Photo: Cottage Living
Home libraries are usually defined by bookshelves and a sitting area. Configuring those elements draws on our creativity and, sometimes, our innovation. While the concept of pairing shelving with seating is traditional, it is the choice of the homeowner / designer to select the design.
Introducing an overstated and unexpected shape in a room is always a focal point. While a seating area takes center stage in the room, the eye is drawn to the unusual shape. The triangular bookshelves in the photograph above provide pure contrast against traditional shapes found in the sofa, lamps, side chairs, and coffee table.
Sleek rectangular built-ins painted in creamy white suggest an open and airy reading room where the accessories of the room are more prevalent than the bookshelves. When a room also includes a fireplace, a chandelier, and display shelves above the built-ins, there is tremendous opportunity to for expression in preferred design.
Photo: Country Home
Built-in book shelves that frame windows balance the architecture in the room and provide significant space for books and other collectibles. And other built-in casework rises only to the middle of the wall.
Photo: Martha Stewart
Photo: House Beautiful
The shape and color of the bookshelves in a home library can either make a statement in the room or create a backdrop wherein books and collectibles draw the attention of residents and visitors alike.
Be sure to visit Julia's Hooked on Fridays, Fifi's Fashionable Fridays, and Melissa's A Beautiful Life.
These rooms are GREAT! I can't wait to redo my library/guest room/TV room for the kids at the moment... need to move kids to garage playroom... thanks for the inspiration and feel of overwhelm... le sigh!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | May 18, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I would love a library in my next house.....full of cooking and design books. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Suzy | May 28, 2009 at 07:31 PM
How surprising that the photo from House Beautiful actually includes shelves which are crammed full and dare I say, a little messy? And yet the overall look is still very appealing, which is great to see. This seems like a very authentic room - I can believe someone actually lives like this! :)
Posted by: Struggler | May 28, 2009 at 08:04 PM
I cannot get enough of a great bookshelf unit! I like them painted, stained, or just a lovely white. I tend to always add more artwork and accessories than books, but I love the library look too.
~Misti
Posted by: Misti of Studio M Designs | May 28, 2009 at 08:43 PM
We love our home library. I even enjoy cleaning it! I'm looking for additional places to put shelves in my house.
Posted by: Mrs. Petrie | May 28, 2009 at 09:22 PM
ohh I especially love the pic of the built-ins from Martha Stewart!
Posted by: Daly Essentials | May 28, 2009 at 09:49 PM
:) wow... we are both up pretty late huh?
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog with a note!!
Sooo much appreciated.
TTFN~~ Claudia
Posted by: Claudia @ DipityRoad | May 28, 2009 at 10:50 PM
I need a library!!!!!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | May 28, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I love my tiny little library stuffed with books. I cheated...I bought the Billy bookcases from Ikea....It was an easy & inexpensive way to turn my tiny area into a library.
Posted by: astrid | May 29, 2009 at 07:11 AM
I adore books in the house!
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | May 29, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Love bookshelves- just never know how to make mine look pretty- thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: teresa | May 29, 2009 at 01:00 PM
One can never have to many bookshelves.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | May 30, 2009 at 06:36 AM
We have always managed to have a library wherever we have lived -- but in this house, our largest yet, we don't have enough shelves! The ones you picture are lovely!
Cass
Posted by: Cass @ That Old House | May 30, 2009 at 06:20 PM