20 Drool-Worthy Home Libraries
There’s a lot of work that goes into curating just the right book collection (hello, newly redesigned classics!), and then the question is how to best display it. These 20 ideas will have you making plans for a new library set up in your home.
1. Cookware + Cookbooks: A mix of cookbooks and vintage baking supplies is the perfect fit for the top half of this mid-century modern hutch. We also love how they combine art objects with art books! (via Ampersand Vintage Modern)
2. Invisible Shelving: Opt for lucite shelves if you want the books, not the furniture, to be the focus. These would also work well in a small space to prevent it from being too crowded. (via Domaine)
3. DIY Built-ins: Custom bookshelves don’t have to break the bank. Find out how to make IKEA shelves look like they were built just for your home. (via Little Green Notebook)
4. Picture Rails: Keep all your kids’ favorite titles on display by using picture ledges in a nursery or playroom. Don’t have kids? This works just as well for coffee table books! (via Modern 24 Seven + Viva Cindy)
5. DIY Pipe Shelving: Create a custom bookcase/desk unit out of wooden planks and plumbing pipe. The configurations are endless. (via Amber Interiors)
6. Faux Brass Upgrade: Think those brass-finish etageres look expensive? They’re actually just IKEA shelving painted with gold spray paint. Total upgrade! (via Anna Antunes Home Styling)
7. Go Wall-to-Wall: A full wall of books behind a caramel leather chesterfield sofa? Bestill my book-loving heart. (via House Beautiful)
8. Mix Industrial + Vintage: Industrial open-shelving plays well in contrast to a vintage book collection. Plus, the contrast is carried through in this room with the mid-century modern table and traditional banker’s chairs. (via Remodelista)
9. Closed Storage: Think inside the box for book storage with this cabinet with glass door fronts. Your collection will stay protected and pristine. (via Lonny)
10. Art on the Outside: Don’t be afraid to prop over your bookshelves. Hanging art in the center provides an unexpected surprise. (via Little Green Notebook)
11. Line the Hallway: Traditionally unused space like a hallway can be a great place to install bookshelves. (via James Wagman on Houzz and White Picket Fence Inc on Houzz)
12. Go Asymmetrical: Create a more visually interesting wall of books by breaking straight lines and making asymmetrical shelves. It’s like a puzzle to make sure every title fits. (via Apartment Therapy)
13. Break Up Your Space: In a studio? Make your book collection work for you by using a stand-alone shelf as a room divider. (via Alanna Cavanagh)
14. Bookish Entries: Like a secret passage using a door as a bookshelf adds an aura of mystery to your favorite reading room. (via Peter Pennoyer Architecture and Gast Architects & Designers on Houzz)
15. Recessed Shelves: No floor space for shelving? Consider having recessed shelves put in so your collection blends seamlessly with the room’s decor. (via Lonny)
16. A Reader-Friendly Hearth: If your fireplace is just for show, why not use it to store some of your more substantial titles. Like those massive art books you always plan to leave out on the coffee table. (via AB Chao)
17. Books on a Roll: Let kids keep their library within arm’s reach by removing one side of a wooden wagon and stashing books inside. (via Petite Literary)
18. Literary Stairs: Steep stairs are the perfect place for a home library. You’ll be guaranteed to never leave home without a book that way. (via Apartment Therapy)
19. Bathed in Books: What’s so special about this library? Only that it’s actually in one writer’s bathroom. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a nice soak and a good read? (via Remodelista)
20. Go to Great Heights: Take advantage of vertical space by storing books up high. Plus, we love any excuse for a library ladder. (via Louise Lakier on Houzz)
What gorgeous library designs have you seen lately? Share them with us in the comments below.