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45 Library Design Ideas That'll Make You Want to Curl Up with a Book

The most stylish ways to stack treasured books.

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preview for 7 Home Library Decorating Ideas

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Having a home library is the ultimate dream, for you, for Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and certainly for me, which isn't surprising considering that I write about design for a living (words plus interiors, sign me up). But really, who doesn't want a special room dedicated to D.E.A.R. time? That's "Drop Everything and Read" for anyone who doesn't remember this very cherished thirty-five minute staple in grade school curriculums, where you could show off your book fair loot. So we rounded up a collection of 45 chic home libraries, and they are so much more stylish than the average book pile. Whether your home is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, we've got the ultimate book-curation inspiration with these book storage and home library design ideas ahead.

1

Hang Artwork

home library shelving
Lisa Romerein

"The room doesn't get a lot of light, so I decided to make it cozy and turned it into an English-style portrait room, which is ridiculous, but fun," says celebrity chef Alex Hitz. He lined his study with books from floor to ceiling and then hung a portrait of his friend Nan Kempner by Peter Rogers. Across from the armchairs is a statement wall upholstered inGastón y Daniela's Tree of Life fabric.

2

Make It Modern

modern home library design
Fiona Lynch

From the inky stained wood to the modern side chair and clean-lined ladder, this home library designed by Fiona Lynch is a gorgeous contemporary take on traditional design.

3

Hide It

creative home library design ideas
Studio Seilern

This library designed by Studio Seilern has so many glorious hidden quirks. In fact, the room itself is a secret, as you enter through a door disguised as a bookshelf. And though there are only two levels, the mirrored ceiling gives the illusion of a never-ending tower of books.

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4

Choose Sculptural Shelves

book storage ideas for living room
Nicole Franzen

Display your books on sculptural etageres and shelving units instead of opting for the classic built-in look. If anything in this world deserves to be on a beautiful pedestal, it's your books.

5

Try an Academic Vibe

small home library ideas
Nicole Franzen

Give it a scholarly twist with globes sprinkled into the mix and then continue the retro-inspired feel (plus save some money) by repurposing old bottles as decor.

6

Choose On-Theme Wallpaper

library wallpaper ideas
Tim Street-Porter

The book-print wallpaper sets the cozy scene in this reading nook designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

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7

Bring Them to Bed

book storage in bedroom
Tamsin Johnson

In this bedroom designed by Tamsin Johnson, the elaborate, moody bookshelf contrasts with the modern bedskirt and pale blush pink and white color scheme. Take note if you don't have a separate room dedicated to books but still want your collection to have a special home.

8

Tulip Table

the
Bailey McCarthy

Bailey McCarthy gave a Texas home's ungainly addition a new feel by replacing plain walls with white-oak millwork. The '70s amber-glass tulip table with swivel chairs, found on 1stdibs, is the family's favorite spot for game night.

9

Install Modular Shelves

home office library design ideas
Hecker Guthrie

Opt for a modular shelving system for a clean, linear aesthetic, as exemplified in this space designed by Hecker Guthrie. It's perfect for a home study, where storage is of utmost importance.

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10

Have Fun

contemporary home library design 
David A. Land

This modern home library went wild with print, pattern, texture, and more. The leather chesterfield sofa asserts a timeless look, and is a classic choice for a study, while the blue velvet chairs and glass table feel decidedly modern.

11

Blend In

cozy home library ideas
Nicole Franzen

In this contemporary California sitting room designed by Corinne Mathern, the library collection complements the neutral, earth-toned color scheme throughout the space. The decorative items adorning the bookshelves also create visual flow so that the built-ins feel like they're fully integrated.

12

Use All Available Wall Space

home library design ideas pitnerest
Simon Watson

No space goes unused in this eye-catching study. The built-in cubbies framing the doorway and under the stairs create visual impact and keep useable floor space clutter-free.

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13

Mirror the Ceilings

Furniture, Room, Interior design, Shelf, Living room, Turquoise, Wall, Table, Floor, Design,
Tamsin Johnson

Mirroring your ceiling will make a small home library feel larger while also adding a modern touch. Take note from this one designed by Tamsin Johnson.

14

Find Good Reading Light

reading nook design ideas
Paul Raeside

Set up a cozy reading nook near your book collection and a window with good light. A comfy chair, lamp, and a side table for a mug officially designate it as a reading spot.

15

Transform a Nook

bedroom book storage ideas
Arent & Pyke

If you have a little architectural quirk like this empty nook in a space designed by Arent & Pyke, put it to use by building in some floating shelves.

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16

Make It Multi-Purpose

dining room storage ideas
Nicole Franzen

This NYC dining room features wall-to-wall bookshelves so the space can be used as a formal entertaining area as well as a study.

17

Use Lacquer

affordable home library design ideas
Angie Seckinger

Cameron Ruppert Interiors transformed this dining room and its shelves into a jewel box, thanks to the vibrant, reflective blue lacquer. It pops out against the animal-print carpet and floral wallpaper in the distance.

18

Store Under the Seat

book storage ideas
House Beautiful

Customize seating with open storage for books in a small study, guest room, or even an entry way.

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19

Bring It to the Ceiling

Blue, Room, Interior design, Furniture, Property, Building, House, Wall, Floor, Architecture,
Crosby Studios

Similarly, if you don't have enough space to store all your books but do have super high ceilings, use that vertical space! Here Crosby Studios broke up the powdery blue monochrome with a white cubby lining the tippy-top of the wall.

20

When in Doubt, Go Red

"Nothing transports like a deep red room," says McDonald of the sumptuous library. The window was covered with a bamboo shade to create an artful backdrop for the photograph by Augusta Wood. Walls in Benjamin Moore's Classic Burgundy. A Vaughan side table holds a lamp by Visual Comfort; a zebra-patterned hide tops a Stark rug.
Victoria Pearson

"Nothing transports like a deep red room," says designer Mary McDonald of the sumptuous library in a Beverly Hills home. The window was covered with a bamboo shade to create an artful backdrop for the photograph by Augusta Wood.

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