How Does a Bibliophile Decorate?

As a family who is constantly collecting books...it becomes a difficult decision sometimes as to where I put all these treasures.  We have six double bookcases in our den alone that are full of books.  My husband, being first a pastor and now a Chaplain, has collected great theological works ever since we were married.  Then came homeschooling, which literally exploded our book collection...and there are other books too... for crafting, cooking, spiritual edification, etc.  What to do with all those books!?  So, I try as much as possible to find attractive ways to arrange our collections.  I like to group books in sets together, so I do not lose sight of them, and then I begin arranging them in different ways, placing various articles on or around them to make them a decorative grouping.

In this grouping, an old chair holds gardening books.  The bench is home to a very old collection on top that works with the primitive touch there and underneath are my Gooseberry crafting books all lined up to give some color.

Here is a shot a little distance away from some of our bookshelves.  I have tried to use my book and basket collections to make groupings and use the space as wisely as possible.

Pictures nearby always add a homey touch.

Some paperback books are just not attractive on shelves.  I like to put those in baskets (which also saves room) and then use these small chalkboard ties to easily let me know what is in them.  I tried using chalk with these and little ones kept wiping them off.  Then I found out about these. However, they can be expensive, but Michael's and A.C. Moore carry them...so if you have those stores, wait for the 50% off coupon! 

Do you have lots of books at your house?  I would love to know how you manage the ever growing collection!!!  Hope you are all having a glorious week in the Lord!