Books are not only the great stories, or source of knowledge: Books are the doors to other worlds, inspiration, and quite often a mirror of the soul. Many a dream is to have a home library at some point in their lives, however remote. If you are a bookworm, a books collector or just a person who likes the aesthetics of the books, the home library can become a place of tranquility, comprehension, and elegance.
As promised in the introduction, this article will let you in on some handy and classy essentials to get you started on the right note when setting up your home library. Whichever area you have dedicated or just a corner of a room, these ideas will help you make the best out of the space you have and also make the space attractive.
Finding the Perfect Spot
The first thing therefore when designing a home library is to consider the location to be used. For optimal results, it should be a part of the house that is not very noisy so that you can concentrate. There is nothing like natural light but do not put the shelves under direct sun as this might cause untimely deterioration of covers or even pages of the books. The preferred location is a place close to the window with curtains or blinds that cover the light.
Small Spaces, Big Impact
But wait; there are other ways of doing it if you cannot spare an entire room for it. A small area can become a library as beautiful as any. You might transform a closet, a place underneath the stairs, or a free corner or a room. Open shelves that run from the floor up to the ceiling make the most of a space, for example, readers can read books in an overstuffed chair or on a bench.
Choosing the Right Shelves
Any books you own warrant being shown off and how to do it is by getting the proper shelving. Selecting shelves should therefore not only be a case of functionality but also fashion. Suspending shelves are necessary to support the associated load with the books that you possess. Some of the materials that can be used include the solid wood or any metal since these materials are very hard to wear.
Built-In vs. Freestanding
Shelves that are designed to be integrated into the walls of your home library can provide your library with a professional appearance as well as using every inch of space available. That is while they can be a more permanent solution and at the same time, way more expensive. Freestanding shelves, for instance, are flexible in a way. They can be relocated or repositioned based on the development of your collection or shift in the demands.
Open vs. Closed Storage
Although, bookshelves are the most preferential, mounted for book display, do not underestimate the closed shelves. Shelving units with or without doors and glasses on them will help to keep the books safe from dust and damage while at the same still being able to be seen. This means that sometimes, it is fine to have closed storage and other times open storage in order to create superior aesthetics.
Organizing Your Collection
After your shelves have been put in place then comes the order and arrangement of the books. How you arrange them is a matter of personal preference, but here are some popular methods:
By Genre or Subject
If, for instance, the books are classified according to the type of books or their subject, it is easy to locate a particular book. In the case where you have a very big pile, you can even label them as bookstores do on some shelves.
By Color
If you fancy organizing the books by color then here is how you can go about it when designing a library. This method makes a gorgeous lilac which can be very showy and can even be the centerpiece of any house. But this can make it harder to locate a particular book that one is interested in reading.
Alphabetically
The samples of alphabetical filing are practical, more so when having large collections of items as mentioned above. There are two ways of sorting them for ease of use; By the author’s last name or by the title of the book.
Seasonal or Mood-Based
Some bibliophiles pride themselves in the fact that they change their books as often as one can change their underwear, depending on whichever season it is, or whatever mood they are in. It can also keep your library feeling fresh and the decision if what to read next can be quite thrilling.
Adding Comfort and Style
A home library on its own must not be an array of bookshelves; it is space you wish to sit in. Comfort and style are two parts in which this can be attained.
Seating
One of the most appropriate furniture for home library is the comfortable chair. If it’s a comfortable armchair, a chaise longue, or a window seat with a comfortable cushion – it should be a place where one can comfortably spend hours reading a book. You could also add a footrest or an ottoman piece of furniture for more comfort.
Lighting
Brian explained that light to read requires the following; Good illumination. The recommended type of lighting is what may be referred to as general and local, or in simpler terms, lighting from the room and light from a task light. Ceiling lights are used to light up the whole house while a standing lamp or a bedside lamp along the side of your chair for reading gives directional light. If necessary, one might switch to an adjustable or dimmable source of light in order to ensure the right kind of visibility at any particular period of the day.
Personal Touches
Do not be afraid to put your stamp on it and bring in your personality into the library. A piece of art, a photo or two in a frame or a quote written on the wall will bring a lot of difference. They can be used to beautify the environment and increase the rate of air exchange. They could introduce a small table to place a cup of tea or a stack of magazines on, for instance.
Sustainability Considerations
In designing your home library you may wish to make it as green as you can. Choose shelves made of recycled woods or bamboo since it can be renewed naturally without difficulty. Use energy-efficient bulbs, or if acquiring new furniture, opt for books or seats, second-hand ones if possible to avoid adding to the trash.
Conclusion
Building a home library is a satisfying chore that will return to you many times the satisfaction you spent during its assembly. No matter if you have only a small corner in a room or rent a large room only for reading, you can make a great home library and find comfort in it. It is crucial to ensure that your design is comfortable, functional and also reflects the personality of the owners. And indeed, have fun – and this is the main rule, because your home library should be pleasant to you.
