Do you have a ton of books that you want to organize?
Here is a list of ideas on how you can organize them.
Please note that this is a sample of ways to organize your books. If you are in a profession or hobby that requires a complex classification system or method, send us a message and we can assist you on a one-on-one basis.
Pro Tip: if you are the type of person that loves changing the layout of your space and like rearranging from time to time, don't be afraid to shake it up and arrange them in different ways. Unless you need them to be in the same place like a library, have fun with it!
Library – yes, like your local library organizes their books. Its often called a universal scheme or a method, which will cover all subjects. Examples are the Dewey Decimal Classification (remember learning about this in elementary?) the Library of Congress Classification and Universal Decimal Classification. You can do a quick search engine search to learn more. Basically, pick a number/letter system that makes sense to you and stick with it. You can be as fancy as you need and want to be.
Pro Tip: I would only recommend this type of classification in your home or office if you have a lot of books, you are in a profession where you have to reference books all the time (maybe you a researcher, or a lawyer?) and you enjoy classifying. It's time-consuming and it only works if you stick with the system long term.
By Color. So fun! It's as simple as grouping all of the like-colored books together. You can arrange your books like a rainbow. You can also place them in different rooms by color for a dramatic effect.
Pro Tip: If you place books in direct sunlight, the hues may change over time.
By Shape. Sometimes, you have shelves and bookcases that are very slim and the bigger books don't fit. So place them by small books, medium, big.
Pro Tip: This is where coffee table books fit in. A lovely decorative piece and conversation starter!
Pro Tip: If you are really serious about the shape of your book, get a custom made riser that will prop your books up so they all look the same size.
Hardcover vs. Paperbacks. This one is easy, right? Hardcovers go together and Paperbacks go together. This is a great way to separate them if you have to take them out often. Have you ever tried taking out a book and the softer paperbacks got bent in there? Yea, it sucks.
Pro Tip: Paperbacks will bend less if they are stacked horizontally vs. vertically.
Alphabetical. Choose if you want to do it by the book title or author. This method works well if you are good at remembering names, of course. Don't try to be something you are not. If you can't remember the titles or authors, this method will make you go bonkers!
Pro Tip: If there are multiple authors, the one that goes first is usually in alpha order, too.
Genres. So this is where Fiction vs. Non-Fiction would go. It's how many bookstores organize their books. It's an easy and fast way to find books again.
Pro Tip: You can always have a sub organizing method. So if you organize it by Genre, you can also do a sub-organizing method by color or by author, etc.
By Fields. This organizing style fits very well with people who don't want to mix their books with other subjects (hey, I respect that!). Astrology with astrology, crafts with crafts, etc.
Pro Tip: Can't make up your mind what field most of your books are in or they fit into more than one category? Then I wouldn't necessarily recommend this organizing type because you will find yourself always second-guessing what section it goes in and soon, enough, you will stop thinking about it and just leave them wherever.
I'll keep adding to this list as we continue to find proven long-term ways of organizing books. And to my literary friends out there, I know you are very particular with how to organize books, so if you have a method that has worked long term, comment below and share it with us!
Kindly, Stephanie + The Organized Flamingo Team
