40 DIY Home Library Ideas That Are Perfect for Spaces of All Sizes
Your literary retreat awaits!
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Ever dreamed of having your very own home library? Good news—you can! Make that dream a reality with DIY home library ideas you can tackle in no time. From closet nooks to secret reading rooms, lawn libraries and more, these unique settings will inspire you to cozy up with your next page-turner in every room of the house. Trust us, these ideas are anything but predictable. Plus, they're perfect for spaces of all sizes!
When was the last time you took a bath? Was your favorite novel with you? Well, bathroom libraries exist, and you should probably consider one! No matter your style or setting of choice, there are few things as comforting as the feeling of a good book in your hands. The best stories allow us to live vicariously through the experiences of our favorite characters. As we consider the harmony these fictional settings bring to our lives, it only makes sense to seek similar escapes in the place we call home.
Of course, in reality, you may not have a ton of space to dedicate to your favorite pastime, and that's okay. Repurpose your TV stand, add some floating shelves above your desk, or combine with your blanket storage ideas. We've even included an idea from Ree's new house, so you can see just how easy it is mix and match shelving space. Rest assured, no matter the size of your home, you'll be able to build a reading nook of your dreams. So, roll up your sleeves and read on!
More fun ideas to upgrade your space:
Stack an Ikea Hack
Get the most out of wall space by stacking furniture. Here, Ikea shelves double as storage, nightstands, and bookshelves at the same time simply by stacking different sizes against a wall.
See more at Sugar and Cloth.
Take Up Space
If you've got a large empty wall and you love books, don't be afraid to take advantage of that and take up a ton of that space. A built-in bookcase like this one utilizes plenty of room but doesn't feel overwhelming.
Build a Window Nook
A window provides natural light during the day to make reading easier. You can frame the window with shelves and build the seating in front of the whole space or just the window ledge. Doesn't it look so cozy?
Frame Your Couch
Build up and around your couch for maximum shelving space. That's what Ree and Ladd Drummond just did in the lounge of their new house. Then they mixed books, art, and collectables to make the space all their own.
Make Them Float
You don't have to invest in big bulky bookshelves to display your books. Nope, you can get floating shelves that go up a wall or hover above other furniture for a more modern take.
Repurpose a TV Stand
It's okay to acknowledge that yes, you watch TV and yes, you still read books. Especially if you have a smaller space to work with, building up and around your TV is the smart way to go.
Divide a Room
A great way to break up an open concept space is to use bookshelves as a room divider. It also makes the space more inviting and cozy. You can easily change up the mix of books and other decorative elements to make it feel different.
Put Books on Hooks
Hanging baskets on a wall to display and store books is a fun idea. What makes them even better is that the baskets are hooked onto the walls here, making them easily removable. That way, it's easier to find and sort books before hanging the basket back up!
See more at Lemon Thistle.
Leave No Inch Behind
Have a blank wall to work with? You can DIY this beautiful shelving situation from start to finish. Install kitchen cabinets at the base for extra storage.
Get the tutorial at Bonjour Bliss.
Start at the Top
Brush off the dust and break through those cobwebs—your attic may hold some serious home library potential. The one pictured here doubles as a living room.
See more at Yvestown.
Experiment with Shiplap
Find additional inspiration from these DIY built-ins, which feature a simple shiplap backsplash. Try the look by covering your walls in shiplap wallpaper. If you love it, go for the real deal.
Get the tutorial at Catz in the Kitchen.
Chase the Rainbow
Bring warmth into your living room through a sturdy shelf lined with colorful copies of your favorite books. Drill through the lower board of your shelf before securing it to the wall.
See more at In Honor of Design.
Choose a Bold Backdrop
Sure, these books aren’t readable—but this wall art installation provides a stunning backdrop for a home library that stands out. Best of all, you can DIY the entire thing.
Get the tutorial at Fiddle Leaf Interiors.
Hang a Mirror—or Six
Convert an open corner into a cozy reading nook with mirrors that add depth. Find inspiration from this space that sits inside the home of Kindred Vintage. We adore every last detail.
See more from @kindredvintage.
Make the Case for Monochromatic
A black and white palette gives this farmhouse living room library a chic and elegant feel. Incorporate contrast with touches of black to break up negative space.
See more at Old Salt Farm.
Let the Kids Escape
Transform a hallway into a secret reading room for your little ones. Twinkle lights give this dreamy space a magical touch.
See more at We Lived Happily Ever After.
Think Outside the House
The entire family can bring this DIY lawn library to life. More than 75,000 Little Free Libraries—which encourage kids and families to share books with their community for free—have popped up around the world. Now’s your chance to join the fun!
See more at Nesting with Grace.
Take it to the Tub
We’ll just leave this here. Can you imagine? To create your own version of this space, start by placing an Oriental rug at the base of your bathtub. Most bathrooms see less light than other rooms of the house, so consider adding an extra light fixture or two.
See more at Sabbe Interior Design.
Pop in Pillows
Not ready to renovate an entire room? Soften up an existing bookcase with touches of cozy color. Find inspiration from this moody setting, which features plush Sunbrella pillows. Grab one with your next page-turner and settle in.
Play with Patterns
Bring joy into your home library with vibrant colors and standout patterns. An accent lamp or throw pillow is a great place to start.
See more at Amie Corley Interiors.
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