How to store books in a bookshelf

Submitted by Clemmutine t3_11vwpcy in books

I've been growing my book collection and I really want to sit them up on my book shelf to admire them. But the thing is they are exposed to sunlight and sat upright. I know if you sit them upright they can warp and if you leave them exposed to sunlight they turn yellow. So how can I store my books in my room in a way where I can still admire them and keep them in good condition for a longer time? Or is it just a lost cause and I have to accept the fact they will worsen under my conditions?

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Handyandy58 t1_jcvn76n wrote

Rearrange the room, or simply do not worry about it.

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcvno99 wrote

Given the fact that i dont 100% like the idea of re-arranging my room, I think i will just tell my brain to shut up and let it go. Hopefully somebody does have an idea that i can carry out though lmao

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chortlingabacus t1_jcvn4gt wrote

Simple enough. Unless you've many bookcases, move the ones you have to north walls. (Fwiw, I've many many bookcases & live in a place where in summer there is prolonged northern sunlight but I've never been over-bothered about fading spines for the most part; I don't like to see the effects of glare on art & design books spines, but I lower the blinds on west side of house in late summer afternoons for my own benefit anyway.)

They won't warp if you put them between firmly placed bookends or better still when you have enough books to fill a shelf with books that will cheerfully provide support to their neighbours.

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcvolsv wrote

I only have 1 book case to accommodate for 2 series of books (1 of the series is very long) that i have, plus some other random books i've read. But i'll have to think about re-arranging it.

And thank god, luckly the books will be able to fit tightly next to eachother once i (hopefully) get the entire collection. Glad to know the warping issue is solved.

Thank youu!!!!

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XwitchedX t1_jcvoazb wrote

You could look into adding door/s to the bookcase. And they make "UV protection plexiglass"(the same things they use in jersey shadow boxes) and you could add that as the glass. It will be light weight, and protect the books at the same time❤️

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcvotrl wrote

Oo that is a really good idea, ill be able to admire and keep them sun protected! Thank you!!!

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XwitchedX t1_jcx9zcs wrote

Of course! Im looking to do this with my bookshelf once i get myone custom built. ❤️❤️ always gotta enjoy the pretty spines/book faces.

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Clemmutine OP t1_jd20r4x wrote

Im not sure if you'll be able to answer this question but i was wondering if i took some scrap fabric (cloth material) and hung it over the books that are exposed to the sun, would that protect them? Or would it do nothing at all?

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XwitchedX t1_jdgf76w wrote

Umm i honestly dont know. Google says you can use linen drapes. Apparently linen can filter out UV rays, but still let light in.

Hope that helped!

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[deleted] t1_jcvdyk8 wrote

[deleted]

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcvipi3 wrote

Yes that is a good idea, but i forgot to mention that i love to open my curtains while the sun is out. I makes my room feel more alive i guess.

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vinniethestripeycat t1_jcvnlsw wrote

Hang the blackout curtains on the bookcases. You can tie them back when your window curtains are closed or when it's not sunny.

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcvnztn wrote

Oo that could work, but i wont be able to randomly admire it whenever. But regardless that it is a really good idea that i think i can do! Thank You!!!!!

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Jessicamorrell t1_jcvhvln wrote

2nd this. You can buy some from Walmart or even order them on Amazon. Other stores like Big Lots and Target sell them too and I think I saw some at Ollie's which is a discount store awhile back. They are usually inexpensive. I use them for my migraines so I have them in my bedroom and the livingroom.

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lucia-pacciola t1_jcz1scf wrote

Use bookends to hold books straight so they don't warp.

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Clemmutine OP t1_jczk24q wrote

Ive never heard of bookends before thats so useful thank you!!

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impossiblysc t1_jczpqt0 wrote

When I worked at a library we covered all the books, and it's relatively easy to do yourself I think, you would just need clear contact paper for paperbacks, I'm not sure about hardcover paper covers though, we covered them with this clear plastic thing

I'm not sure quite how to explain it without pictures but if you look up how libraries cover books you might find something

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Clemmutine OP t1_jcztd2c wrote

I think i see what youre talking about when i look it up. I didnt know they even made those. Thank You!!!

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AnodyneRain t1_jcvlrae wrote

If you have the room, you can try to re-arrange the area and have the shelf face away from the windows, so that way they won't get sun bleached.

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