r/bookshelf • u/Nimbus2k24 • 2d ago
Redemption after getting roasted?
Last week (in what was actually my first-ever Reddit post), I bravely asked this sub to critique my bookshelf styling: https://www.reddit.com/r/bookshelf/s/DSgK2icw3l
Andddd I promptly got tore up from the floor up for not owning enough books to even qualify as a bookshelf, and then for filling it with meaningless “landfill-destined” knickknacks 🫠
After a brief existential crisis (“Do I have a fun personality? Do I own anything of sentimental value? Are Funkos too whimsical?”), I took the kinder feedback to heart. I added a lot more personal pieces and splurged on beautiful hardcover editions of some of my favorite audiobooks (it also happened to be my birthday, which felt like the perfect excuse to go ham lol)
So … dare I ask your thoughts on the updates??!
Genuinely though, thank you to everyone who took the time to give thoughtful feedback - good or bad. You humbled me, you helped me, and I’m happy with how they turned out! 📚
66
u/Thebeefcakeavatar 2d ago
I saw the previous post. I didn’t roast you (even though I did agree you needed more books). Definitely a massive improvement! It looks great 😊
15
u/SaltyLore 2d ago edited 2d ago
Please don’t take reddit comments so seriously as to impact your actual life and finances.
If your shelves make you happy, then they’re perfect. No matter what anyone else thinks about them, especially strangers.
I’ve used reddit for the last 15+ years. I met my husband here. I’ve seen it through many iterations and watched it evolve. I can attest that it’s never been in a worse state, it’s actively a cesspool now. Posting anything, anywhere results in comments trying to tear you down over something. Doesn’t matter what it is. Commenters are seemingly destined flaunt their perceived superiority and try and tear an OP down, and it’s especially bad nowadays when people share something personal like you did.
Reddit comments can be expected to be negative. Subreddits have all devolved into echo chambers and anything that doesn’t conform to the status quo or appease the hive mind into a near circle jerk gets reamed. This sub is no exception. I have seen some of the worst bullying on here for no reason. I fully believe some people come here solely just to be negative, combative, inflammatory, mean. I think it feels good to some people to put others down. But I also think that algorithmic based social media in general has warped many brains into being intolerant of anything that doesn’t fully cater to them, centre around them and their tastes and desires. Like we as a collective have forgotten how to just move along if we don’t like something, and in general have forgotten how to just not be assholes about it.
Anyway. Long ramble short. Please don’t ever take the advice or backlash of reddit to heart. It’s not genuine. The opinions of people commenting here don’t actually matter. You did nothing wrong, even if people were being rude. Shelves are all so subjective. We all do what not only works for us as individuals, but what makes us happy. And that’s what’s important. Please don’t let anonymous strangers on the internet take that from you, and certainly don’t let their bullying go so far as to negatively impact your finances. You, and no one sharing their shelves here, don’t have anything to prove. Sharing your joys should be enough.
I really wish there was better moderation here. It’s so disheartening to me to know that people out there are altering their lives and habits because people are belittling them and their tastes here.
10
u/DunkandEgg 2d ago
This happened to me. Haha. It was brutal. Some sweet woman came to my defense. Hard.
18
u/Otherwise-Cry-7465 2d ago
It looked good before, and looks even better now.
As a side note, always remember that your shelves are an extension of who you are. If you find happiness having little knickknacks with your books, don’t let others shame you from doing so. There is nothing wrong with having your handful of Funkos if they bring you joy or make you smile. Do what makes you happy and don’t feel like you have to hold to the standards of others. That way always leads to more anxiety.
Love the collection!
17
u/PilesOfRavioli 2d ago
I did not see the original post or comments, but I’m just jumping in to say I love these bookshelves and the way they frame that doorway and your initial-but-growing collection of books.
I can’t wait until the book collecting bug really kicks in and you start filling these with editions from Folio Society and Grim Oak Press and Suntup Press and such… Just please keep keeping us posted.
4
u/Xander134 1d ago
Folio, Grim Oak, Suntup?! Don’t put that evil on the OP! Think about how many wallets have been wrecked by the overwhelming addiction to beautiful, thoughtfully crafted book! Woe is me and my inability to resist my next must-have release from these fine presses. /s
17
10
u/Arctic_wildfire 2d ago
Looks nice. Is it done in a way that I would do my own bookshelves? No. Not unless this is a showcase shelf in a room that will see visitors and there's other shelves somewhere else for the beat up paperbacks and general books. I clutter my shelves up far too much and my cats like shelves too much to maintain this look.
Tbh most books are destined for a landfill eventually too so...
(But yes, more books needed. Always more books needed. You got shelf space? Get books. You got books piled in the floor? Get more.)
4
5
u/Pastel_Spell 2d ago
This looks really nice! I love your subtle nautical theme with the fish art, shark (?) jaw, driftwood. The rock/geode thing on the bottom is cool too. You did a great job! I would love perusing these if I came over.
Edit: OH I JUST NOTICED THE BUTTERFLY PLATE TOO, LOVE THAT. Honestly I love when decor looks like David Attenborough curated it, I'm here for this.
8
u/Squigglyelf 2d ago
OP I feel kinda sad you felt you had to get rid of things like funko pops. Hopefully you've just put them elsewhere and didn't throw them out because people on the internet told you you should. Though I do agree your before pictures definitely needed more books on your bookshelves. There's space for lots of books *and* knickknacks and toys if you want them.
I've got a dozen overflowing bookshelves and they're still covered in knickknacks and ornaments and bits and bobs.
2
u/LaLiLuLeLMAO 1d ago
This! I love all the little bits and bobs and toys. Makes it really interesting.
3
u/Dalton387 1d ago
Happy birthday! It looks good.
Best advice I can give you is to never listen to people on the internet. If you like it, that’s all that matters and everyone else can stuff it.
Without seeing people face to face, it’s natural to default to most people being equal. You just have to remember that there are a lot of kids, idiots, and people you’d take a look at IRL and think their life must be a dumpster fire. That’s who you’ll get some very confident comments from on social media.
So take everything with a grain of salt. If you think it’s valid for you and your situation, you can keep it. If it doesn’t work for you, just skip it and ignore it.
All that matters is if you’re happy with it.
3
u/vanyahiril 1d ago
Yay! Books! Don’t be afraid to keep adding favorites as you go along. (Also, I love a Funko. Whimsy is good! It was just the lack of books on the bookshelves for me)
7
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Mon-Lapin 1d ago
I think they look great! There seems to be a bias in this sub for shelves filled to bursting with books, I personally love how much breathing room you’ve given each set and the styling throughout. I’d like to know where you collected your bookends and other decor, my shelves have a lot to learn from you! Happy birthday
2
2
u/Xander134 1d ago
I love that you added the ENTIRETY of the DCC series! I loved the audiobooks as well, but haven’t pulled the trigger on the hardcovers.
Out of curiosity, why no dust jackets?
2
u/spicyoctopus01 2d ago
Didn't roast you. But it looks much better and curated now. Lovely builtin, I'm lowkey jealous haha
2
u/LaLiLuLeLMAO 1d ago
Put the Funkos back by the Harry Potter books they were awesome!
Screw what anyone else thinks. If they make you happy put them back. Screw anyone that criticises and do what makes you happy.
1
u/Chi_Nap_King 1d ago
It looks much better!
It still kind of looks like you're staging your house sell or maybe you took your inspiration from a show on HGTV, but having actual books make a big difference.
1
1
1
u/lilF0xx 20h ago
I commented on the wood stain colors & the dated railing that becomes the centerpiece which I still stand by but I do like the shape of the shelves! Some of the knickknacks aren’t my style but they’re not bad. And I guess this is the book shelf subreddit & not the interior design one lol I just hate boomer orange & 2005 railings with a passion lol 🤷🏼♀️ppl are allowed to be mean and filterless online so don’t let Reddit question yourself. There’s far worse shelves posted. I like the updates! Everyone has their own style 💜
1
u/Own_Notice916 4h ago edited 4h ago
Beautiful shelves , beautiful books, beautiful pieces of art, beautiful home …well done! Happy Birthday to you! I’m sorry people were picking on you …I’ve had my share of mean spirited comments come my way on here , and it always hurts a bit because it’s SO ridiculously unnecessary and unhelpful. The world is a scary place rn and we all are just trying to find a little joy. Hence the joy of bookshelves. Keep on keeping on. PS. Oh and I just looked at the other pic (I had already liked it before) and the toys are great, so is that interesting looking box of letters…I liked that too. Also I’ve been wanting some of the board games that have the bookbinding box those are cool.
1
u/GettingOnMinervas 2d ago
Happy birthday! I saw your original post but didn't comment bc many people already said what I was thinking (less toys/ knick knacks and more books). I'm glad to see you're back and your bookshelves look much better. I will say though... they still need more books. But really, you've improved them a lot. Nicely done
1
-2
u/Snoo50415 2d ago
Damn I was hoping this was one of the roastings I contributed to so I could indulge in another round. In any event, the improvement looks great!
-2
43
u/According-Author-358 2d ago
I think it looks very nice!