Last week I was asked by a few readers for home library and reading nook ideas. Most of my family, including me, enjoy reading and so the idea of writing this post is very exciting to me too. I realised though, that everything I want to share about reading nooks can’t possibly be shared in one post. So today is the first of the series. The first step to making a home library is figuring out where exactly in your home to put it. So let’s begin with 11 perfect spots for a home library.
11 Perfect Spots For A Home Library
Most of us get stuck right here at the very first step. Given our little apartments, with so much to fit into such little space, a separate area for a library seems like a luxury. But it’s not that difficult to fit in a library if you truly love your books.
So today we’re going to go through all possible options. Whether you have a large home where you can earmark one of the rooms as a library or a smaller one in which you have to make space for it, you’ll find some perfect spots for a home library here.
Let’s get started.
(1) A Designated Room
If you are lucky enough to be able to allocate one room in which to make your home library then your options are quite unlimited. I would probably line my walls with book cases and then have some really comfortable seating to sink into with a book.
I might add a table where we could read, study and work together as a family.
A mix of both would be ideal though. A desk to work on along with some easy chairs to enjoy your favourite novel!
(2) Along A Wall
For many of us though, a whole room for a home library may not be possible. Well then, pick a wall to serve the purpose.
You could go for built in book cases along an entire length of wall.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
Or find a even a small stretch of unused wall and place your bookshelf against it.
(3) In An Unused Corner
Books don’t take up too much space at all and bookshelves don’t need to be very deep. An unused corner in you living room, even behind a chair, can easily fit in a book shelf.
A corner near a doorway, where you can’t do much else is another perfect spot for a home library.
If you can wrap the bookshelf around the corner, that gives you that much more space for your books!
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
(4) Use Your Staircase!
The walls along a staircase are usually left empty. Putting your bookshelves along them is a great use of the space.
The same can be said about the space below the staircase. Look at how this smart home library has fit in here so well.
I also love how this home library uses the gentle curve of the spiral staircase so beautifully.
Don’t forget your staircase landing. You could easily fit in some shelving for books in here too.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
(5) Along A Passage
Next in our list of perfect spots for a home library are long, empty passageways. Like I said earlier, bookshelves don’t have to be too deep. So lining a narrow passageway with bookshelves is a.great option.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
If your passageway is a little wider, you could line it up with book cases on both sides.
If it’s wider still, add a seat or bench and your home library will be complete.
(6) Around A Window
Windows are truly perfect spots for a home library. You’ll have all the natural light and air that you need for a great reading spot.
You can easily use the window sill to make some comfortable seating.
And a great view to go along with a book never hurt anyone!
Do you remember this cute window library we made in our little girl’s pink and lavender room?
(7) Around A Door
Built in book cases along the sides of your door are a great way to use space.
Though the above will require some thought and design, simple wooden shelves like the ones below can be added around your door at any time more easily.
Or you can go the whole hog and use the entire wall around the door.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
(8) Around Your Sofa
Use the space on either side of your sofa for your book shelves.
Or fit your sofa into the niche made by your book shelves. Makes sense to have your books close to a comfortable seat, doesn’t it?
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
(9) Around Your Bed
This is ideal for people who like to read in bed. Just like with the sofa, build your bookshelves around your bed.
You could run simple book shelves along your headboard.
This set up works well with daybeds and single beds too.
(10) Bookshelf Partitions
Looking to separate an area? Don’t build walls. Build bookshelves.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
You can leave space for a doorway in your partition itself.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
And take the bookshelf partition as high up as you like.
(11) In Your Seat!
And when all else fails, use your seat. Build your bookcases into your seat..
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
… and your books will always be within easy reach!
And then these cute bookshelf chairs… I’d love to own one of these!
Those are our 11 perfect spots for a home library. However big or small your home is, after going through this list you will definitely be able to find a suitable place for a library in your home. Take your time and pick your spot. And once you’re ready, I’ll be back with how to make a cozy reading nook in your perfect spot.
Until next time,
Great ideas for home library. I never noticed these spot and think as home library. Thanks and keep sharing.
Great ideas..