The Home Library: A Book Lover's Dream

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For anyone who cherishes the written word, a personal library isn't a luxury... it's an absolute necessity.

A home library can be grand and spacious...

Or a simple and lovely little reading nook...

images via: Wendi @ Classic Chic Home on Pinterest

You can create a home library by simply having a place for your books, and a comfy space to sit and read to your heart's content. 

Are you feeling inspired to carve out your own little slice of heaven somewhere in your home?

8 Tips For a Beautifully Styled Bookcase

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(via BHG)

A utilitarian bookcase can be transformed into a beautiful and personalized display case for your most treasured possessions.  All it takes is a little thoughtful styling.

The space below illustrates the powerful effect of layering.  A desk placed directly in front of a shelving unit adds dimension, while artwork hung vertically on the face of the bookcase create a sense of height.  A generous use of white and pockets of empty shelving beautifully balance the overall display.

(Melanie Turner)

Patterned wallpaper provides a stunning backdrop in this classically styled bookcase.

To prevent the display from appearing too busy, use decor items in neutral tones mixed with a single accent colour, and allow each piece plenty of room to breathe.

(via Haus Design)

A collection of plates add softness to the black books and dark accessories in this elegant built-in.  The repetition of marbled, brown pottery and small, wooden chests shape a cohesive and balanced display.

(Phoebe Howard)

Vintage prints and old leather books mixed with shiny objets d'art give this bookcase a sophisticated, old-world feel.  Notice how the pieces vary in height, and are displayed in multiples of three to create a visually appealing vignette.

(via Atlanta Homes Mag)

Stack books horizontally and vertically on shelves for added interest.  Layer small antiques, sculptural pieces and a few unusual statement pieces in an eye-pleasing arrangement to showcase your art and collectibles.

(via Pinterest)

Lean artwork against the back of your shelves and add interesting decor accessories in front to create the illusion of depth.  Paint the interior of your bookcase in a dark colour for a dramatic effect.

(via Lonny Mag)

Sort books by size and colour and display like-items together for a uniform and understated arrangement.  Consider installing a ladder on a sliding rod to access high shelves.

(via Hello Metro)

Display tiny collectibles in groups to prevent your bookcase from looking cluttered.  Express your unique personality and interests by introducing objects with a similar motif.  Notice the porcelain birds featured on each shelf.    

(via Centsational Girl)

I hope these styling tips help you to design a beautiful bookcase display.  Just take your time, play with different arrangements, and, most importantly, have fun and enjoy the creative process!

Design Shuffle Guest Post: Stylish Bookcases

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Hi, I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portal featuring the beautiful work of interior designers from around the world. My daily work consists of gathering the most gorgeous spaces on the web and sharing them with readers of blogs such as Classic Chic Home.

There is something about bookcases filled with vast collections of books and found objects that we just love. It gives the appearance of a well-read life. We especially covet floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with colorful hues.

Take a look at some of our favorites and get inspired with some decorating ideas of your own. Thanks for letting me share!

A pristine white palette such as this looks lovely with pops of color in a classic bookcase.

A modern setting with a touch of glamour hosts a bookcase full of favorite reads. Accessories, strategically placed, break up the linear look of the books and bookcase.

This living room/library is a unique space with its unusually placed bookcases. The books carry the room's soft tones onto the bookshelves. This room certainly inspires many interior design ideas.

Floor to ceiling bookcases offer plenty of space to showcase a vast collection of books. A ladder gives access to books placed high on the bookcase.

Another floor to ceiling bookcase adds interest to a home library. The oversized artwork on the opposing wall balances the heaviness of the bookcase.

Looking for large space living room design ideas? Here's one just for you. A curtained bookcase gives this classic space an alternate look should the occasion arise. The vibrant green offers the soft palette a pop of color.

A bookcase with built-in space for a desk does double duty in this library/sitting area. The bookcase is unusual in that it houses found objects and magazines in matching white cases in lieu of a collection of books.

A doorway is framed by built-in bookcases from floor to ceiling. This bookcase configuration uses every inch of available space.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Did these bookshelf designs inspire you? Head on over to Design Shuffle to see the latest in interior design styles and connect with San Francisco interior designers and more!

Thank you for guest posting, Joanna, and for providing us with these impressive and inspiring bookcase ideas.  As a lover of books, I couldn't be more pleased with your topic of choice!

  

The Keys to Creating a Home Library

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BOOKS can be a source of entertainment, a resource for information, or a doorway to another world.  They can enlighten, educate and inspire.   BOOKS are incredible treasures.

For those who love and cherish the written word as I do, a home LIBRARY, however small, is as much a necessity as it is a luxury.

In my home LIBRARY, I started with the basic staples;  a comfortable reading chair, good lighting, and a cabinet to house (a small portion of) my BOOK collection.

Artwork, silk draperies, and a cozy throw in serene shades of french blue, set the mood for a few stolen moments lost deep inside the pages of a favorite novel.  

In this well appointed LIBRARY, the extensive collection of BOOKS are displayed behind glass, their leather covers protected from dust and sun damage.

   

 

This home LIBRARY is anchored by a pedestal table, offering an additional surface to display BOOKS and sculptural accessories.

 

A LIBRARY can be easily integrated into an existing home office.  The eclectic mix of furnishings and artfully displayed collections add to the exotic elegance of this space.    

These BOOKS have been wrapped in white linen, creating a cohesive colour scheme in this sophisticated space.  The display is primarily decorative, as the covered spines prevent one from perusing the BOOK titles in search of that perfect 'read'.

BOOKS are stacked and displayed amongst family pictures throughout these charming built-ins, adding warmth and personality to the landing in this beautiful home.     

 

BOOKS are as priceless as any fine work of art.  Write them into your own design story, and embrace the warmth and richness that they will undoubtedly add to your home.