Turn your book collection into a sanctuary. Explore aesthetic tips on lighting, plant decor, and shelving styles to craft a cozy, personalized home library.
Real book lovers want a home library. The only question is ‘how big?’ Though truth be told, the bigger the better. A bigger home library means one can have a larger collection of books, thereby breeding a home filled with the scent of books. If this is the only real desire for a home library, it’s totally valid. But having a collection of books in the home is a way to remain grounded, share stories with family, and it can even be a sanctuary where one seeks peace.
Fortunately, beyond the intellectual advantage and familial bonding having a home library can create, its aesthetic function cannot be understated. With a library, one can redefine their personal space, and it’s always fun helping book lovers achieve such.
Defining the Space
It doesn’t matter the size of the house, home libraries always add a unique definition to the space. And when a space is properly defined, coming from work is always going to be a good idea. And what better way to switch off from the digital world than curling up in a bean bag in the library?
The Unexpected Nook
Having a home library isn’t about dedicating a whole room to shelves and books. Of course, if that card is on the table, there’s nothing better than a book cave. But in the absence of a free room, an unused corner in the home can be transformed into a haven of books. To be honest, having a home library is less about the space and more about taking advantage of empty spaces, even if it’s not a long, continuous empty space. Whether it’s under the stairs or along a wide hallway, everyone can have a home library.
The Vertical Advantage
No matter how busy the floor of the home is, there will always be a wall to accommodate floating shelves. And all one needs to establish a home library is a shelf of books. When done well, it’s fun having floating shelves that reach all the way to the ceiling. Though that means the installation has to be done by a professional, because more books mean additional weight. In this case, DIY might not be the best option in this case to prevent the library from crashing on a quiet Saturday afternoon.
The Rolling Library
When building a home library, flexibility is a luxury one can afford. One can use a tiered rolling card, which is practical for keeping books to be read. Thanks to this, there’s a combination of organization and mobility, such that readers can simply wheel their library from one room to another.
Curating The Aesthetic
While libraries are a store of knowledge, they can also provide an aesthetic to the space. That’s why color-coding book arrangement is a real thing. Beyond color, books can be arranged by size to form art pieces.
The Rainbow Coordination
Great color combinations and arrangements can be done by anyone; one doesn’t have to be an interior designer. When trying to make colors, it’s best to arrange the books by the spine, forming a gradual transition from reds to blues, greens, and beyond.
The Cozy Seating
What is a library without a cozy chair that stops one from getting up? So, for a home library to be perfect, it must have the right comfort chair. An oversized armchair or a window seat with plenty of cushions.
Greenery and Leaves
Nothing is as calming as nature. But since the home library won’t be in the woods, one can simulate nature in the home. Having great trailing plants like a pothos or a snake plant provides a contrast of green on the paper pages. Plants breed life into space.
Adding the Personal Touch
While the home library is a place for books, adding personal items brings personality to the space. With personal stuff, the home library truly becomes the reader’s.
Literary Memorabilia
Space gamification works with home libraries. So, as a collector, it’s time to play. With cool stuff like the wand of Harry Potter, a map of the Earth, or a cool inherited vintage typewriter on the shelf, the library goes to a new level of fun and character.
The Scent of Stories
Great scents can cause one to stay in a place for longer. This makes scented candles a great option for home libraries. From the smell of old books, rain, or even tea, great scents make the library perfect.
Framed Quotes
Framing quotes is commonplace in homes. But in a home library, quotes from favorite authors on the shelves are the way to go. After spending time choosing lines that resonate, placing them between book stacks introduces a healthy level of inspiration.
Managing the Collection
Beyond aesthetics, a home library benefits from regular care and organization. Books may be loaned to friends or rotated through community swaps, making it helpful to keep track of titles. After all, part of the joy of owning a home library is sharing it with others.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You'll love our free weekly magazine.
Erica Sarah
Erica is a creative writer and editor with a love for books and the smell of libraries. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s doting on her cat, Felix, and daydreaming about ending global hunger.
