Libraries are one of my most favorite rooms in a house, maybe even more than the kitchen. Once reserved only for nobility, these rooms were often the meeting places for the great thinkers of the past. Books were a treasure and treated as such. With the iPad and Kindle, maybe books and libraries will become a thing of the past? That would be a tragedy, as there is nothing like the feeling of a crisp page in a new book. I love buying, gifting, receiving and reading books, but often run into the problem of where to put them.
One of my favorite things to do when designing a study or a family room, is to create a library type ambiance. I do this by adding built in bookshelves along the perimeter walls of a room. This gives the homeowner a chance to display their prized treasures, and collections of books.
by Amitha Verma Interior Design
This was a great double story library. If you are able to do so, take advantage of a two story library. The built in credenza was outfitted for a computer. We left space on the left and right for books and objects of interest. The second floor of the house accessed the second floor of the library. We designed bookcases up there for the kids to line with their books.
by Amitha Verma Interior Design
Another double story library. We used beautiful hand- scraped beams in the ceiling. We used glass shelves on this wall to showcase the homeowner’s blown art collection. This is a more traditional walnut colored stained paneling.
DecorPad (via)
I love using ladders in my libraries. The designer in this photo included a rolling ladder to access the bookshelves. One day when my baby boys are older, I will surely add a rolling ladder to our library room!
Architectural Digest Photo (via)
This is a beautifully appointed great room designed by Alexa Hampton. She states, she carefully planned the design of the bookshelves to fit into the ceiling design. The combined bookshelves and coffered ceiling give a library effect to this great room.
Architectural Digest Photo (via)
This elegant room is a combined library and living room. And in an apartment, no less! The designer was able to efficiently utilize this room to create a reading nook, storage for book, and a cozy sitting area.