Finding ways to store books in a small apartment is important as it not only keeps your home organized and clutter-free, but it also keeps your books fresh and longer-lasting. Check out these tips on how to store your books and keep them fresh while in storage or on display.

Optimal temperature and humidity

Another important factor to consider when storing your books is the temperature and humidity. You’ll want to avoid walls that are turned to the exterior as the outside air can fluctuate in temperature and humidity. Keeping an ideal temperature between 60-70 degree Fahrenheit is ideal for keeping your books from cracking, bending or molding.

As for humidity, an environment that’s to damp will cause harm to the pages of your books while an environment that is too dry can eventually lead to the pages becoming brittle. Try to keep a balanced air quality to avoid any damage.

Proper shelving and arrangement

Where and how you store your books plays a huge role in keeping them fresh while on display or in storage. You’ll want to keep them on a rust-proof metal shelf or on wood that is treated with water-borne polyurethane varnish. Avoid acidic wood like cedar as it can end up harming your books. 

Also, make sure that you arrange your books either upright in a vertical position or laying down horizontally — never tilted. Use bookends to keep them snuggled up against each other, but not too tight as you want to be able to easily remove them when need be.

Avoid direct sunlight

Direct sunlight can eat away the color of your books which causes the covers to look old and dull. Not only that, but the heat from the sun is a temperature issue you’ll want to avoid, so make sure that your books aren’t displayed in a sunny window or that you have the proper sun-blocking shades to avoid any damage.

Develop a cleaning routine

Dust and other build-up that accumulates on your books can start to age them. Make sure to have a proper cleaning and dusting routine to ensure that your books stay fresh. If your books will be kept away in storage, invest in a dust jacket to keep them clean while they are put away.

Now that you know how to store your books properly, check out this visual below on ways to creatively display your books in a small apartment.