Home Library Bookshelves

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.

Comments

[Fifi Flowers]

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!

[Suzy]

I would love a library in my next house.....full of cooking and design books. Thanks for sharing!

[Struggler]

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! :)

[Misti of Studio M Designs]

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

[Mrs. Petrie]

We love our home library. I even enjoy cleaning it! I'm looking for additional places to put shelves in my house.