One of my current clients has a large library of books, and as I redesign her room, I have been thinking about how best to store her collection.

Book storage can be tricky. Options range from entirely closed bookcases to open etageres. A closed system hides clutter (and any embarrassing trashy novels you picked up at the airport!); but open shelving allows your library to be a design element in its own right– a highly personal design element.

I tend to favor an open shelving system, but I recognize its drawbacks. Disorganized shelves can make a room look cluttered, and books are absolute dust magnets. Etageres often require bookends to keep everything upright. If you want to display your library, but prefer not to deal with the practical inconvenience of an open bookshelf, glass door bookcases are a happy medium.

1) Muller Van Severen Marble Bookshelf via 1stdibs 2) Jefferson Bookcase 3) Jonathan Adler lucite and brass Jacques etagere 4) Metal industrial barrister bookcase via 1stdibs 5) Mission barrister bookcase with leaded glass 6) Vladimir Kagan via 1stdibs 7) Bianca Etagere via High Street Market 8) Collector’s Shelving Unit via Amuneal 9) Biblo via Archiproducts 10) Design Therapy 11) Sasha cabinet via Houzz