Creating a Themed Bookshelf With Space and/or Money Limits
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When I first saw Elizabeth’s book wall I was amazed and a little envious! As a renter, installing shelves like that just isn’t an option. I know some of you may have similar barriers– maybe you’re in a temporary living space or don’t have the skills to install. So, here are some ideas to make a budget-friendly (and even temporary) themed bookshelf!
Any empty surface down at your kid’s level will do. I use a bay window in my house.
If you don't have something available, a simple cube shelf is a great option. This one is $32 on Amazon. Laying it longways will give you space for the display (and reduce tipping issues!).
Next, we need a sign or something to display the name of the theme. As you can see from my photo above, I just use markers and papers to make my letters, then hang them with twine and clothespins. This is all stuff I had laying around in my limited arts and crafts bin. You may have your own DIY/craft area to pull from. For simplicity, here is a small white board for $13 that you can prop up in, atop, or next to the cube to indicate the theme (and maybe even draw something, if you’re more artistic than I am!).
Now you’re ready to add books! I use the library for all of my themed shelves and I aim for 4-7 books to keep my 3-year-old interested but not overwhelmed. A few of the books can stand open atop the shelf, with the rest in the cube underneath.
How to go about collecting 4-7 theme books? Ordering from the library’s online database is the way to go. If I’m in there with my 3-year-old, I definitely don’t have the attention span to search the shelves. Even if I’m alone, my time is limited. Identify the list of books to order and put the holds in right from your phone. Ordering them all at once should mean they all come in within a week or two. I recommend ordering a few extras, in case some aren’t able to come in on time, or you open one and it’s way too long or not what you were looking for.
Where to get the list? First and foremost, @thekidlitmama’s posts are an absolute treasure trove. Scroll back through the months to see her many collections and what your child may enjoy. Second, keep an eye out for example lists in the coming newsletters. Third, plain old google can get you plenty of ideas (though these aren’t curated, so definitely order extras if you’re using that method).
Once you have all the books, set that display up! I always do it when my son is out of the house so that I can have a grand reveal. It’s always very exciting to see his face light up at the new collection. I usually leave mine up for two weeks, longer if I’m busy or if he’s still interested in the books.
What do you think of these ideas? Have you tried anything like this at home? Want to share a photo of your bookshelf? Any lists you would like to see in future newsletters?
Let me know at laurenreadsitall@gmail.com.
