It’s hard to believe it’s come to a finish, but I am done finding books! I have to say, I had a ton of fun sourcing all of these beauties and really enjoyed the hunt of saving cast off books.
There are so many gorgeous books out there, and whether you love them for their look or what’s inside their pages hopefully both books are worth having in your home and the quickest way to add character and life next to plants.
Then I came across this Etsy shop and was blown away at the beauty. The prices aren’t bad for what you get, and I was prepared to pay a good amount for them, but then I learned that the shipping from the UK was as much as the busts. Bummer. Definitely not an option at this point. I headed up to one of my favorite stores, Nell Hills last Friday to see what kind of ginger jars they currently had. A collection of big jars could be a great look too. Nell Hills is known for their huge selection at really varying price ranges. They often have good sized jars for $40-50…totally reasonable in this instance. But to my disappointment, most of the jars were rather modern in shape and style.
I think blue especially if you add ginger jars. I think the blues in the books pop out on that shelf and look beautiful!
I think blue especially if you add ginger jars. I think the blues in the books pop out on that shelf and look beautiful!
I was about to suggest blue too because of the ginger jar idea! Home Goods has a great selection of timeless looking blue and white ginger jars for $25 each right now. Huge sizes too — perfect for that top shelf! In fact, I'm looking at a row of them sitting on the top shelf of my bookcase right now. I mixed in one ginger jar from an estate sale to make it not look so matchy matchy. Don't think you'll go wrong with that decision!
BLUE!!!
Hi Gwen,
Sky blue gets my colour vote. Have you tried ebay for "marble busts"? I know when I was looking I came across some Grand Tour busts (Brian Sewell did a fantastic documentary on the Grand Tours) but they were your side of the Atlantic! So sadly post costs were prohibitive. Luckily I found one old beauty at a house clearance which had been sitting in a garden for a years and years.
I LOVE green, but for this room, I would choose blue. But I guess a really deep hunter green would be beautiful too. Ugh, I just want that wall of books!! Dreamy! ~Kim
My first thought for the chairs was a deep golden yellow but with your flooring I'd go with a light green, not too sage. Those chairs are really great and if it was me I'd find an amazing textured linen-like fabric in a medium greige like the cover of the Hugo book. As far as collectibles – Pinterest is full of the "power of spray paint" inspiration. You could thrift some large urn shaped lamps, gut them, and hit them with spray paint.
In looking at the books on your shelves, the blue ones and the brighter green ones stand out. A fun lime or pea green would be great but maybe you are going for a more "serious" look, in which case, light blue would be nice.
Acid yellow or chartreuse! This room is so gorgeous, it's sick.
I've loved watching the progress of this room and love, love, love the book spines. Deep, hunter green is the color that came to mind first for me. But Royal Blue would be striking. Can't wait to see what you choose.
I think a blue would be amazing!
I agree with everyone saying a light blue but I also think pink would look amazing. I know you did blush in the other room but it may also work in here, drag them over! Haha
Sapphire blue, without a doubt!
I love the idea of busts up there. It would be so classic. Those chairs are great and can't wait to see what color you go with. Also, it looks like you found some really cool and interesting books. I could get lost in that selection for hours!
Powder blue would tie in with your entry, so that might be nice. Blush would make a beautiful tone-on-tone look. An ivory, charcoal, or rich chocolate brown could pretty, too. You're right: there are so many great options!
Definitely have to agreed on blue chairs and the blue/white ginger jars. Sounds pretty perfect and you can vary the ginger jars, since they come in so many styles and shapes, to give a unique look!
A blue similar to your entrance/hall colour.
Unrelated to the chairs… I think some beautiful, drapey low-light plants would look great in the top shelves. There are so many deep, contrasting colors going on, I think some live greenery would be a breath of fresh air.
Teal!
Since Marie looked so amazing in there I'm leaning toward forest green or cream. I hope you find some statement pieces. Presidential busts would be pretty amazing!
Sapphire would be beautiful!
I am going against the popular vote and going to say red for the chairs. You have already made a bold statement in this space, and the sofas in the library at Downton Abby are red, so it must be a good idea right?!?! As far as the top shelves, what about huge glass bottles or pieces of salvaged architecture? Or just hold out for what you really love and get some busts! I am sure it will rock either way!!
Someone said royal blue. I like that idea. I loved how you used it in that makeover you did. I do not like ginger jars personally. So take your time. The busts idea is cool or just keep pondering the situation. Don't you already have one bust to start your collection? Whatever fabric or décor you choose, I know it will be amazing. That's just how you roll girl!!
I wouldn't lock in on the color of the fabric. Just stay open and the right fabric will present itself. You are right, that there are several colors that will work so just let it come to you.
Hey! Popping over from IG- blue already got my vote, but I wanted to say, what about a collection of milk glass for up top? Just a thought!
I have no idea which color you should choose, but I do know that whatever you decide will look fabulous! And Lauren is right…Home Goods has a nice selection of blue and white ginger jars at the moment. 🙂
I vote velvet blue for the chairs! Although I think an emerald velvet could be gorgeous too!
Seriously love this room! I think a shade of blue or green is the way I would go. So many options, and I know whatever you choose will look amazing.
Beautiful! Not sure on the height, but what about vintage typewriters instead of the busts – in a nod to your blogging?
They look amazing! I love a good bust collection and for whatever reason I picture the chairs green or blue like your hallway chandelier.
I say mustard yellow!
It looks awesome !!! Cool work.
Thanks, Ben!
blue will make the shelves look more red…..
interestingly enough, upon first glance I assumed the chairs were intentionally brick red…. and it provides a really nice juxtaposition to the aubergine colored shelves…. it struck me quite nicely – Ginger Jars are nice, but one could also do some larger black pieces ( similar in feel to the bronze busts)…. depends on how the lights illuminate those shelves.
overall – stunning.
love it.
Thanks, Julia! Your right, the rusty orange is kind of nice against the shelves, but the material itself is in rough shape. It think the blue will really pop, but I’m open to what comes my way and is affordable in fabric. The shelves don’t get much light, so that’s why I was leaning lighter on the top but again, I’m open to what I can find. 😉 Thanks for commenting and have a lovely week!
I’m kinda diggin the burnt orange wide wale corduroy.
Hey, I just found your blog through the ORC. I was intrigued by your library. I found these busts on RH for actually pretty cheap and they are only $25 to ship. Not sure if there is enough variations for all 5 spaces, but at least it gets you started
https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod3220169&categoryId=cat5300037
Thank you, again, Nicole!