Can you post a picture so we can see the room? I saw this in another posting, it may give you some ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Libraries

I think it's the books that make a library, so as long as the furniture is comfortable for reading purposes, you can go with a variety of styles. However, I have certain traditional associations with libraries (personal taste) that include at least some leather furniture, traditional styling, convenient tables for setting books down, etc.

A sofa like this in a soft, sort of beaten up leather would be nice.
{{!gwi}}

Here is a nice set from Bari Leather -- looks old, has high back and arms for snuggling, and the hobnails make it look library-ish...

{{!gwi}}

Here is more info:

Here is a link that might be useful: Bari

We have had this sofa from Henredon in our library for fourteen years and continue to love it.

You have to specify which leather or fabric and which fill you want. The down version has been wonderful and so comfortable.

We have had this sofa from Henredon for fourteen years and continue to love it.

You have to specify which leather or fabric and which fill you want. The down version has been wonderful and so comfortable.
I don't know why the post fritzed away before I finished.

Here is a link that might be useful: Henredon

I love a Chesterfield sofa, in a really beat-up leather. Yummy! I wish I had the space for one ... next life!

Sorry for taking so long too post!

eaglesgal, I don't have a picture. It has 6 doors on the bottom across the lenght of the wall and 4 shelves on each side of the TV with flapper doors.

kitchendective, Yes, the reason for buying all my old books was to get that look. Now we are looking to buy new furniture and I want to stay with that old library style.
I like your Henredon, nice.

rmkitchen, That's a nice set.

Thank you all for your links.

One more question, the bookcase is stained a brownish- reddish stain. I don't remember the color stain name.

I was thinking a black leather would go with that, or brown. What do you think?

Sorry for taking so long too post!

eaglesgal, I don't have a picture. It has 6 doors on the bottom across the lenght of the wall and 4 shelves on each side of the TV with flapper doors.

kitchendective, Yes, the reason for buying all my old books was to get that look. Now we are looking to buy new furniture and I want to stay with that old library style.
I like your Henredon, nice.

rmkitchen, That's a nice set.

Thank you all for your links.

One more question, the bookcase is stained a brownish- reddish stain. I don't remember the color stain name.

I was thinking a black leather would go with that, or brown. What do you think?

Computer is acting weird today!

Well, when I think of a library I guess I just think of brown leather. Of course right now I cannot lay my hands (virtual or real) on any pictures, but I love all those browns together. To me it's really inviting and cosy. Your accent pillows / ottoman(s) can have the punches of color / or black you're after. I can't wait to see pictures of your new space!

Merlot leather works nicely (that's what we have in the family room) with SW Ecru walls. In our library, we have a saddle tan leather chair and ottoman, but that's left over from our previous house, previous library where we were coordinating with an area rug. The walls in our library are SW Grassland. The bookcases and desk are mahogany. The daybed is by a triple window. We also have an English pub table and chairs with a chess set from Italy. Most of the decorative items are pottery pieces from Greece/Crete. Lots of family photos.

In our previous home, the library was at the front on the first floor. That one had built-in bookshelves with cabinets below in a craftsman style. We used two craftsman style lamps on shelves to break up the books a bit.

adichristi-I am in the process of doing the same thing. My room used to be
a home office and I"m making it a library/den. I bought 2 comfy brown leather chairs and a zebra print ottoman. Can I ask you where you got all your old books? I need a whole bunch and I don't know where to get them! When my room is done, I will post pics! thanks and good luck!

rmkitchen, brown sounds nice with accents of black.

wonbyherwits,your library sounds nice. Please show pictures!
Ours walls are a dark teal color. I hope we won't have to paint them a different color. I really like the color.

lisa8192_200,brown leather chairs and a zebra print ottoman, I bet they look good!
Go to your local library when they have there used book sale. Get there early so all the old books are not picked over. Our bookcase looks so nice with all the different colors of the old books. I can't wait to see your pictures.

I came across this site last week. Lots of great inspiration pics! Some good, english country library pics included. Also lists the items for sale. It's like "decor in a box", if you can afford it! :) Enjoy!

Here is a link that might be useful: library and other nice rooms

Here is one of my inspiration pictures. I like an eclectic library look.

I can see chairs in different styles, a mix of upholstered and leather pieces. Comfy and worn. I bet you could come up with some great second hand pieces. Beloved books, treasured momentos and reminders of vacations past will add to the look. Like one of the PP said, handy sidetables near the chairs. A desk or table where you could write a letter or do some work.

Have fun. I'm longing to do a room like that too. But I don't think it's going to work in this house. :-)

lisa8192_2007,Go to your local library when they have their used book sale, HINT they cost less as the days go by! If you what old you will have to pay more the first day.

I love chesterfield sofas in a library. We had a very small office/library (telephone room) when I was growing up and it had a leather chesterfield sofa, a telephone table 2 walls of books and a small desk sitting in front of one of the lateral book cases, one of the rugs that I now have in my home that my dad brought home to my mother from abroad. I still think that room was one of my favorites from my childhood. It was only about 12 x 12 but it was a magical room.

What is the true definition of a chesterfield? My aunt called all sofas chesterfields.

When I think of home libraries I usually think of that stereotypical large English country mansion look. Large fireplaces, brass, burgandy leathers, built in bookshelves, heavy table/desks. From American libraries I associate the hardwood table, desks and chairs to be golden stained white oak.

What else do you have out there!

I was looking at the Boston Craig's List and saw a listing for a "vintage leather chesterfield". Described it as imported from England and perfect for a library. Here's the link to the dealer:

www.gracesalesco.com

Click on items for sale/chesterfield. This will give you a good idea of what a classic leather chesterfield looks like. I do agree that this style is what I think of in a classic home library.

adichristi--I'm sorry that I just now saw your note up a few posts. Try as I might, my wall color comes up yellow in all of the photos. :-( It is actually a sage green. Light and cameras -- tricky stuff!

I wish I could find photos of the library from our previous home with the floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves in a craftsman style.

teeda_2006, Thanks for your link. Chesterfield are nice but, I don't know about those buttons all over it.

wonbyherwits, That's OK, sometimes we all get busy. Gardenweb people are patient.