If you're a book lover, you’re probably no stranger to books stacking up on nightstands, filling every spare shelf, and somehow multiplying when you’re not looking. Turns out, 85% of Americans own at least one physical book, which means plenty of people are looking for the perfect place to store their favorites.
Don’t worry! A home library doesn’t have to be grand or take up an entire room. Here are some of our favorite home library ideas that’ll turn any space into a temporary escape from reality.
Where Can You Put a Home Library?
Think you need an entire spare room to build a cozy home library? Think again! No matter how much space you have, you can turn even the smallest corners of your home into a book lover’s dream. Here are some places you might not have thought of for your library:
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Small nook in a bedroom or home office
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Built-in window seat with shelves
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Under a staircase
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In a hallway with bookcases lining the walls
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Any unused corner with a comfy chair and good lighting
How to Choose a Style for Your Home Library
Your home library should feel just as inviting as the stories on its shelves. Whether you want a space that feels classic and timeless or something bold and dramatic, here are a few styles to consider.
Traditional
If you love the feeling of an old bookstore or a historic study, a traditional home library might be the perfect fit. Picture walls lined with built-in bookshelves in deep mahogany or walnut, a rolling ladder gliding from shelf to shelf, and a cordaroys’ convertible bean bag in faux leather that practically begs you to recline, relax, and repeat. To complete the look, consider:
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Soft lighting from antique-style sconces or a brass reading lamp
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A vintage globe
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An old clock
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A well-loved wooden desk
Elegant
For those who want their home library to feel chic, elegance is the way to go. Light-colored bookcases with glass doors or built-in lighting give the space an airy, curated feel, while plush seating, like a tufted chaise or a sleek armchair, adds a bit of luxury.
Instead of cluttering shelves with mismatched books, consider organizing them by color or stacking a few horizontally for a designer-inspired look. Gold or marble accents, a statement chandelier, or floor-length drapes complete the space, making it feel more like an exclusive VIP lounge.
Dark and Moody
A moody home library feels like stepping into a secret hideaway, where the outside world disappears, and all that matters is the story in your hands. Dark, inky walls in deep green, navy, or charcoal set the tone, while floor-to-ceiling bookshelves give the room an intimate vibe.
A plush seating area is a must, and cordaroys’ chenille convertible bean bag in rainforest green fits right in, offering you a cozy spot to sink into with a good book. To keep the space from feeling too heavy, mix in soft textures, vintage accents, or a well-placed mirror to reflect the warm glow of reading lamps.
What Furniture Does a Home Library Need?
A well-designed home library should be as comfortable as it is functional. The right furniture makes it easy to relax and enjoy hours of uninterrupted reading.
Seating
Of course, no home library is complete without having a place to sit. A loveseat or chaise lounge is a cozy spot for stretching out during long reading sessions. Armchairs and recliners offer great support and work well in both large and small spaces.
For a more relaxed vibe, consider a convertible bean bag chair or a NEST bean bag. Not sure which to choose? Let’s break each option down!
If you’re looking for a simple and chill place to lounge with your favorite book, cordaroys’ convertible bean bag is a great pick. It’s soft, cozy, and even converts into a bed–perfect for taking a quick nap in between chapters.
Need a little more support? The NEST adult bean bag chair has built-in head and neck support and still converts into a bed, giving you the best of both worlds. Even better, our bean bags come with washable, dryer-friendly covers, so they’re always easy to care for.
Accent Tables
A good home library needs a place to set down a book, a cup of tea, or reading glasses. Small side tables are perfect for keeping essentials within reach, while nesting tables are flexible enough for different seating arrangements. A coffee table adds space for displaying books and decor, which makes the room feel more inviting.
For a smart and multifunctional addition, the PUK Tablet & Phone Stand + Drink Coaster is perfect for listening to audiobooks, following along with an e-book hands-free, or holding your drink as you dive into the next chapter. Bookshelves round out the space and provide storage as well as a way to showcase your favorite collection.
How to Make Your Home Library Feel Extra Cozy
A home library should be a space that invites you to unwind and stay awhile. From plush rugs to the perfect lighting, here are a few ways to add comfort and charm to your reading nook.
Fluffy Rugs and Snuggly Blankets
A cozy library starts from the ground up–literally. A thick, plush rug adds instant warmth, whether it’s a classic shag, a vintage-inspired Persian, or something extra soft that feels like stepping onto a cloud.
Don’t forget about a blanket (or two)! cordaroys’ throw blankets are so cozy that they’ll beckon you to sink in deeper with every page turn. Drape one across your bean bag chair, and keep another within arm’s reach for when the story gets so good you lose track of time. Available in luxe faux chinchilla fur and classic terry corduroy, our XL blankets will keep you warm from head to toe, so you can keep reading without interruption.
Natural Lighting vs. Moody Lighting
Lighting can set the mood in any room, especially in a home library. Depending on your preferences, you might prefer light and airy or something a bit more moody and dramatic. If your library is filled with natural light, positioning a reading chair by a window creates the perfect daytime reading spot. Soft curtains or sheer drapes can help diffuse harsh sunlight while keeping the space bright.
For a darker, moodier vibe, lighting needs to be more intentional. Direct light reflects more harshly in a dark-colored room, which creates a glare and disrupts the cozy feel. Table lamps with fabric shades, wall sconces with dimmable bulbs, or a softly glowing floor lamp will create the perfect ambient light for late-night reading without overwhelming the space.
Bring Your Dream Library to Life with cordaroys
A great home library isn’t just a room filled with books. It’s that quiet moment when you sink into the perfect chair, wrapped in a soft blanket, as the world fades away with every page turn. It’s a cozy corner where stories come to life and reality takes a back seat.
No matter if you love the charm of a traditional study, the sophistication of an elegant lounge, or the mystery of a dark and moody escape, there’s one thing every library needs: a place to curl up and stay for a while. cordaroys’ bean bag chairs bring that next level of comfort, giving you a reading spot that molds to you. With convertible bean bags that double as beds and NEST chairs designed for extra support, your library will be a space you never want to leave.
Sources:
How many books Americans own — and how they organize them | YouGov
Mistakes To Avoid When Designing A Moody Room (And What You Should Do Instead) | House Digest
