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4 fab design tips for creating a home library

What once only appealed to the bourgeoisie crowd is finding its way into the glossy pages of interior decor books

HAVING a library is a prerequisite for homeowners who hope to add a certain flair to their interiors. And for book lovers, it’s just the added benefit of having all your treasured reads in one place.

There’s nothing like snuggling up with a good book in a relaxing space. So if you’re looking to incorporate a library into your home here’s some inspiration...

MODERN

If you’re envisioning a contemporary space, nothing screams modern more than the colour white. It’s a cool, calming tone that appears stark, but not overwhelming when combined with other design aspects.

A custom-built white bookshelf that takes up an entire wall is a great focal point in any home. Tone down the sharp lines with an occasion chair made from soft, pastel fabrics.

COSY

Think of it as your literary retreat and treat it as such.

Create an intimate space by adding personal touches like a desk lamp and rug. Architectural Digest suggests a “fireplace, desk, or snug sitting area, keep things just as interesting as the volumes on the shelves”.

Comfort takes precedence, so if you are short on space, building a reading nook into your shelving solves that problem, recommends design blog The Spruce.

TRADITIONAL

Grand and imposing, rooms are the rooms library dreams are made of. Sometimes space constraints can dent your expectations, but don’t let this deter you from thinking big.

If your curated book collection is something you want to display in all its grandeur, go ahead and think out of the box by getting creative with storage space, using all the blank walls in the room, and taking your bookcases all the way up to your ceiling.

When it comes to adding a dash of elegance, professional interior designers AfroChic says a few simple things like classic chairs make a difference.

DUAL PURPOSE

Most homeowners don’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire room to a library, but there are ways to incorporate it into the rest of your home.

Your study, living room and even dining room could be considered great options for combining your reading pleasure with other aspects of your life.

| Pixnio House and display your books elegantly by adding bookshelves to your lounge, dining room or study.

| PxHere In South Africa’s humid climate one needs to keep space between books to allow them to breathe.