What to do with that extra room you have lying around? Now that your kids (if you have any) have grown up, there really isn’t any need for a play room or a nursery. So why not turn that room into a free space filled with books and enrich the atmosphere with more intelligence? Besides a personal library, there are other possibilities such as a state-of-the-art gym or even a second bedroom. But trust me on this one, fill the space with books. Wouldn’t it be great to have the world of literature at your fingertips (in addition to the electronic one you have on your Kindle)?
The perks to having your very own study – no, a home office does not count – magnifies as you fill every crack and cranny with a new edition. Some people buy a bunch of discounted books at garage sales and thrift stores just to have the aesthetic appeal of a well-stocked library, while others find it humbling to sit back and leap into a world of words and knowledge while slowly building a unique collection of books to their fancy. Doesn’t the latter seem more meaningful?
Space-Saving Bookshelves and Reading Rooms
It is tough to find the appropriate shelving arrangement, especially when there isn’t a whole lot of room for you to design with. Space-saving techniques have proven to work well in homes with a bit more edge. This is because the style of bookcases and bookshelf wall installations are more minimalist than anything else. This is not to say that houses that have a few years under the belt can’t incorporate such ideas. It simply means you might find it a bit more difficult to match the already established interior decor.
Here are some great examples of space-friendly designs. Book can be neatly displayed under stairs and in between walls. Staircase bookshelves are definitely something to consider. They are so beautiful that many designers refuse to look the other way, especially when they are dealing with apartments in New York or San Francisco.
This half book shelf half hide-out would be a great choice for homes with more children than adults. It could serve as their private headquarters for all their Sherlock Holmes’ or Jane Austen moments.
To better create a lifestyle that is well-cultured and dignified, these not-so-subtle bookcases will help bring out everyone’s inner intelligentsia.
Kids Love Books Too
Maybe you want to cater to the growing needs of your children, nurturing them to become bright individuals with a North-pointing moral compass. As you know, this takes time and honest effort. Giving them the tools they need at an early age is one way to go about it. If you don’t want to renovate the entire room, creative individual bookcases are also a good option.
by Sara Bergando
by Ella and Elliot
Urban Charm
Don’t leave style by the door when you’re figuring out how to define your space with books. It is vitally important to have a well balanced atmosphere of style and functionality. Here are some homes that embody both. Without sacrificing space, these bookcases serve as decorations and structural support within the living space. A cozy armchair or window seat will make a smart choice because these decorative statements easily recline in the quiet surroundings you worked so hard to build. You know that welcoming vibe you enjoy at the little cafe on the corner block? You can bring it indoors and tuck it in your little library.
Let’s deviate from the plan a little bit. Instead of stocking your shelves with books, you can use these bookcases as storage cubbies. There is no limit to what you can use these bookshelves for–they are so flexible in design that the possibilities are endless. Just make sure you don’t put your gardening supplies where you keep your Oliver Twist book. Other than that, you will come to realize just how bookshelves actually give you more space than you ever thought possible.
