Design experts confirm arranging your books by color isnt a fad.

Heres why color-coded shelves will never be cliche.

Not all believe that book owners should prioritize style over substance.

Living room bookshelf

Credit:Brie Williams

For others who prefer traditional organization methods, practicality and ease of finding specific titles are more important.

In the end, its all about personal preference.

Rosenthal likes tomatch walls with shelf colorsfor a seamless look.

color-coded bookshelves

Credit:Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal

Doing so allows the colorful books to stand out, she says.

Gilmore is a fan of both looks and decides which to use on a case-by-case basis.

Some book jackets are so pretty I hate to remove them, she says.

books facing out arranged by color in children’s room

Credit:Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal

While others are just not attractive.

Horizontal stacks create a streamlined look, while a vertical arrangement allows for easier browsing, notes Cloud.

I often recommend a combination of both to keep the eye moving.

color-coded books in pantry

Credit:Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal

Typically, when I color-code books for clients, Ill arrange them vertically.

However, there are occasions when Ill arrange books horizontally for a more display-oriented approach.

With this setup, it’s about showcasing the books rather than easy accessibility.

books in shelves spine-out

Credit:Tara Carter

Ultimately, it’s about integrating the books in a way that feels cohesive and visually pleasing.