Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Rooms
  3. Other Rooms
  4. 9 Home Libraries Perfect for Curling Up with a Good Book

9 Home Libraries Perfect for Curling Up with a Good Book

headshot of home editor jessica bennett
By Jessica Bennett February 18, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
navy bookshelves wooden ladder
Credit: Werner Straube

For anyone who loves to read, a home library is the ideal spot to start the day or relax in the evening. Whether it's an entire room lined with books or a cozy reading nook, this space should serve as a quiet place where you can unwind. These home library ideas will help you carve out space for your own reading retreat.

Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Library Nook

built-in bookshelf stacked blue books
Credit: Kim Cornelison

If you don't have an entire room to spare, look to unused corners or nooks that could serve as a small home library. For example, transform the landing at the top of a staircase into a cozy reading area by adding a lounge chair and storage for books. Plug in a floor lamp for nighttime reading, and set a small table near the chair for a cup of tea or in-progress volumes.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Living Room Library

built-in shelving with decor and black fireplace
Credit: Helen Norman

Take advantage of built-in shelving to turn a corner of your living room into a cozy library. Use the shelves to organize books by color for a fun rainbow effect, and add task lighting by installing a sconce on an adjacent wall. Position a comfy chair nearby with a small stool or ottoman where you can kick your feet up.

2 of 9

3 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Library Ladder

navy bookshelves wooden ladder
Credit: Werner Straube

A classic feature in home libraries, a rolling ladder includes wheels and a track installed above that helps it roll smoothly across bookcases. Practically speaking, a ladder provides access to volumes on the highest shelves, but it can also elevate the room as a handsome accent. Choose a contrasting finish that stands out against the walls, or match the ladder to shelving for a seamless look.

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vintage Home Library Furniture

3 wooden bookshelves art
Credit: David Tsay

Source furniture from thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets for a more affordable alternative to built-in library shelves. Vintage barrister cabinets, traditionally used to hold heavy law books, form a small library area in this sunroom. The individual bookcases don't match exactly, but an oak top installed across all three makes them look like a single unit.

4 of 9

5 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kids' Home Library

orange ottomans stair landing bookshelf
Credit: Helen Norman

Carve out a spot where kids can practice their reading skills or enjoy a bedtime story. Stash books on low shelves that are easily within reach of small hands, and use stools, child-sized chairs, or floor pillows for seating. Always secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent it from accidentally tipping over. 

5 of 9

6 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Office Library

office bookshelf ladder pillows
Credit: Joyelle West

A home office can easily double as a library with the right storage and furniture. Install built-in shelves or position bookcases along one wall to hold your book collection, office supplies, and decorative accessories. Bring in a comfortable chair (not your regular desk chair) to help distinguish between work and relaxation time.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Library Shelving

floor-to-ceiling bookshelves table chairs
Credit: Nathan Schroder

Show off your vast collection of books with shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. A huge array of colorful spines will likely form the dominant design element in the room, so it's best to keep other decorating choices simple. Choose neutral paint colors and furnishings to avoid an overly busy look.

7 of 9

8 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Library Furniture

white chair bookshelves
Credit: John Granen

In a space intended for relaxing, comfortable furniture is a must. Start with a cushy armchair, and layer in plush pillows and a blanket for extra coziness. A small ottoman or pouf can act as a footrest and a spot to set your current read.

8 of 9

9 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cozy Home Library

black bookshelves antique hutch
Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Dark, moody colors feel especially fitting for a sophisticated home library. Combine saturated colors like navy blue, charcoal, or hunter green with rich wood finishes for a warm, traditional look. To balance the dark shade, install library sconces above shelves and employ floor lamps and tabletop fixtures for reading light.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jessica Bennett

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9 Home Library Nook
    2 of 9 Living Room Library
    3 of 9 Home Library Ladder
    4 of 9 Vintage Home Library Furniture
    5 of 9 Kids' Home Library
    6 of 9 Home Office Library
    7 of 9 Home Library Shelving
    8 of 9 Home Library Furniture
    9 of 9 Cozy Home Library

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    9 Home Libraries Perfect for Curling Up with a Good Book
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.