There are few things more enjoyable than snuggling up with a good book in a cozy corner of your home. While many of us may not have the space for a dedicated library, there are plenty of creative ways to create a snug reading nook in the space we do have. Below, we have gathered some great ideas to help you set up your own home library and start working through your reading list.
Make It Cozy
Designer Sarah Bartholomew used rich colors and textures to create a cozy library and cocktail nook in our 2021 Idea House in Kentucky. The use of chocolate brown grasscloth and a tufted banquette in the same warm hue adds a comfortable and inviting feel to the space.
Organize Your Shelves
In a sitting room of a Texas Hill Country home, designer Phoebe Howard combined the homeowners’ book collection with antique baskets and blue-and-white spatterware to create a well-curated look for the shelves. Remember, shelves look best when filled with books rather than knick-knacks.
Create a Reading Nook
If a whole room dedicated to a library isn’t possible, consider creating smaller reading nooks throughout your home. For example, in an Albany, Georgia home, a pass-through space was transformed into a cozy reading spot perfect for enjoying a good book with a cup of tea.
Embrace Dark Tones
Designer Lauren Liess opted for deep, woodsy tones in the library of our 2020 Idea House in Asheville, North Carolina, using floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelves and a rich brown-green ceiling color to create a private and intimate atmosphere.
Add Some Whimsy
A love for books and a favorite Hermès scarf inspired the design of a reading nook in a Houston, Texas home. Designer Amanda Simmons incorporated a playful chaise lounge wrapped in a vibrant pattern to create a charming and inviting space.
Bring in Drama
In a sitting room in Homewood, Alabama, designer Fran Keenen added excitement by painting the walls in a bold color and incorporating gold accents through the velvet sofa, ornate mirror, and brass lighting fixtures.
Display Treasures
In a busy library in Birmingham, Alabama, a mix of old and new books, along with items collected during family travels, adds a cozy and welcoming feel to the space.
Select a Focal Point
In a library and den in Louisville, Kentucky, designer Hanna Seabrook used a single pattern to highlight the handsomely styled shelves. Comfortable seating invites guests to relax and enjoy the space.
Add a Touch of Casualness
To balance the formality of a New Orleans library, the homeowner opted for a more relaxed approach by incorporating cozy seating and lighter elements alongside the elegant marble mantel.
Choosing to forego traditional aesthetics in favor of a bold statement, designer and homeowner Grace Kaynor decided to infuse her space with a vibrant pop of color. Opting for Benjamin Moore’s Olive Moss, 2147-20, a glossy and unconventional shade of chartreuse, Kaynor transformed her walls into a striking focal point in her home. The decision to introduce this loud hue added a dynamic energy to the room, setting it apart from more subdued color palettes typically found in libraries.
In a departure from the usual serene ambiance associated with a library, designer and homeowner Shaun Smith injected a dose of personality into his New Orleans ranch living room library. Amidst a backdrop of white and airy surroundings, Smith boldly incorporated an attention-grabbing orange sofa, bringing a cheerful burst of color into the space. This unexpected choice added a playful element to the room, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere that defied traditional library conventions.
For those looking to infuse a touch of grandeur into even the most modest of library spaces, the addition of a rolling library ladder can provide both functionality and visual interest. Drawing inspiration from the Watson family’s home on Georgia’s Vernon River, incorporating a ladder into a library setting not only allows for easier access to higher shelves but also infuses a sense of movement and activity into the room. This practical yet stylish addition is particularly well-suited for families with a love for the outdoors and a penchant for adventure.
Reimagining the concept of a library beyond the confines of floor-to-ceiling shelves and leather-bound books, designer Chenault James showcased a creative approach in her Columbus, Georgia living room. By leveraging her father-in-law’s collection of National Geographic magazines as a design element, James artfully integrated these vibrant publications into the space, creating a visually stunning colorblock of warm gold. This innovative interpretation of a library space demonstrated that personal touches and unconventional design choices can transform any room into a unique and engaging environment.
By embracing bold colors, unexpected furniture pieces, and creative design elements, these homeowners and designers have redefined the traditional concept of a library. Their innovative approaches showcase the endless possibilities for infusing personality and character into a space typically associated with quiet contemplation and intellectual pursuits. Through these examples, readers are encouraged to explore new ways of incorporating individual style and creativity into their own home libraries, challenging conventional norms and embracing a more personal and expressive design aesthetic.
