A Reading Space
For centuries, people have used reading not only as a way to educate and improve themselves, but also as a reliable way to relax and unwind after long, exhausting days. Many people make time to read before bed, claiming it helps prepare them for restful sleep. Whether it’s a few pages or a few chapters, devoted readers often indulge in their favorite pastime before they call it a day.
But reading in bed isn’t your only option. Once you’ve purchased your own home, you can choose where and how you’ll enjoy your love for books. Whether it’s a dedicated room or a simple, cozy nook, a separate space for reading is a must for many homebuyers.
When you’re creating a library space within your new home, start by evaluating your reading habits—especially how you source your books. If you use e-readers or borrow most of your books from the library, you may be able to scale down the size of your reading area. If you prefer physical books, you’ll likely want more shelving and storage, especially if you keep books after you read them.
Make sure you consider the reading habits of every member of your household when designing the space. If your spouse, children, or other family members are big readers, you may want to devote an entire room to this quiet pursuit. If only one or two people in your home love to curl up with a book, a smaller setup may be the best fit.
How long you keep your books can also guide your design choices. If you plan on saving children’s books to pass on to future generations, a tidy, well-designed space will help store them efficiently and protect them for years to come.
Lighting matters, too. Natural light is ideal for scanning the newspaper in the morning or reading on a quiet weekend afternoon. If you have a night owl in the house who reads into the late hours, quality reading lights can help prevent eyestrain and headaches.
Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination.
Book Nook Delight
If you have a small room available—or a large empty corner in a great room—add large, glass-front bookcases and a big, cozy chair to create an inviting reading nook. Glass-front shelving lets you see your collection at a glance while helping protect books from dust, mold, and insects.
If you’re lucky enough to have natural light from a large window, add a floor lamp for evening reading. Choose a multi-stage bulb so you can adjust brightness as needed.
Reading for a Crowd
If you need room for multiple readers, consider converting a spare bedroom into a library anchored by a comfortable couch large enough for several people. A sofa with chaise or recliner sections is an added bonus. You can also add individual chairs plus a table or desk for homework or browsing oversized books.
The Multi-Use Space
If you love the idea of a home library but need a guest room for frequent visitors, consider a dual-purpose room. A sofa bed and storage ottoman can give you the best of both worlds.
A Library as Art
A dedicated reading space doesn’t need to take up an entire room to be effective. It can also serve as a design statement within a larger space. Going ultra-modern? Consider a reading “space pod.”
Or try a creative bookcase-and-chair combination like this:
If you only need space for a few books—and prefer to read outside, in bed, or even in the bathtub—storage can still be a style statement while keeping things tidy. Bookcases can add personality and flair in a relatively small footprint. Here’s one more showstopper idea:
Indulge your love of books in any way you’d like! Your family’s sense of style is sure to come through in the way you decorate your home library. Explore more inspiration in our Design Studio, browse our floor plans, or contact us for design guidance.
