If you're looking to break up your collection of books, consider adding framed artwork. Multiple shelves of books can be visually noisy - particularly when viewing rows upon rows of colorful paperback spines. Framed artwork can provide a break, especially if the artwork is simple and you use a generously-sized mat surrounding the artwork. This will work best with chunky, angular picture frames.

In this example, we framed one of the "Beef" prints by artist Chris Sherron in a birch "Ribba" frame from IKEA. The moulding of this frame has a wide profile that allows it to sit straight up on the shelf. By wedging the frame between stacks of books, it should stand up neatly and act as a bookend. Just in case, we've removed the glass from the frame to prevent anything from shattering in the event of a tumble.