How To Build Your Own Library At Home
Photo by Samson Katt on Pexels
There is such a value in being a bookworm; getting lost in stories, learning from another’s words of wisdom, coming to love fictional characters, and applying lessons to our own life — these are just a few of the wonderful things that come along with being a lover of books.
But being an avid reader requires more than just owning or borrowing high volumes of books. Every reader needs a peaceful, lovely, calming space in which to more fully enjoy their books (though we are advocates for taking a book anywhere you go, too!).
It’s our belief that every literature lover needs a little library of their own, tucked away somewhere at home. Whether big with soaring ceilings and walls of books, or small with just enough room for a little chair and a bookcase or two, having our own personal at-home library can help us see our reading time as a time of self-care and recharging, too.
So how can you create your own little library, right at home?
01 | Find a quiet nook or room that gives you peace.
We’re all well aware that every library has a strict noise policy; the same should go for your own personal library. While we can’t enforce noise policies all around the house, we should find a space at home where we’re able to find just a bit of peace and quiet.
02 | Be realistic about your budget.
It’s easy to get caught up in a flurry of fun ideas and wishful thinking. But before you purchase anything, write out a realistic budget for your library — you don’t need to have oodles of money in order to put something unique and wonderful together, so don’t fret if your budget is on the smaller side!
03 | Invest in as many shelves as possible.
Once you know how much you can spend, you can start thinking about what kind of shelves you’d like. Maybe you’re a handy type and want to install built-ins, or you might prefer to order something with minimal self-assembly, or you could even pick up a few used bookshelves at GoodWill; you needn’t worry if the second-hand shelves don’t match — that can just add to the charm (or you could consider painting them all to add some cohesion)!
04 | Organize your books in a way that’s pleasing to you.
If you’re looking to create your own little library, chances are, you already have a collection of books. Organize your books in a way that makes sense to you — alphabetically, by genre, or by color (our personal favorite, as it’s deeply aesthetically pleasing!).
05 | Get a comfy reading chair (or two).
You’ll need a place to sit, won’t you? To devour a good book, sip on coffee, and maybe even munch on something tasty as you read just one more chapter. Invest in a comfortable little reading chair (or a few of them!) that will make it so you’ll never want to leave your library.
06 | Add cozy touches.
Something your own library will have that a normal library won’t? Your personal, cozy touches — candles, pillows, a rug, throws, and anything else that will help create a space that’s uniquely beautiful to you.
