Booked and Covered

Booked & Covered A book shelf can be considered art because each book on it is an individual work of graphic design with a unique identity. A grouping of books with various covers and jackets make a composition. Different colors, heights, graphics, and finishes of individual books make a statement when placed together on a shelf.

In a combination living room and art studio Samuel Fleming Lewis had a long deep wall ledge that served as a bookcase. Books were conveniently placed in a long row that had visual appeal. The books added too much color to the space. The solution to color overload was to cover all of the books in brown craft paper. The covered books became a unifying element instead of a colorful distraction.

Books in unifying paper jackets are nothing new but may not be for everyone. Consider the patience that it takes to cover the books. Identifying an individual book is difficult because they all look alike, therefore a system for labels must be developed and shelves must be organized so books can be easily found.

In formal rooms, combination rooms and rooms where a book collection seems out of place, covered books in matching paper jackets can add style and décor to the room.

Cover a few books a day and soon you will have a library that is there but not there.

Design directors Samuel Fleming Lewis and Stephen Kladder of INSTUDIO like brown craft paper covers, but paper options are endless. A designer friend covered all of the books in her living room in pink. When books say too much on their own, calm them down with the unifying element of matching covers. instudio­sf.com