Single Strip of Colour: I love this method of colour blocking books because it is subtle yet bold and looks smashing in neutral and colourful interiors alike.

Unique Colour Palettes: No need to follow the idea of making a rainbow. I prefer colour blocked bookshelves that use unique colour palettes including mixing soft hues with bright ones. In most interiors, it makes the look feel less forced and helps if you happen to have books in one particular colour family.

Gallery White Spaces: Colour blocked books can look incredible in all light interiors especially when the design follows an artful, gallery sensibility. You definitely can’t get away with many ratty books in this approach!

Dark backgrounds: Black, wood or neutral grey shades can make bold backgrounds for books organized by colour. I especially like that first image as it showcases how bright coloured books can look beautifully striking when mixed with many white spines.

Bring up the topic of colour blocked bookshelves with interior design-minded friends and you will find those who adore the look and those who hate it. Design critics can be especially snarky on the topic! Personally, I love it but understand that it can go into cheesy territory fairly quickly. I’ve been searching for images for a couple months that exemplify the colour blocking styles that I love –  a single strip of colour, unique palettes, white gallery settings and dark backgrounds. I find I like the rainbow look less often then a random but organized selection of hues. I particularly like when just a row of colourful books splash into an industrial space. Colour blocked books definitely colour me happy… What about you?

(photographs via the design files, the selby, design*sponge, trendland, decor8, apartment therapy, fjeldborg, easy living, hus & hem, design*sponge, better homes and gardens, the selby, one kings lane, heart home magazine, deco my place, seventeen doors, little green notebook, hus & hem, lonny magazine, terkultura, apartment therapy, yatzer, the design files, lovenordic and chotda)