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Boxes of books everywhere? Home libraries and cosy reading nooks can create order and a place to escape with your favourite novel.

There’s plenty of evidence to show we still love to read physical books despite living in the digital age. Nearly 40% of people in the UK have purchased a paperback or hardback in the last year; just 10% have bought an eBook, according to Kantar consumer data.  Growing up surrounded by books can help to boost literacy levels in later life. So, don’t forget to make room for books in your home extension or remodelling scheme.

Home Library
Home Library

Bespoke bookshelves in study of large,country home designed by Pro Vision

Home libraries

If you’re a bibliophile with a giant book collection, storage space can become a tricky issue with your family/partner.  If you are fortunate enough to have the space to dedicate a whole room to books, then a home library can be a classy solution.  Designs vary from traditional with antique wooden desk, lots of leather and floor-to-ceiling shelving to a more relaxed literary retreat. Built-in shelving doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Search the internet for bargain buys, such as old mahogany wood cabinets, that can be upcycled.

Statement book wall

Got an ever-expanding book collection but limited space? The good news is your home library doesn’t need to have its own room but can be a wall in your lounge or even landing if it’s wide enough. Shelving that spans the entire wall of a room (possibly with a ladder to reach the top shelves) is not only practical but a sleek and stylish solution. Bespoke fitted shelves can be made to measure by a good local joiner or a specialist firm.  Alternatively, standardised modular wall units can be customised to suit your space and stuff.  It’s a good idea to have height-adjustable shelves, so different sized books will fit. If organising by author isn’t to your taste, you can arrange books by colour. Plus, books can be interspersed with family photos and knick- knacks.

Double height living rooms and mezzanine libraries

If you have an open plan, double-height living space, you may be able to create a jaw-dropping mezzanine library. This allows you to maximise the upper wall space with shelves of books plus balcony overlooking the seating area below, so it still feels light and airy.  A ceiling height of 14ft (4.2m) is the minimum to allow you to be able to stand up comfortably in the mezzanine and in the space below it. Even in a single-height room, the top half of a wall is often unused. Extra tall shelving can be made to maximise storage, for example to fit neatly under a sloped ceiling. 

Reading nook

If space is at a premium in your home, a reading nook can be a pretty and neat solution. Bookshelves can be squeezed into almost any small space, such as a snug, alcove or under the stairs.  Window seats make a fabulous place to curl up with your favourite book as there is plenty of natural light. You just need to add a bookshelf or two, some cushions and possibly a rug to create the right hideaway feel.  In a large open plan living space, use built-in bookshelves to create a separate reading zone. Add a comfy chair and a lamp to create a cosy corner.

Bespoke bookcases

Ikea is famous for its cheap and cheerful bookcases. The firm boasts of “more styles and sizes than you’re likely to find an airport bookshop has best sellers.” On the downside, standardised bookshelves can jut out from a wall and create an obstacle.  An alternative solution is to ask your local chippie to put up simple painted MDF shelves to fit into an awkward alcove. There are also firms that specialise in fitting bookshelves and cabinets made from high-quality materials, such as oak. Designs range from traditional to contemporary and minimalist, such as cube shelving. Bespoke bookshelves are beautiful and useful but can be pricey. 

Floating shelves

Cabinets and bookcases can take up valuable floor space and make a room appear smaller. If you just want to display a few treasured tomes, for example glossy artbooks, floating shelves are an alternative, creative solution. Floating bracket shelves come in a range of materials to suit your home decor from rustic wood to industrial metal. Make sure the shelves can take the weight of any books that are going on them. A good local joiner should be able to help.

If you’re a literature lover or like to surround yourself with books, a home library or reading nook can de-clutter your home and create a unique space to relax and lose yourself in a great story.