It took me a while to realize that a physical book can greatly affect my mood – even if I don’t open its cover.

At my desk, I kept glancing at my favorite titles, wishing I could just lie down and read instead of doing work.

I needed a change. So I gave my room a Book Arrangement Makeover. The YA and favorite fiction went to the more relaxing area by my bed, and the Malcolm Gladwell, philosophy, and theatre books came to my desk.

Now my workspace has a more academic feel. Do I ever reach for these books to use while I’m working? No. But something about them being there, containing their wisdom, puts me in the right state of mind. Weird, right?

The bookshelf by my bed is more practical. The two cubbies closest to my bed include books that I do leaf through before drifting off. “Anthropologie” books, like these favorites, that I love to read over and over.

To the left, is the children’s section. Something about having familiar titles helps lull me into a safe sleep.

Do books shape your mood? How do your organize your shelves? Maybe it’s time for a rearrange!