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12 Libraries That Lightened Up
Stick dark and dusty back on the shelf and check out these airy, modern and unexpected spots for books instead
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
When you hear the word "library," what comes to mind? Professor Plum with the candlestick? For me it's lots of dark wood paneling, a deep burgundy Chesterfield sofa, an oppressive amount of leather-bound books, a heavy desk, brass lamps and perhaps a bunch of judges having their weekly poker game, complete with lots of cigar smoke.
While a dark and cozy library can be a wonderful part of a traditional home, I'm more excited by the ways designers are kicking tradition to the curb and creating open and airy library spaces. They've kept the comfortable stuffed furniture but gotten rid of the stuffiness. Another exciting aspect is that they are finding room for libraries in what would otherwise be wasted space. Get ideas from a look at some fresh library designs.
While a dark and cozy library can be a wonderful part of a traditional home, I'm more excited by the ways designers are kicking tradition to the curb and creating open and airy library spaces. They've kept the comfortable stuffed furniture but gotten rid of the stuffiness. Another exciting aspect is that they are finding room for libraries in what would otherwise be wasted space. Get ideas from a look at some fresh library designs.
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| This home has a wide-open floor plan, but the modern library space is demarcated by a change in elevation and rich dark wood. Using shelves that go only halfway up the walls as well as glossy ivory flooring keeps things light. See the rest of this home |
This library is also situated in spot with a transitional elevation within the floor plan. The architect must have taken careful notes on how to maximize the natural light while keeping the room sheltered from direct sunlight.
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This open library borrows light from other rooms in the home and provides a sleeping spot for guests on the modern sleeper sofa.
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This comfortable and open library is actually part of a kitchen renovation.
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by ARCHIA HOMES
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| Instead of closing off the library in the usual traditional way, this open library keeps the space airy and makes the entire first floor feel larger. Planked walls and a planked ceiling lend a cottage feel. |
| The upstairs hallway is often a wasted space; just a slight addition to the depth allowed for long bookshelves here. The walkway is open to the floor below. Tip: Take note of the track lighting, art lighting and library lamps used to spotlight the shelves in many of these photos. Shining light on your books and objects will transform the way you experience your library space, especially at night. See more ways to incorporate libraries into other spaces |
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Here's another great library spot that makes terrific use of every square inch of space in this upstairs hallway.
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Placing this library space at the end of the stair landing is another brilliant use of space that is often wasted.
by Emily A. Clark
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This designer has made so many moves I admire: the library desk complete with reading light (reminds me of college), the oversize lantern, the light walls, the dark paint inside the shelves ...
Tip: After figuring out furniture placement like this, have your electrician install a plug in the floor so you no one trips over unsightly wires.
Tip: After figuring out furniture placement like this, have your electrician install a plug in the floor so you no one trips over unsightly wires.
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by Chloe Warner
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| This bright library space is the perfect spot for hosting a modern salon. |
| There are no rules that say bookshelves need to hug the walls; they can also serve as room dividers in a large, open space. This room can go from breakfast room to research and homework area with one clearing of the table. |
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This is a beautiful example of a transitional-style library. It has the bones of a traditional library but has lightened things up with paint color, fabrics and light fixtures.
Where and how do you store the books in your home? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
24 Amazing Walls of Books
Tour a Book Lover's Beautiful Cape Cod
Where and how do you store the books in your home? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
24 Amazing Walls of Books
Tour a Book Lover's Beautiful Cape Cod
Comments
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. I love libraries and the book smell that comes with having all your books in one area. I think having bookshelves on a stair landing is very clever. Also, like the "college style" library idea. These ideas show you really can create a library almost anywhere, it doesn't have to be a whole dedicated room. Great!
13 months ago · Like
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valvacious I got great easy to install bookshelves at waybasics.com. They are made out or pressed cardboard and can hold up to 200 lbs. I put them together in 15 mins. They look Fabulous!!!!
13 months ago · Like
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Andrea May Hunter/Gatherer Great post, Becky! i like to take bookshelves up to the ceiling, over doorways and line hallways with them. Books bring so much warmth to a home, as your images show.
13 months ago · Like
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laurielynne In my possession right now, is a new decor magazine that has a lovely room lined with bookshelves - and each and every book is wrapped in oh-so-tasteful cream and white paper. Completely ridiculous and so pretentious - you might as well just wrap up empty cereal boxes. These are all beautiful rooms, I would love to have any one of them, but I especially loved the small hallway library - such a cozy spot to sit and read. The best thing is that all the libraries look like they are enjoyed, and the books actually read, rather than small, rectangular decorations used to coordinate with the rug and sofa.
13 months ago · Like
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Lauren Donaldson So smart to customize the shelving and put bookcases in spaces that are normally wasted, like along the hallway and at the end of the stair landing. Shelves lined with books are so beautiful and they add such warmth to any space. They become instant decor focal points.
13 months ago · Like
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Carolyn Zone9alady Hubby is working on a wall to wall library/server for the dining area right now. All we have left to do is install the double door panels to completely close off the west side of the house. Part French Country... part farmhouse, can you tell I love red? 
13 months ago · Like
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Emily A. Clark Becky--thanks so much for including my home office. This is a great round up of bookshelves.
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Becky Harris laurielynne, that is a styling pet peeve of mine. What about when they turn the books backward, spines against the wall? It just screams "we dont' actually read these; they are props!"
13 months ago · Like
dshaviv Very nice
11 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 14, 2012.
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