Your stack of books has been gathering in every corner—on nightstands, kitchen counters, and even the floor. The idea of creating your own at-home library starts to sound pretty exciting, especially when you remember that the spare room is currently collecting dust and storage bins.
Whether you’re renting a house in Asheville, NC, settling into a new home in Boise, ID, or getting comfortable in an apartment in Madison, WI, that underused space holds plenty of potential. To help you turn it into a cozy, personalized reading retreat, we’ve gathered expert insight on how to create the perfect at-home library.
1. Set the stage for your at-home library
Transforming a spare room into an at-home library starts with a smart approach to space. With the right planning, even the smallest room can hold your book collection and become a cozy, inviting place to read.
Give the room a purpose
Organized by Lettie in Minneapolis, MN offers a thoughtful perspective on redefining your space. “Does your spare room tend to be the catch-all room? If you designate the space for a purpose, you will be less likely to let it get cluttered. A cozy library could be just the inspo you need to clear the clutter. Imagine a room lined with bookshelves to display your books and curated collection of special items, such as seashells from your last trip. Don’t forget to add a cozy spot to curl up and read.”
Planning the layout
Suzan J Designs of Decorating Den Interiors emphasizes the importance of thoughtful layout planning. “Turning a spare room into an at-home library starts with establishing where to place your reading area. I usually recommend angling it near a window and facing into the room. This is good natural lighting as well as a view. Of course, you’ll want some supplemental lighting and probably an ottoman. Once that is set, you can decide on bookshelves or bookcases based on how much reading material you have. I love to intermingle accessories, small lighting, and books on the shelves to create a cozy atmosphere and personalize it.”
Utilize vertical space
For Anthony Perrotta, an astrologer with a background in fashion, interior design, and marketing, maximizing storage and style starts by looking up.
“Turning a spare room into a home library adds personality to your space. One of the most important parts of a home library is storage, so go vertical if you can. Not all spare rooms are large, so by maximizing vertical space, you can include more books in your collection, while alternating in decor with the books for visual harmony. It’s imperative to use grounding techniques like adding a floor covering or rug with texture to balance things out. Consider the rug your anchor and choose something with texture that creates coziness. Libraries should be darker in color to add to the vibe and soften the lighting, making it easier to read. Lastly, consider a comfortable chair or small loveseat near a window or lightsource. Seating is make or break for spaces like this. If you feel uncomfortable, you’re less likely to use the room fully.
Photo courtesy of Mid Century Mobler2. Think about your design style
Once the layout is set, focus on the space’s look and feel. Your design style will guide everything from color choices to furniture selection. As Amanda and Andrew Moe, co-owners of Studio Moe, put it, “We believe that simplicity is the key to good design, and living well. The furniture we surround ourselves with plays a vital part in designing a life that inspires and reflects the best version of ourselves. For your converted library, the same holds for both books and furniture—only allow in what you love.”
Go mid-century for an effortless style
For those drawn to mid-century modern design, Julian and Desiree Goldklang, owners of Mid Century Mobler in Berkeley, CA share their tips for creating a stylish and timeless at-home library.
“Transforming a spare room into a mid-century home library? Start with clean-lined teak shelving by Kai Kristiansen and low-slung lounge chairs by designers like Finn Juhl or Grete Jalk for timeless sophistication. Pair with warm lighting like a teak Le Klint scissor lamp and a minimalist color palette to let your books—and your style—shine.”
Lean into mood and personality
Renee Carlson, Vice President of Marketing for Garman Homes in North Carolina encourages embracing bold design choices to make your personal library truly reflect your personality.
“Don’t be afraid to have fun with your home library design. We love a mix of vintage pieces, warm bronze tones, and a statement chair that begs you to sink into it for hours. This concept actually inspired our new Cigar Lounge curated interior design package, a little mysterious and a touch moody. We always say go big on personality and lean into whatever brings you joy – your library should be as unique and welcoming as the stories on its shelves.”
Mix in vintage finds to add character
Marina Lobanova, Marketing Manager of Ballard Consignment in Seattle, WA suggests incorporating vintage pieces to add character and charm to your home library.
“One tip is to find consignment and vintage pieces that reflect your style. Choosing furniture with character, like a vintage armchair or a unique bookshelf, can help create a truly distinctive atmosphere. Mixing these elements with cozy lighting and thoughtful accessories can transform the space into a welcoming and inspiring reading nook.”
3. Create a cozy atmosphere
No matter what design style you choose to go with, whether it’s modern, eclectic, or traditional, you’ll still want to prioritize a cozy atmosphere. Comfort is what transforms a home library from simply functional to a space you’ll love spending time in.
Build a cozy foundation
Evaline Parker, owner and lead designer of Revive 365 in Littleton, NH offers tips to establish a cozy feel.
“Custom built bookcases add a seamless look and enhance organization, making them a smart foundation for your space. To complement this, layer lighting by combining ambient, task, and accent lights to create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. You can also create a comfortable seating area with armchairs, sofas, and a reading nook. A desk or table can also be included for those who work from home, adding both function and flexibility.”
Focus on the colors you invite into your space
One thoughtful way to set the tone in your home library is by considering the colors and materials that surround you. Savanna Williams-Bowlin of Sharpe’s Church Interiors offers a unique perspective. “When creating a home library, aim to design a space that feels calm and reflective. In our work with church renovations, we focus on natural materials, soft textures, and serene color palettes to foster peace and stillness. Those same principles can transform a spare room into a restful retreat for reading and reflection.”
Prioritize touch and texture
When creating a cozy atmosphere for a reading room, Folio Fabrics believes texture can be just as important to set the vibe.
“Choose a chair that begs you to curl up with a good book—plush in velvet, chenille, or bouclé. Linen or linen-blend drapes gently filter sunlight, casting a soft glow that enhances the calm. Layer in thoughtful textures, and your spare room becomes a cozy haven for quiet moments and great reads. Need to keep it guest-ready? A stylish sleeper sofa makes it easy to transition from the library to welcoming guest space.”
Style your shelves with purpose
Bonnie Bruno of Take Root Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI believes that creating comfort also includes how you curate and style your shelves, using books as decor.
“Transforming your extra room into a cozy home library is a rewarding way to make the most of unused space. Start by assessing the room’s lighting, natural light is ideal during the day, but you’ll also want to add warm, adjustable lighting for nighttime reading. Install sturdy bookshelves along the walls to maximize storage, and organize your collection by genre, author, or color for both function and aesthetics. Add a comfortable chair or chaise lounge, a small side table for your favorite beverage, and soft textiles like rugs or curtains to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
4. Add personalization to your space
Adding personal touches is what transforms a simple reading room into a space that truly feels like your own. Morgan J. Walters of M.A.D Co. Lab Studios shares her insight on how to make your at-home library feel uniquely yours.
“While adequate shelving is important to hold and display your collection, add your unique style by experimenting with different paints to create a place of peace and solitude specifically to your personality. A home library is supposed to transport you to different worlds and give a sense of culture; add your favorite artwork and/or trinkets to give a variety beyond your favorite books. When combined, these elements create a space that’s both functional and deeply personal.”
From a spare room to a cozy at-home library
Transforming an unused bonus room into a home library is an opportunity to give new purpose to overlooked space. With intentional design and personal details, that extra room can become a welcoming retreat for your cozy nights in with a good book. From thoughtful shelving and vintage accents to comfy seating, each element contributes to a room that’s as functional as it is relaxing.
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