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Book Nooks and Stately Libraries
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/booknook.jpg)
https://zenandgenki.com
While a dedicated room just for reading feels like a luxury, the standard elements of such a space are pretty basic—good natural or artificial lighting, comfortable seating, and strong shelves. If you’re a book lover in need of a place where you can read undisturbed, take some inspiration from these 11 reading rooms, which run the gamut from cozy to clever to cool. Whether you have a vaulting two-story space at your disposal or only a tiny closet, you’ll find some smart ideas in these book lovers’ lairs.
Modern Library
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/modern_library_copy.jpg)
Taking advantage of a ton of books and lots of wall space, an open staircase with a wrought-iron banister mirrors the shelving style, providing visual appeal and connecting the first and second floor.
A-Frame Archives
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Home-Library.jpg)
Make the most of your A-frame attic or home by taking the shelves right up to the roofline, creating an interesting and functional feature to a top-floor reading room.
Comfortably Traditional
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/walls__windows.jpg)
Dark shelves, a classic leather sofa, and a plaid ottoman give this space elegance, while natural light from the double French doors and high window aids reading and adds warmth. Accent lights call attention to a row of art books used as a display, drawing the eye up.
Recess for Readers
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Recessed_Sofa.jpg)
Angie Hranowsky
Twin wall sconces and a velvet sofa enhance the recess in this wall of books, providing a cozy seating area amidst the light shelves.
A Home for Books
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/zoom.jpg)
Incorporating a feature
wall of books instead of trying to carve out a separate reading room makes sense for open-concept homes. This two-story space employs a mixture of woods and white walls, keeping the reading room bright, modern, and central to the home.
Room for Epic Adventures
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/OB-TN568_LIBRAR_G_20120626193351.jpg)
Lori Eanes
Ready to dive into The Odyssey? Then you need a truly epic reading room. This beautiful family library, complete with a catwalk, is cozy and classic, featuring wall sconces and a comfy bench seat with drawers underneath.
A Great Divide
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/double_duty.jpg)
Why have just one reading room when you can have two? This floor-to-ceiling open wall provides shelf space for books and magazines, while the large windows offer natural light and a view of the greenery outdoors.
Cozy Alcove
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cozy.jpg)
A blue-gray color palette, washed oak floors, and an unusual angle over built-in seating makes this reading alcove light and airy. Recessed shelves and deep drawers provide extra storage, while inset light fixtures keep things bright.
Teeny Tiny Reading Nook
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/crafts_001.jpg)
Do you have little ones but no space for a reading room? Good news — teeny tiny readers need teeny tiny reading rooms. Formerly a closet, this book nook now offers shelves and comfy cushions for the smallest readers.
Blue Surroundings
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/reading_room_in_blue.jpg)
Crisp Architects
This delightful reading room steers away from traditional dark wood shelves yet stays classic with its blue and mustard palette. Accent lights illuminate the book collection, and a timeless leather chesterfield anchors the space.
For More…
![](https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hobbithousebilbo_1.jpg)
If you’re interested in more about cool homes, consider:
10 A-Frame Homes that Deserve an A+