More Rooms
Libraries for Everyone
"The best decoration in the world is a roomful of books."
-Billy Baldwin
The library. Sometimes we think only mansions where Colonel Mustard menacingly roams the halls with a candlestick have bona fide libraries in them. While these types of beautiful libraries can inspire the rest of us, we can have libraries at home too.
With some built-ins, or a few inexpensive units from a big box retailer, almost any room in the house can transform into a library. More and more, we are starting to see that scarcely-used dining room double as a library. A home office can become much more cozy when approached with a library aesthetic. If you love to read in your bedroom and you have an empty corner, make it a library corner. Space too tight for any of this? Borrow from a hallway and create your own row of "stacks" - you are perfectly entitled to call any of it a "library", and I think you shoul throw the term around as much as possible!
-Billy Baldwin
The library. Sometimes we think only mansions where Colonel Mustard menacingly roams the halls with a candlestick have bona fide libraries in them. While these types of beautiful libraries can inspire the rest of us, we can have libraries at home too.
With some built-ins, or a few inexpensive units from a big box retailer, almost any room in the house can transform into a library. More and more, we are starting to see that scarcely-used dining room double as a library. A home office can become much more cozy when approached with a library aesthetic. If you love to read in your bedroom and you have an empty corner, make it a library corner. Space too tight for any of this? Borrow from a hallway and create your own row of "stacks" - you are perfectly entitled to call any of it a "library", and I think you shoul throw the term around as much as possible!
I'll start with a few very traditional libraries. I assume the designers of this library and the two below have an appreciation for Mr. Baldwin and Albert Hadley's bodies of work. Dark wood, artfully arranged shelves, a comfy but regal chair, fresh flowers, tassels - it's so rich.
Look at the top of this picture - I want to find a shot of that space above this library.
Oriental rugs are another great addition to a warm library.
Go all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage.
Add a ladder if necessary. Oh, and yes, you may combine your television room with your library if you please. Technically, it's all media, right?
Cushy, cozy, contemporary - this room is part library, part salon, part television room and it's a great combination!
Here's a great dining/library combo, well, except, I don't think these folks could be all that serious about finding certain tomes if all of the books are turned backwards! Bibliophiles, before you freak out, this is a very professional and beautiful photo - I assume that was just a styling trick for this shot!
In this dining/library combo, the table is perfect for having a dinner party, looking at architectural plans, or as a conference table.
Here is a beautiful home office with a library vibe.
Rows and rows of books are right at home in this multi-functional room.
From here down I'll keep adding inspiring library images.