The growing trend among television home decor shows to display books with their titles facing inward has sparked a lively debate about the role of books in home aesthetics. Many viewers are questioning whether this practice diminishes the value of books as sources of knowledge and enjoyment.
Miss Manners, a widely recognized etiquette expert, recently addressed this issue, expressing her concerns about the fad. She noted that the practice of using books purely as decorative elements has shifted from the traditional approach where books were showcased to reflect the owner’s intellect and interests. In the past, book enthusiasts took pride in organizing their collections, often by author or subject, allowing guests to appreciate both the aesthetic and intellectual aspects of their libraries.
The current trend, however, sees books arranged by color or size, making it challenging for readers to find specific titles. This method of display has been criticized for prioritizing style over substance, leading some to feel that it sends a message about the owners’ relationship with literature. Miss Manners compared this approach to a “naked cake” – visually unappealing and lacking purpose.
While she acknowledged that using books as decor is not a new concept, the reversal of their spines to hide titles represents a deeper cultural shift. A bookshelf that lacks a backing can be flipped, but displaying books backward is often seen as impractical. Miss Manners believes that this trend may eventually change as society recognizes the importance of books and the story they tell through their covers.
Despite her critique, Miss Manners remains optimistic about the presence of physical books in homes. She suggests that it is a positive sign that books are still being displayed, even if the current trend is misguided. She draws parallels to the revival of vinyl records, suggesting that public perception of books may shift back to valuing their content over their appearance.
For those interested in sharing additional etiquette queries, Miss Manners invites readers to submit questions through her website or via email.
In a world where home decor trends frequently evolve, the discourse surrounding the display of books highlights the ongoing struggle between aesthetic choices and the appreciation of literature. As trends come and go, it remains to be seen how society will ultimately choose to honor the books that have shaped culture and knowledge for centuries.
