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If you want a modern and cool home, you will have to try harder than decorating the living room, bedroom, dining room, or kitchen.
They represent the basic line of what you have to invest in up-to-date décor, but going a level higher will demand a whole new and creative space.
A good guideline to follow when looking for something special is your hobby or the interests of other residents; be those media gaming rooms or stone-and-brick fireplaces where the family likes to gather.
Home libraries were, are, and will always be a smart idea. What is better, book arrangement and home library furniture have never been cuter than they are now, which is why you must consider an in home library.
Image source: Kendall Wilkinson Design
Besides, books are the only thing you buy and which genuinely makes you richer, which is why we believe people deserve a home library more than a couple of shelves here and there.
If you are creative and like to purchase good reads second hand, your small home library won’t even cost much.
If you’re concerned about space, think practically and incorporate ideas such as home office libraries or balcony reading hubs. A modern home library doesn’t have to be a library in the literal sense of the word.
Library room ideas are also good because they speak on behalf of your favorite activity, and help you showcase the collections you’ve heaped in years, and arranged with maximal attention.
Image source: Robbins Architecture
On top of that, home library design is an entertaining experience whose final result is a private and comfortable getaway, be it a room or a lightly furnished corner where you will forget all concerns and sail into the unknown.
On the other hand, if your home library ideas are inspired by classic design, you can always count on that special adventure and transcendence ambiance that entangles your fantasy and imagination.
Indeed – your home library can be a whole new imaginary world!
Home library design ideas
Image source: Pierre Paul Design
The fact that we live in a fully digitized era won’t change the feeling of holding a good book between hands.
Designers agree more than ever that there is something warm and personal about displaying Nietzsche and Proust copies at home, and highly encourage the creation of comfortable home libraries.
Home owners are given full freedom to choose between cozy and formal settings, and suggest a variety of best practices gathered from fans around the world:
Industrial home libraries for office and studying
Image source: David Howell Design
The only thing you will need for this library is recycled wood shelving, where separate pieces are connected with joists and metal rods.
Traditional, ornate home libraries with dark-stained wood furniture
Image source: Joni Koenig Interiors
If you want to get really traditional with your library, fill it with details, wooden furniture and rich leather.
Venetian plaster walls in red and map ceilings are enough to add texture and visual interest, but you can also include the stairway you planned, and make the place more functional with soft rugs, floor-to-ceiling drapery, and a stone-made fireplace.
Rock Creek libraries
Image source: The PFA Design Group
With a stone fireplace as the accent point, consider other rustic details such as lighted shelves and ladders.
Upscale comfort and serenity
Image source: designername
Nobody says you shouldn’t play with your library design, but a really comfortable and serene one looks best in an elegant setting, covered in golden and silver tones, metal, stone, and glass to enhance texture and dimension.
What is really typical for these libraries is semi-hidden book base storage, ideally implemented through built-in shelving or flank cabinetry.
Arty libraries
Image source: The Berman Building Co.
If you’ve decided to combine your library with your working space, make sure it will delight your eyes and please your soul each time you go inside.
Consider a gallery wall or a sculptural, unique desk, or hire an artist to decorate the walls with original murals. This way, you will have a library everyone admires.
Modern living room libraries
Image source: Lizette Marie Interior Design
Imagine a living room with laid Victorian armchairs, soft gray walls, and curved bookshelves. It would look delightful, wouldn’t it?
Practical storage libraries
Image source: JayJeffers
Remember, the point of decorating a library is not only to secure a pleasant place to read, but foremost to store all of your collections in a logical way.
This means you should certainly consider Tuscan-style libraries, which look sophisticated with their arched doorways and high ceilings, but are also smartly complemented with wall-to-wall shelving for easy storage. For classical looks, use dark wood only.
Light-managed libraries
Image source: Griffin Enright Architects
Make use of the fact that your library bathes in natural sunshine, and make sure it makes you feel that you belong there each time you go inside.
You can achieve this with ornate window frames, warm wood furniture, and glazed doors. The essence of these libraries is masculine, but you can still ‘spice them up’ with colorful details and flowers.
Remember, bookcases and staircases will make every library unique!
Regal display libraries
Image source: Gailani Designs Inc.
Regal display will allow you to showcase all valuable collections, and accompany them with family memorabilia. If you have a stone fireplace there, use it as the accent point.
Small reading nooks
Image source: Richardson Architects
If you have a small apartment or are living alone, a whole library room may not make sense. Instead, use an available living room corner or an open stair landing as your reading nook, and transform it into the highlight of your contemporary home.
Chess game & clubhouse libraries
Image source: Rockefeller Partners Architects
These are predominantly masculine libraries with simple arrangement and sliding ladders, inspired either by classic design solutions or retro themes.
Their main attribute is elegance and functionality, which is why furniture is wooden and minimized, and comfort is ensured with socialization zones. They make the perfect gathering space for fellow readers.
Bookshelves only
Image source: Moon Design + Build
Scandinavian libraries, just as Scandinavian style in general, are inspired by simplicity and minimalism, which is why they often entail a simple floor-to-ceiling bookcase placed in a neutrally painted room with nothing but comfortable leather chairs and abstract art.
If you intend to work there, add a desk next to the bookcase.
Combine functions and include a desk in your bookcase wall.
Victorian libraries for the entire family
Image source: DesRosiers Architects
How about a library that will at the same time be the meeting room for your family? In the best case, residents can share love and literature admiration around a classy fireplace decorated with antiques.
A cozy reading nook around the window
Image source: Jacob Lilley Architects
If you have a large and impressive window with deep frames, place your reading nook next to it. Basically, all you have to add is a practical bookcase, an armchair or a rocking one, and a small coffee table.
Staircase cubbies and timber libraries
Image source: CG&S Design-Build
In some of the best designed offices in the world, libraries are loft and places in timber frames, while home owners went as far as to replicate the idea with staircase cubbies that save space.
The ideal material for a bookcase is timber, ideally in rooms where floors are made of dark wood, and walls are white.
Studying libraries
Image source: Peter A. Sellar – Architectural Photographer
If you intend to use books for research, design a country cottage-style library, where decorations are rustic and traditional, and all books are at your fingertips.
A custom rolling ladder will also help. If you work in a team or like to discuss progress, make sure there is a comfy sitting area too.
Hidden libraries
Or, if you prefer, Asian libraries: These are in fact study rooms with separate media cabinets, and multiple drawers for easy and practical storage.
The most exciting thing about them is that they are very private, usually small adjacent rooms with secret entrances.
Wooden furniture, nevertheless, contributes to their classy looks.
Transitional and modern libraries
Image source: Michael Fullen Design Group
Place a study table in the middle, or a small contemporary lounge for multiple readers, and surround it with floor-to-ceiling bookshelf units.
Summing up, make sure your books are well organized and divided, so that finding a particular one will never become an issue.
Feel free to personalize the library with memorabilia and art, and ensure there is some extra room for new arrivals and gift collections.