Home libraries no longer need to be the dark, wood-paneled, stuffy rooms of the 19th century. Some of today’s most popular interior designs 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 it into a loft space, it’s a winning concept. This small loft library is an excellent example of that. See this entire home.
2. The Library House
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This is an amazing house 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 2-Level Luxe Library with Spiral Stairs
When I think of a luxurious home library, this is what comes to mind. It’s a stunning design with a two-story wall of bookshelves, four reading chairs and a fabulous sprial staircase to the second level. See this famous house.
4. The Rustic Home Library
This home library is very casual and comfortable. I love all the bright light, white walls and 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 being a library. There’s also a piano and lounge area. See the rest of this impressive home.
6. The Minimalist Home Library
This is book-lovers’ home given this small space was dedicated to a simple library space. 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, 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. 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 the walls lined with books making 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, over-the-top chandelier, ornate desk, fireplace and overstuffed furniture. 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 beaut. See the rest of this gothic mansion.
15. A Room with an Infinite Number of Views
Traditional library with a fireplace, hardwood flooring and area rug. Source: Zillow Digs
16. Home Library Features Floor to Coffered Ceiling Bookshelves
Large home library featuring coffered ceiling and elegant brown leather seating. Zillow Digs
17. Book Collection Encased Behind Glass Doors
Home library with an office desk and chair set in the corner. The white bookshelves are protected by glass doors.
18. Home Libraries Have Been Proven to Promote Higher Learning
Largeliving room with a massive gray sofa and hardwood flooring. The area features a vaulted ceiling and 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.
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22. Information is in the Mind of the Beholder
Home library boasts elegant black bookshelves with 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 sofaseton 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 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. Designed by: la SHED architecture
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. Designed by: Closet Factory
32. Home Library Serves as a Creative Hub
Home library and music room operates like a center for creative energy. Designed by: Roger Wade Studio
33. Home Library Designed with all the Necessities
Elegant brown leather couch sits in the middle of a massive home library. A trunk serves as a table on the hardwood floor decorated with an area rug. Source: Trulia
34. Bright Shelves Waiting to Be Filled with New Books
Blue area rug is offset by the all-white interior in a large home library with lots of room for new books. Source: Trulia
35. Home Library Surrounded By Bookshelves
Like a cocoon for learning, a home library is surrounded by bookshelves in a room featuring French doors and crown molding. Source: Zillow Digs
36. Home Library Designed with Plenty of Reading Room
Contemporary home library with a built-in bookshelves and lots of reading room.
37. Home Library Features Herringbone Tile Floor and Pendant Lighting
Traditional library with herringbone tile floors and pendant light. Source: Zillow Digs
38. Ladder Accesses Second Floor of Home Library
Large home library featuring two-story bookshelves with a ladder for access. Source: Zillow Digs
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