If you’re reading this blog post, we’d like to think that you take enjoyment from reading. Is your home library what it could be, though? Let’s look at some home library design ideas that are traditional with a touch of exciting tech—the perfect way to display your passion for books.
Bookshelves Are More Than Storage
The first thing you need to choose for your home library is bookshelves. But try not to think of shelving as just storage. Instead, make your bookshelves a way to proudly display your favorites.
If your book collection is large and you need lots of shelf space, consider multiple shelving units that cover entire walls, floor to ceiling. Even straightforward shelving can look dramatic stuffed with books and accessorized with a Rockler Rolling Library Ladder. A library ladder is not only a practical way to reach your books on the top shelves, but it’s also sure to be a conversation starter.
You can also supplement standard rectangular bookshelves with shelving that features more interesting shapes to give your home library personality. For example, Design Within Reach offers their Story Bookcase. This simple yet striking shelf makes your books look like they’re floating in a column. The bookshelf doesn’t take up a lot of space, is easy to set up, and adds a little whimsy to the room.
Choose Your Organization Method
Once you have your shelving picked out, it’s time to decide how you’re going to organize your home library. When it comes to book organization, and there are a few different approaches you could take. Here are some methods you may consider for organizing your books:
- Alphabetical by author’s last name: The traditional method of book organization is to alphabetize according to the last name of the author. This is a tried-and-true method you’ll find in most bookstores and libraries to organize books within sections and genres.
- Color-based organization: If you’re more concerned with the aesthetics of your home library, you can organize your books based on color. This method results in beautiful bands of color across the span of your bookshelves.
- Organize by category: This method makes a lot of sense if your book collection spans many different subjects or genres. You may consider grouping your books into general categories such as fiction and non-fiction, then further breaking those down.
Consider Smart Lighting Upgrades to Your Home Library
When it comes to reading, lighting is obviously important. So, why not install some Wyze smart bulbs in your home library? You can control these lightbulbs from your smartphone or use Amazon Alexa or Google Home device voice commands. You have fine control over the brightness as well as the color tone of the lighting, so you’ll be able to illuminate your library with your exact preferred reading light.
If you want a modern and futuristic look and aren’t bothered by smart commands, try adding some LED lights to your bookshelves to create an eye-catching display.
But truthfully, the best light for reading is sunlight. Lutron smart windows shades help you maximize the natural light in your home library. You can control these window shades with the press of a button or even with your voice, so you don’t have to put down your book to let in some natural sunlight.
Your Home Library Can Be an All-around Lounge Space
If you’re on the fence about building a home library because you can’t justify dedicating an entire room to reading, consider adding amenities that will open the room up for other uses.
For example, add a chess table where the family can gather for some fun away from screens. This maintains the quiet atmosphere you want in a library but adds an extra activity for the room. It can also act as an elegant focal point in your home library.
If you want your library to double as a home theater for movie nights, a screen and home theater projector can be fun additions. This way you make your home library a space the whole family can enjoy; even those who aren’t necessarily bookworms.
Use Libib for Home Library Management
If you’re a big-time book collector, it can be difficult to organize and track your books. With hundreds of books on your shelves, it’s hard to remember which ones you already own. This is where modern technology takes over in the form of an app called Libib.
Libib is a feature-rich online and smartphone app that allows you to easily catalog all of your books. You can use the app to scan each book’s barcode to add it to your digital library. You can also share your library so you and your friends can keep up with what books each of you have.
Track Which Books You Haven’t Read Yet With GoodReads
Another app to consider using for your home library is Goodreads from Amazon. While you may think this app is only for digital books in Amazon Kindle format, you can add your physical book collection as well.
One of the most useful features of Goodreads is the ability to mark whether you’ve read a book or not. If you have an extensive library, chances are there are many books in your collection that you haven’t gotten around to reading yet. Goodreads makes it easy to look up which books you have that should be next on your reading list.
Building a Stunning Home Library Design Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
The idea of building and maintaining a home library can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to make the space your own. If you prefer simple bookshelves and a chair to sit in, this is a perfectly fine home library design.
If you’re more into technology and modern design, then adding some creative shelving options along with smart lighting is a great plan. Additionally, adding other fun family activities like home theater technology to the room can help ensure that your home library gets plenty of use.
