Decorating & Design
10+ Home Library Design Ideas From The H&H Archives
Published on October 29, 2024
A home library represents an oasis of calm in a digital age. Even if you are consuming your books on an e-reader, tablet or phone, this type of space promises off-line serenity. Book covers are artworks on their own, and libraries are a quiet spot to appreciate both a book’s cover and consume the pages within. The following homes make the case for a home library’s continuing survival in an increasingly paperless world. From traditional libraries enveloped by endless volumes to unexpected book-lined spaces (see Brian Gluckstein’s signature ‘library bathroom’ below), here are some of the best home library design ideas from the H&H archives.
A sophisticated library-den designed by Colette van den Thillart features floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with leather-bound volumes and sculpture. Colette amps up theatrical dark bookshelves with a gilded ceiling treatment and monkey-print wallpaper.
Libraries with fireplaces are the ultimate cosy retreat and figure prominently in English homes. Designer Colette van den Thillart plays up the association with layered Persian carpets, leatherbound books, an overstuffed armchair trimmed with bullion fringe, and a well-equipped bar cart.
In this library-dining room, Jackie Kai Ellis and her husband Joe’s collection of books, records and cookbooks creates a colorful feature wall. “Our clutter creates this sort of beautiful mess,” says the stylist. Joe’s collection of books and records combine with Jackie’s cookbook library and a selection of objets to create a colorful feature wall.
This home office is given a library feel with a wraparound bookcase. The door frames the view to a stunning photograph and playful pendant in the Toronto home’s upper gallery.
Not every library needs a dedicated room, in this PMH showhome, designer Brian Gluckstein brought interest to an upstairs hallway by adding panelling, mirrored faux French doors and built-in shelves lined with leather-bound books.
Brian Gluckstein’s iconic “library bathroom” has become a signature move for the designer, who caused a sensation when he shared his home library (set in his principal ensuite) over two decades ago because it was so unexpected. “If you love reading as much as you fancy a long, bubbly soak, combine them both,” Brian says.
Sticking to a monochromatic palette makes this library feel larger, according to designer Meredith Heron. The glossy blue-grey millwork is sprayed with a lacquer so it seems to recede, and smart brass picture lamps glimmer like jewelry in the room.
“I always think millwork needs to go floor to ceiling,” says James Davie, who designed this opulent Toronto townhouse. “This painted-wood library corner creates a separate, smaller space within a larger room. Books are grouped by color for a sophisticated, tonal look.
The library in fashion designer Tu Ly’s Montreal home also doubles as a den (the TV mounted on an easel looks like art), and he dubs it his man cave. Books provide pops of color on the new custom bookshelves painted slate grey.
In this Copenhagen library, the doors to the front hall can be closed to create a peaceful retreat. Books and shaggy textures — like the traditional Beni Ouarain rug from Morocco — add warmth to the room’s white and butterscotch scheme.
Designer James Davie’s library used to be a dining room but wasn’t big enough for entertaining so he transformed it. “I drew a lot of inspiration from the grandeur of the wonderful public libraries in New York, where I lived in my late 20s,” says James. “I designed a pair of bookcases with a half-column treatment and architrave moldings punctuated by studs, details typically found on the cornices of centuries-old buildings.”
In a stunning NYC loft in NYC’s meatpacking district, artist Michelle Oka Doner’s library is a dark retreat that’s in sharp contrast to the loft’s primarily white palette. Tall shelving that stretches up to the ceiling maxes out storage and the bookcases’ black finish makes this area feel more intimate.
In designer Jill Kantelberg’s work lounge, she built shallow built-ins to house her collection of books. Shelves are typically 20″ deep, but Jill’s recede just 12″ to 14,” which highlights artefacts and books but still maximizes floor space.
Designer Theresa Casey chose a chalky grey paint as the backdrop for the millwork in this library, but separated the book jackets into hues to create a rainbow effect in her client’s library. She kept the groovy color palette going with a navy velvet sofa and cherry red armchair — both spots ideal for catching up on some reading.
In her former London home, Colette van den Thillart turned this sunken dining room (which triples as a home office and library) into an absolute show stopper. She lined the walls with peacock shelves and topped them with shell-shaped picture lights. A stormy wallpaper on the ceiling is the cherry on top.
Brian Gluckstein recreated his own signature mini bathroom library in this 2013 Princess Margaret showhome, for those who love to soak and read the latest bestseller. Artwork mounted on the bookshelves add impact, while double doors open into the principal ensuite afford a striking view of the bathtub and bookcase.