Get Ideas for a Cozy Library Space
Find a way to warm up your home with a wall, hall or nook for books
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 »
For most of us, the chances of having a library in our homes seem about as likely as having a ballroom, conservatory, or some other room you only hear about during a game of Clue. However, designers are finding ways to work the collections of books into other spaces. Here are some traditional libraries to get you inspired, followed by some tricks to fitting library style into your home.
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Let's kick this ideabook off with a beautiful wood-filled library that looks fit for the Godfather to sit in while people line up outside to ask him favors. A grand desk like this one, globes, leather chairs and a grandfather clock are traditional library classics.
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| Perhaps the most reminiscent of a game of Clue, this Hollywood writer's two-story library includes a secret passageway to the master bedroom behind a hinged bookshelf (look closely on the bottom left corner). |
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| A cozy table for four lets the library double as a fun game room for everything from a snowy-day Monopoly game with family to late-night poker games with chums. |
| No space for a designated library? Make a den more cozy by lining the walls with shelves full of books to make it work double-duty. The shelves even serve two purposes, working as a picture rail up top. |
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| Cozy Womb Chairs create a comfortable spot for reading (or a power nap) in a library/den. |
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This living room emphasizes the fireplace by flanking it with inset bookshelves, complete with library ladders and library lights overhead.
Side note: This room is a perfect lesson in scale; the shelves, mirror and chandelier hold their own against the high walls.
Side note: This room is a perfect lesson in scale; the shelves, mirror and chandelier hold their own against the high walls.
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This clever library wall follows the form of the ceiling, and is broken up by a secretary-esque piece in the center.
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Installing a library ladder can take up a little bit of floor space, but the extra shelves they access more than make up for it.
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by Stacie Velten
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| Likewise, get the most out of your guest room by letting it house your books. A chic Barcelona Couch is a versatile piece that works during the day or night. |
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| How often do you use your formal dining room? If it collects a lot of dust in between dinner parties, why not warm it up with your book collection? |
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by ARCHIA HOMES
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| Lots of homes constructed since the late 1970s have a large nebulous loft or open area at the top of the stairs on the second floor. Unsuitable for a bedroom, it's often wasted space; transforming it into a library makes the most of it. |
If your hallway is wide enough, consider lining it with books.
| Here's another striking book-lined hallway visible from the floor below. |
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Transform a closet into a cushy library nook, complete with a spot to curl up and sneak in some reading time.
See other ways to transform closet space
See other ways to transform closet space
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Library landings are also often wasted space. Give people a reason to pause by installing library shelves in the landing.
Here the architect made the most of an open space with a library lounge in a level in between floors.
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| Want the library look but don't have the budget for built-ins or books? Consider this clever library wallpaper, called Genuine Fake Bookshelf. More: Create Page-Turning Design with Books 7 Stately Study Essentials 7 Smart Uses for Your Hall |
Ideabook published on Nov. 2, 2011.
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"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." ~, "Enough Bookshelves"
Thanks for these beautiful libraries!
Designers, how are you seeing libraries change or evolve with the growing popularity of eReaders?
1. The image of a thousand books can be visual noise, unless balanced (contolled, even) by the wood trim of a classic arrangement.
2. Bookshelves can hide strange wall features (such as odd paneling in our house.)
3. It's easy to add sound or thermal insulation and cover it with bookshelves.
4. They don't have to be flat against a wall. i.e. use two bookshelves back to back to create an instant divider. Ground one side against the wall, if traffic suggests. Or not.
5. Hang narrow strips of filmy curtains in front to change the look and control dust and pet hair.
On a lighter note, I'd like to know how to balance my appreciation for nice art, which requires wall space, with my need for book shelves. I'm poor as a church mouse so I have to choose and the art usually loses! Sigh! Being rich means not having to make choices!
It will be interesting to see how future generations deal with books & libraries - It will be fascinating to see what my sons do.
I like bookshelves that are adaptable - we move a lot so have several shelf systems that can be together, separate or used as a room divider...