Here's a fun idea: for today’s trendiest décor look, shelve your books by spine color for a rainbow of reading. It's a free, easy way to freshen your style.

Why don't we make better use of our books, decoratively speaking? I am completely addicted to books and love having them in my home, but I've realized lately that some of them are more clutter than collection. I want my library to reflect who I am today.

I’ve come across a few great ideas to manage your collection so you can make the most of how you present it.

First, check out LibraryThing. This is an amazing, easy DIY tool for cataloging your books. You can post your catalog and share it, finding like-minded bookies who share your taste, or keep it private.

Finding yourself with a lot of books you don’t really want to catalog, because they’re no longer you? Sell them through an easy program like the one offered by independent bookstore Powell’s, donate them to your local library or a charity that distributes them to those who can use them (just search "donate books" to find choices).


Finally, with the books you really love cataloged and sorted, invest in beautiful shelving and make a visual decorative statement with your books. The rainbow idea is fun and dramatic. And these Railroad Tie Bookshelves by VivaTerra are rustic yet modern and are made from recycled railroad ties on an airy metal base ($869).

Images: Eccentric Scholar and VivaTerra

Note: VivaTerra is an EcoSalon sponsor.