Should books be degraded to decorative elements?
22.6.2018
Translation: machine translated
Rumour has it that books are for reading. All just rumours. My theory: books are decorative objects - with inner values.
They say you should never judge a book by its cover. But that's exactly what I prefer to do. For me, the appearance of a book or magazine is just as important as the message it contains. Is it really so wrong to put a pretty book on the shelf that fits in harmoniously with the rest of the interior? One that gives me a cosy, warm feeling just by looking at it? I don't think so. My boyfriend, on the other hand, often grabs his head (often with both hands) when he sees that I have once again demoted a book to a decorative object. In his eyes, books should only serve the sublime purpose of education and/or entertainment. Should.
Sherlock and the mystery of the thick tomes
I have a particular weakness for leather-bound classics. They exude an irresistible charm and give my bookshelf that certain something that I can't put into words. They embody the old in the guise of something new. It's also great to have so many adventures within reach.
Fun fact: I bought my much-loved 4-kilo Sherlock Holmes anthology in London at the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Leaving it behind was not an option. After all, I could already see it proudly adorning my bookshelf. It didn't occur to me that I could have simply ordered the tome in Switzerland. It would have been too easy - and my suitcase too light.
But unfortunately you'll now find more untouched books in my flat than books I've actually read. That doesn't really make me proud, but it certainly makes my flat a bit prettier and - most importantly - cosier.
There was something else, oh yes, the inner values ...
As I mentioned above, I have nothing against inner values - on the contrary, I actually really appreciate them. But perhaps I express my appreciation a little differently than some others. For example, by carefully tearing meaningful and enchantingly illustrated pages out of a book, framing them and then hanging them up. My favourite way to do this is to use old Disney children's books that I found in a second-hand bookshop.
Fashionistas and beauty gurus don't read - or do they?
The whole "books as decoration" thing can also be made a little less harsh. For example, beauty and style guides and lifestyle magazines are very often used as decorative elements on bedside tables, shelves or coffee tables. But if you ask me, they don't even come close to my thick tomes ...
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Interior
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