Home libraries no longer need to be the dark, wood-paneled, stuffy rooms of the 19th century. Some of today’s most popular home library design ideas feature natural light and the use of white throughout. And while they are definitely artifacts from a bygone era, that also may be their saving grace — as we yearn for breaks from the constant hum of technology, the home library can provide a space separated from the world of gadgets and screens.

1. The Loft Library

Lofts are popular. Home libraries, not so much, but when you incorporate the home library idea into a loft space, it’s a winning concept. This cozy reading nook is an excellent example of that.

See this entire home.

2. The Library House

This is an amazing space for home library fans because much of the house incorporates built-in bookshelves throughout it.

See this entire house by Hanna Michelson/Fria Folket.

3. The Two-Level Luxe Library with Spiral Stairs

When I think of a luxurious home library, this is what comes to mind. It’s an excellent interior design with a two-story wall of bookshelves, four reading chairs, and a spiral staircase to the second level.

See this famous house.

4. The Rustic Home Library

This home library in a living room is very casual and comfortable. I love all the bright light, white walls, furniture and of course the white bookshelves. There’s also a spiral staircase.

See the rest of this famous author’s house.

5. The Multi-Use Home Library

This is an example of a multi-purpose room that includes a library. There’s also a piano and lounge area.

See the rest of this impressive home.

6. The Minimalist Home Library

This interior design is meant for a book lover, given the room ideas in this small space are dedicated to reading.

See the rest of this house by Palette Architecture.

7. The Small Home Library Design

Here’s a library most homes could incorporate. It’s not huge. It’s not lavish. It’s plain but nicely done with a built-in shelving wall, a small rolling ladder, and one reading chair.

See the rest of this delightful home by Barker Associates Architecture Office.

8. The Sprawling Sumptuous Home Library

Contrast this library with the one above, and this is the mega-mansion version replete with furniture and custom built-in shelving throughout the living space.

See the rest of this incredible house.

9. Mark Twain’s Library

This is a very cool home library to include because it’s from the mansion Mark Twain owned. Not a huge library, but nicely done.

See the rest of Mark Twain’s mansion.

10. The Lounge Library in a Home

Another large lounge-style room with walls lined with books makes it a de facto home library.

See the rest of this historic mansion.

11. Old World Home Library with Chandelier, Fireplace and all the Fixin’s

Here’s a great example of an old-world home library that’s custom-built throughout with rich wood, an over-the-top chandelier, an ornate desk, a fireplace, and overstuffed furniture. Plenty of shelving space for book storage.

See the rest of this impressive home.

12. The Contemporary Library

I love this contemporary take on the home library that’s open, minimal, and filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling window.

See the rest of this very cool house by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architects.

13. The Rustic Maximalist Library

Here’s a massive home library where you could easily spend an entire day. The massive wall is floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves. The furniture sits on one of the biggest area rugs I’ve ever seen. It’s quite the room.

See the rest of this impressive home.

14. The Full-On Maximalist Home Library Design

Here’s a library found in a heritage Gothic mansion. Not for everyone, but if you like older, ornate homes leaning toward the goth, this is a beautiful home library.

See the rest of this gothic mansion.

15. A Room with an Infinite Number of Views

Traditional library with a fireplace, hardwood flooring, wall art and area rug.

Source: Zillow Digs

16. Home Library Features Floor to Coffered Ceiling Bookshelves

Large home library featuring coffered ceiling and elegant comfortable seating. Bookshelves take up the entire room.

Zillow Digs

17. Book Collection Encased Behind Glass Doors

Home library with an office desk and chair set in the corner. Glass doors protect the white bookshelves.

18. Home Libraries Have Been Proven to Promote Higher Learning

Large living room with a massive gray sofa and hardwood flooring. The area features a vaulted ceiling and a wall of white bookshelves.

19. One Wall with a World of Books in Home Library

Home library, with white tile flooring, contains books to one wall.

20. Home Library Wall Devoted to Books

Bedroom features wall of bookshelves protected by glass doors with track lighting.

21. Home Libraries are Places of Higher Learning

Home library with built-in wooden bookshelves that extend up to the room’s high ceiling.

22. Information is in the Mind of the Beholder

Home library boasts elegant black bookshelves with an access ladder.

23. Home Library Functions as a Room with a Purpose

Home library features beige and white tones, with a colorful area rug. Designed by: Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects

24. Modern Design Turns the Page on Preconceived Ideas

Large formal living room features a sofa set on top of a stylish gray rug covering the herringbone hardwood flooring.

25. Large Windows Bring in Lots of Natural Light

Home library features lots of color and natural light through large windows.

26. Home Library Provides all the Accoutrements for Reading Sessions

Home library features a club chair, area rug, and hardwood flooring. A built-in desk matches the stylish wooden wall and bookshelves.

27. Summer Reading Enhanced with a Home Library Full of Books

Home library in a summer cottage features multiple bookshelves and access to a private deck.

28. Home Library Balances Dark Tones and Natural Light

Home library features elegant seating, dark tones, and lots of natural light.

29. Home Library Features All the Creature Comforts

Large living room with multiple bookshelves and a cozy sofa set on top of hardwood flooring and an area rug.

30. Growing Up in a Room Full of Books

The living area boasts a large bookshelf and cozy furniture for reading time.

31. Home Library Provides an Access for Learning

Spacious home library, featuring stylish brown hardwood flooring, is surrounded by white bookshelves with a ladder for access. The modern home library takes up almost every inch of wall space.