Has anyone else started losing track of how many weeks we’ve been under quarantine? Many of us are feeling a little bit of cabin fever. Luckily, a great way to find adventure at home is by curling up with a good book.
Bookshelves are an easily neglected part of the home, especially when we’re too busy going in and out. But now that we’re spending more time at home, it’s a great opportunity to both re-organize and re-discover your favorite books.
Pick a Room, Any Room
Your home’s decor is a representation of your family’s lifestyle, and bookshelves can be a representation of each person that makes up your household. You could have several home libraries, each in a different bedroom with a variety of tastes and personalities. For those who really love books, you may want to install a home library of a grander scale. Popular rooms for large collections of books and decor include the home office and living room. If you have the extra space, you could even turn a whole room into your own personal library, Beauty and the Beast style.
You can also divide your books by type and create small library collections by genre. For example, the kitchen is the ideal place to store cookbooks while a study room is better for your vintage encyclopedia collection or academic journals. The living room is perfect for visually appealing coffee-table books or the latest issues of your favorite magazines.
More than Books
Although most people think of books when they think of a home library, you are not limited to stocking your shelves with just books. Shelves and bookcases are also a great way to display art sculptures, framed photos, small house plants, and more. Knowing the types of items you want to display, whether books or not, can help determine the best type of shelves and display cases to use.
Different Shapes and Styles
There are so many ways to incorporate books into your home depending on how many books and items you want to display or store. Here are a few common approaches when creating book collections in your home.
Floor-to-ceiling: Built-ins help to maximize space for storage. They can also be installed almost anywhere you have space and can be large or small. For example, you may turn an area of dead space between your kitchen cabinets into a narrow bookcase for your cookbooks. You could also turn a whole wall in your living room into a built-in for a grander display.
Free-standing bookcases: If you’re wanting to store books, the most obvious choice is a freestanding bookcase! You can find them in any shape, size, style, color, and design for any room.
Floating shelves: Floating shelves are another type of built-in that is becoming more and more popular. It’s a great way to utilize space without taking up too much of it. This works well if you have a large wall with empty space or for smaller rooms that could use a focal point. They’re also ideal for smaller collections of books or items.
We’re Here to Help
WPL Interior Design has always been about bringing our clients’ vision to life. So whether you’re looking to create a grand home library, a luxurious home bar, or anything in-between, we’re here to bring your dream home to fruition. Check out the rest of our portfolio for past projects and fill out our design inquiry form to get started on your home project today!
