The philosopher Cicero once said “a room without books is like a body without a soul,” and we have to agree. Creating a space for books in your home, like in a home library, will not only give your house order, but a sense of character and comfortability too.
This unique ambience is what makesbookshelvesand home libraries a cornerstone of the new“lived-in” trendfor 2024, where authenticity is appreciated over aesthetics and the act of intentional collection is paramount. So, those books that you own that you haven’t actually read? It’s time to donate them. That mismatched collection of knick-knacks that you’ve been hoarding for no real reason? You’ll be culling those too. It’s time to embrace what many on social media are calling: “bookshelf wealth“.
It’s all about leaning less into the styled and more into the lived-in by filling your home libraries,study nooksand reading rooms with objects that truly reflect who you are, including photographs, candles, and of course, books.
How do I turn my living room into a home library?
Consider integrating a bookshelf (or floating shelves, if you’re particularly handy) to create a grander storage solution for your books and trinkets. A range of different styles means that working with your existing aesthetic doesn’t have to be a pain when creating your home library.
Seating is another thing to consider.Comfortable coucheswill make the space more inviting for friends and family to enjoy the space, and some oversizedcushionswill be a thoughtful touch too.
If you’re convinced but still looking for some inspiration, these impressive home library designs are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
The best home library design ideas to inspire
The unique table was brought over from the owners’ previous home, and the brightly coloured books on the library shelves offer some of the only colour in this minimalist Sydney apartment.
In this heritage home’smarvellously modern extension, a traditionally formal room, the home library, is refreshed with stylish Italian-designed furniture and many decorative pieces that enhance the room’s gorgeous allure.
“My lifelong ambition was having floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a sliding ladder, so it’s nice to have achieved this!” says author Alice Nelson, the owner of this renovated home in Perth. The ladder was made by Israeli metal artist Daniel Kasher and has lines from one of Alice’s favourite Rilke poems engraved into the treads.
The vibrant library in this relaxed harbourside home with an Australian-inspired palette is lined with Vitsœ bookshelves by Dieter Rams and the client’s collection of framed 1930s French wine posters.
Stylish white shelving adorned with precious items and books alike brings a sense of ease and respite to thischarming Victorian homein Bayside, Melbourne.
The much-prized reading spot in this Hamptons inspired holiday home in Perth is built into the library wall, encompassing the reader in a cosy nook.
In the home of Dirty Janes Bowral founder, Jane Crowley, a quaint library bookcase with wire windows is paired with comfortable sofas and armchairs and a heirloom side table that belonged to Jane’s grandmother.
“These book shelves are made from Gyprock rather than joinery so they look like they are part of the wall,” says interior designer Lisa Burdus, of this bland brick house brought to life with colour.
Homeowner, designer and textile consultant Marta Ferr stands in front of her library of design tomes in her enchanting Milan apartment.
In the richly decorated study of this eclectic Melbourne home with international appeal, a ‘Pivot’ chandelier from Brendan Ravenhill hangs over the desk, while a black bookcase and sliding ladder brings extra glamour.
The living room library cabinet displays objects from travels alongside books to create an eclectic collection in this old-fashioned home with classic Danish-style interiors.
The dividing wall between the study and sitting area of this renovated Victorian terrace was removed to create one large, light and very peaceful room. Built-in cabinetry modernises the space without taking away from the home’s Victorian roots.
An elegant archway frames the ultra-luxe home library in this Sydney harbourside house with a Mediterranean feel, designed by Robert Weir, Giuseppe Alvaro and Briony Fitzgerald.
The library walls of this Art Deco-style home renovation in Newcastle have been coated in the shade ‘Petite Pink’ by Dulux.
Designer Greg Natale indulged his love of moody hues in the sophisticated home office and library of this grand Melbourne home. Its timber panelling, gilt frames and classic lighting echos libraries of the past.
The impressive built-in library is housed next to one of the ramp designed to gives Audrey the Dachshund free rein of this architect-designed home in Adelaide.
Architect Luigi Rosselli calls this the ‘Anne Frank’ bookcase as the pivoting door conceals the owner’s study, providing a quiet, tranquil space in this epic stacked house he designed on Sydney’s coastline.
A series of windows with built-in seating runs alongside a courtyard garden in this modern house in Booker Bay, creating a seamless library in the ultimate zen retreat.
A wall of books sets the tone for quiet time in the library which doubles as a parents’ retreat in this Melbourne home by Coy Yiontis Architects and Rosa Coy.
This historic home revamped by Adelaide Bragg boasts an impressive collection of antique design pieces, and a leather wing back chair offers the perfect place to sit and read in the library.
Ceiling-height book shelves that run the length of the wall were custom-made for this apartment, while Cole & Son Fornasetti wallpaper creates a suitable backdrop for this Greg Natale designed home library.
The cosy reading nook next to a built-in library shelves in this cliff-side beach house was designed by Adelaide Bragg.
The library-style shelves contain all manner of books and antiques the family of this renovated Queenslander has collected over the years. The vintage table and Bentwood chairs are all eBay finds and the painting is by Greg Dwyer.
WriterRebekah Currer
