The Affordable IKEA Item That'll Double The Storage Space On Your Deep Bookshelf

There's a common problem avid readers across the globe know all too well — finding places to store all their beloved books. If you're the type of bookworm who loves to put your collection on display, it doesn't take long for a run-of-the-mill bookshelf to run slap out of space. Sure, one option is to squeeze in extra books until they're so wedged in they become permanently fixed on the shelf. But there's a better solution hiding in the kitchen section of IKEA that's so simple you'll wonder how you hadn't thought of it already, especially given your book smarts. With a few IKEA BEKVÄM spice racks, you can instantly double the storage space on your bookshelf. Push the rack to the back of your shelf to create a riser, allowing you to make two rows of books on a single shelf while keeping the ones in the back visible, tidy, and easy to find.

Granted, your bookshelf will need to be fairly deep for this hack to work, but if you have a vast selection of book sizes to choose from (and you know you do), you should be able to put these spice racks to good use for your collection. With the rack costing only $10, this hack sure beats buying another bookshelf while also giving your collection a simple yet unique presentation. While you're at it, organize your bookshelf using an aesthetically pleasing method, such as by color or size, and turn your storage solution into a focal point in any room.

There's really nothing to this hack; all you need to do is place the spice rack upside down and flush with the back of the shelf. Stack a row of books on the rack, and then add another row of books in front of it, instantly creating a two-tiered shelf. However, a little planning goes a long way. The BEKVÄM spice rack is 3 ⅞ inches in depth and 15 ¾ inches long, so before you buy, take a few measurements to see how this hack will work on your shelf. Depending on the shelf size, you may be able to line up two or more racks on your shelf for a continuous double tier that stores twice as many books.

If your shelf isn't wide enough for that or you don't need that much extra storage space, just add a few spice racks sporadically on the shelves to add interest and dimension throughout. Placing knick-knacks, plants, or stacking a few books horizontally next to the spice racks will help define the bookshelf sections. Or, you could use the rack to support books behind trinkets and collectibles you want front and center on the shelf. If you have a few left over, these IKEA spice racks make adorable kid's bookshelves, perfect for a nursery or playroom. They mount on the wall or even the side of your bookshelf with attached brackets, giving you more space and another way to display the fronts of your favorite books. Beyond bookshelves, these spice racks can add storage around the whole house, giving you plenty of reason to snag several on your next IKEA trip.