the tie backs in because the curtains look odd stretched so far back xx

[@magdazelezik9073]

I love all your makeovers and I watched them from the mentioned redo of the Billy bookcase :) I also got inspired a ton. It's repeating pattern for me that the chairs used for home office do not seem ergonomic enough. I am software dev and so is my husband and we NEED ergonomic chairs (life after 30 is no joke haha). We also share a tiny space and I think the chairs really make a statement :( They're IKEA, so they don't look too bad, but still... I am really looking forward to a video with some tips how to either style a home office around ergonomic work area or style the area itself. I would really appreciate that! Again, I got super inspired by so many ideas and DIY's in this channel, especially on the budget. Sending love from Copenhagen, Denmark! :)

[@FurnitureFan]

Beautiful layout. Great use of colour and white space. Love how you made the track shelving look cosy and the reading nook is a great addition. I would add a small cube or padded chest as a footrest.

[@MKBalvantrai_uo9pn]

really so beautiful i am so exited to see that lovely and thinkable place you made to sit always in there like i don't wanna go anywhere but in library.

[@btsvtxt143]

Love this!!! I now want my own mini library too 😍 and i find it funny how very much delighted i am not to see the books sorted by colors 😅✌🏻 The room looks so cozy! Great job Team AG!

[@mslafave5689]

Your end product is always better than one can anticipate. Bravo!

[@adrividrio]

I remember your first video! I loved that print for the bookcase. You've persisted and are doing awesome designs. Congrats from Madrid

[@sharonf106]

As a book lover and collector, I loved this. Only, if it were me, I would shorten the space between shelves to allow more shelves for books. I have wanted a designated library of my own, and have finally been able to have one. I tend to group my books by subjects, i.e., biographies, fiction, crafting, classics. I fall in love with them every time I go into the room.

[@sarahleslie3808]

Looks amazing!! I dream of the day of having a library of my own. As for organization- I organize by author and then by series. And then I have a shelf or two of books that are a mix of stand alone a by different authors and those are organized by similar themes. I also have an entire shelf that holds my book club books…we’ve been meeting every month for 3 years, so I keep all those books together.

[@tracygarrett3952]

It came out great and one of your top five makeovers. I would add a radiator cover at some point and longer curtains.

[@jenpen7888]

I just love this room , it’s just beautiful ... the hand tie backs and curtains are so cool too but I would’ve hung them more straight down. Otherwise it’s beautiful 😻

[@sfowler1017]

Yeah, could have achieved the same light effect by just extending the rod on either side.

[@katecubed]

The hand tie backs creep me out a little. But I also don't like human figures (or parts of them) in pottery or statuary. And modern paintings of people's faces .... shudder.

[@suziejames7510]

@@sfowler1017 Yes, I'd have done that too and had the curtains covering the walls leaving the window fully exposed. This trick also makes the window appear much larger. It's something I do in my own home as I don't have very wide Windows. I would also have foregone those tie backs.

[@irisheyesjen]

Wow, I am impressed she has that New Yorker print! Very rare at this point, and looks in terrific condition.

[@bellaluce7088]

Yay to books getting center stage! ❤📚👏 Love all the cozy artful touches that elevate the space. A great place to work, indeed! Kudos!

[@inapickle9153]

You done good! You almost have it!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉. The only thing missing is that special spot for those favorite books to be displayed. Maybe a glass curio dedicated to those extra special books that mean everything to the reader. Every reader has a few favorite books and things that remind them of the wonder of reading. Remember that and your next library will be perfect. Blessings 💕💞

[@cherylmusgrove7]

Gorgeous- a seriously opinionated home library book nerd. Well done!!!!! It’s the first time I’ve ever loved floating shelves in a library !❤️

[@melissaemert9328]

I would love to see you makeover a craft room. I think you would take it to a whole other level than what I normally see.

[@melissaemert9328]

This is amazing! Beautiful! I organize my books by type. Then, I line them up according to height with a few stacked flat. Works for me. I like to put large hardback books in large, vintage floor magazine racks that are stored on the floor.

[@Raxx777]

you really out-did yourself on this one- alittle diff then your others but always with your great sense of style. What a cozy but light space! Love also the New Yorker print- seems to blend into the wall while still adding color.

[@agatab3620]

Amazing makeover! I'm in awe of the level coziness in this office room. Wow! ❤️

[@wrosapfs]

I love this makeover! You inspire me so much. I watch your videos daily and this is the one time I would tweak something. . . I work from home and can't stand facing the closet. I would turn the desk around to face the books and window behind Me for the natural light. Of course I know that means that when I zoom I would probably have to move my chair to the other side so I could have that as a background. Thank you thank you for what you do!!

[@trevorroche1]

content that I keep coming back to every week without fail and inspired every time

[@AlexandraGater]

💕💕💕

[@pamelastapleton2667]

First thought on the shelves you were going to use I said "Oh NO", they'll look awful. Wow now, I love them. They really look wonderful! You really nailed this room.

[@BlueShaz68]

I tried the 'order by colour' after watching various booktuber channels and the rainbow effect looks great but it tends to break up series (and drove me crazy after a while!) so I now organise by genre first, then author. How to order books is a seriously personal thing but it's also something that only bibliophiles take seriously :)

[@aviajarehema7393]

This office makeover was great! Highlights IMO: Shelf,Bracket,Track, both lights and Light cord, Desk lamp and Desk chair. 👌👍👍

[@ruthbindas2039]

Also I love how mean Carla is to you, totally my sense of humour 😂😂

[@kristenwang]

Love this!! Alex, would LOVE to see a home-office set up for 2 people (my boyfriend and I are both currently working from home and are struggling to create a space that is functional but still cute for the both of us!)

[@itstarasgroovyworld]

OH WOW, this was my favorite makeover to date and there wasn’t even any paint involved! 😍👏🏻

[@Raindrop2424]

Bookshelves in every form are one if not THE part of ones home or flat that I always find the most interesting. But also other collections things were you can practically visit and experience a persons heart and soul and what the are loving 💖

[@aprilw4599]

you organize your books however you damn well want! love this library alexandra!

[@debbiethompson6240]

The best compliment from Danielle at the end of her email, "that I get to work in this space everyday", says it all!

[@kujbuszsofia8824]

I love your videos! Always great ideas and your outfits are so cute! 🥰🥰

[@AlexandraGater]

Thank you so much!

[@kaybanks8781]

Love this room. My last book count is about 1,300 so I have do it alphabetically or I'll never find anything!

[@nicolalang5603]

Perfect timing for my lunch break! ❤️ Loooove books and I'd love to have a library, this is so cosy and warm. At least I've picked up loads of tips from your videos on how to style my shelves 😁

[@WellOfEchoes]

Nicola, I’m with you. Until I started watching Alexandra’s videos, I’ve realised I have no idea whatsoever how to style shelves. When the day comes that I need to style another shelf, I know I will literally need to go back to a certain few videos to see how she works her magic. ✨🙌🏼✨

[@colleencunningham8790]

I thought it was going to be a mistake to get rid of the billy bookcases, but you made the right call!!!! The library turned out absolutely amazing!! :)

[@kelliewrightparke7706]

My dream cabin in the woods includes my own little library room ! Love this !

[@kileyfitzgerald6792]

I love the nook area by the lamp- it's like a cozy tree house or something! Love this, you knocked it outta the park! You kinda got away from doing these types of vids and it's easy to see your growth and how you're changing! Very cool, Ms.! Very cool, indeed!

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

What a great transformation! It's functional, cozy, bright, and beautiful! I love all the unique touches throughout the room, such as the hanging light and the curtain tiebacks! What more could anyone want in a makeover?! Well done!

[@monsoondreamer]

When I moved from California to Portugal in the middle of the pandemic, I gave up all of my 1500+ book collection except for 150 cookbooks and about the same in photography and travel books. With so few to concern myself with, I used two bookcases in two different rooms. The cookbook bookshelf is a simple cherry bookshelf from Room&Board that fits in well with our Danish/MCM esthetic. And yes, it's colorized--each shelf goes from left to right, 🌈 style. As a confirmed bibliophile, I would argue that it is not only beautiful to look at, but it forces me to slow down a bit and enjoy what I have as I wonder whether that fondue book has an orange or green spine.

[@naomigracenolasco4976]

I love customizable bookshelves. I am the type of person who rearranges her books once in a while and it bothers me that I could only just change how the books are arranged and not the whole layout. When I get my own house, I would definitely do this.

[@stephaniesuy7162]

Stunning! I love how relatable your content is lately. Not buying everything new, but using the stuff people already own. Big fan!

[@HeatherCashArt]

I love this so much! I want to turn my guest room (which is also my bunny's room) into a library so this will be my inspiration!!

[@zerowhite2286]

A guest room full of books and a resident bunny. Make that bunny a cat and it would be my idea of Heaven!

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

First off...the room looks bigger! Fantastic!

[@indiramichaelahealey5156]

I like most of your designing make overs. Abd with this one you really outdid yourself. Very nice, very well done!

[@MeAVE243]

It looks beautiful! There is something magical about being surrounded by the books, rather than having them stacked up on one wall. The only bummer is that there really isn't any room to grow. The shelves are still full and have no room for new books.

[@megand576]

Obsessed with the hand tie backs! You always find the cutest decor items that I end up purchasing as well. Thanks for sharing where you buy everything from!

[@K3NNAD00D]

In my little library, I have classics on one big shelf, non fiction on another, then the random books that I don't have a lot of the same genre on the other big shelf. Super small library, but a lot of books fit on this book shelf! One day it will be much more organized when I have more space for bigger shelving units, but this works for now!

[@lynnetrue4103]

She's so happy! Good job Alexa and crew. The books and shelves look great! It is a very inviting room. I personally would want the curtains on rings so visually the curtains hung beyond the window making it look wider. She picked the desk but I would rather have a white top on the desk in that room.

[@jemma50]

A rainbow of books! Yay! No doubt organized by subject, genre, category. Perfect! Normally, I don't like those kinds of shelves, but they really work in this situation. Well done, Alexandra!! ♥

[@nandhaC3]

Watching you for makeover is one thing but you guys roasting each other as well as the rapport you guys have are incredible !!! And you sound like sassy sunshine 😁.

[@andreamiller3578]

Room looks great. So nice to see a room in which books get proper appreciation. :-) I always organize by genre, then by author. If it's a series, then I put them in order, otherwise it's usually just alphabetically or in the order in which I bought them.

[@isabelleroy5519]

I just cannot believe how much talent you have...so beautiful!!

[@quadbox]

I loooove this. I would die for a place like that to work in everyday and it's so good that Team AG honoured her book organisation. If have loads of books that I use (I'm doing my post doc) so I have my books in categories because I need to be able to access them. I would love one of those video shorts on how to organise your books by category, but in a aesthetically pleasing way. 😅

[@emilys9782]

Beautiful! A suggestion for next time: make sure the curtains extend all the way to the ends of the rod. This not only looks correct, but it will hide the brackets.

[@UKLeonie]

Bookhead here, I like to organise between TBR and read, then paperback V hardback and fiction v non-fiction. Definitely liking the idea of my spare room being more comfy and functional for office space,as I do hate to waste space.

[@laura_hunsaker]

You managed to make the room feel so much larger! Love the wrap around shelving. Great job, definitely subscribing!

[@SunnyLeah]

I also thought the shelves were going to be too deep at first, but then I really ended up loving the idea of having space in front of the books for putting decor or other special items (or another row of books…🤔😆). Great idea for those of us with a ton of books because we don’t usually have room for the pretty extras.

[@vithushikuganesan3811]

I love that book shelf, curtains, lamps. What is left 🤣🤣, everything I loved it.😊❤️❤️

[@GodsChildrenOnEarth]

Thanks for your inspiration! I got the idea of floating shelf close to the ceiling (for small spaces) and now I know what I will do with my wide shelves (I will out cute decorations in front and plants.). I organize my books by subject.

[@jumerus]

I am in the process of figuring out books in my new home and as a fellow book lover I tested up when you showed the end! So good!!

[@heatherinparis]

Oh my goodness! How PRETTY!! BTW I'm 73 and have a dedicated library room as well. Never have counted how many books I have but have 6 Billy bookcases and 2 random Walmart bookcases FILLED almost to sagging with volumes. You can amass a LOT of books in 73 years :P