Designing a library in your small home can be a challenge! With our 17 small home library ideas, you can have the library of your dreams without taking up too much space in your home. Whether you are looking to create a small library corner in your apartment or just want some book organizing inspiration, this post is for you.
As the owner of a small home, I have found that storing books in an organized and cute matter is very difficult! I don’t have the luxury of having enough space to create my own small home library, but I was able to create a small library area in my home office and I am here to show you my tips and tricks.
In this blog post, we will show you small home library ideas that will inspire you. Regardless of the size of your home, turning a corner into a cozy reading nook is something that you can easily accomplish and have fun with! Here are 17 small home library ideas to inspire you to cuddle up with a good book!
This blog post is all about small home library ideas.
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How do I organize my small home library?
Here are some ways you can organize your small home library:
- Depending on the size of your collection, you can organize your books by genres or authors
- Fiction vs non fiction section
- Color coordinate your books
- Organize them for the season (ex: Christmas books, beach reads)
Best Small Home Library Ideas
1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Creating a cozy reading nook as a part of your small home library design plan is a cute and cozy way to incorporate a library into your home.
Add cozy pillows, soft blankets, and a comfy seating area to create the ultimate cozy reading area for yourself. A cozy reading nook will definitely encourage you to grab a book and snuggle up with it.
2. Add Shelves To An Empty Wall
Turn an empty wall in your home into a small library area for all of your favorite books. This is the perfect small home library design if you are limited on space and also need to fill a blank wall in your home. Be sure to use floating shelves with cute book ends to fill your wall with tons of your favorite books.
3. Small Home Library Decor Idea
Don’t forget to incorporate decorative pieces into your small library space to show off your home decor style. Try using wall art, greenery and reading cute lamps to add personality and design to your space.
TIP: If you are looking for unique decor items for your library area, check out your local Goodwill or thrift shop for one of a kind pieces at a great price.
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4. Paint Your Bookshelves
Transform your ordinary white or brown bookshelves into a bold and decorative statement in your small library room. Choose a bold pop of color or try a neutral to bring your bookcases back to life and encourage reading in your home.
BEST PAINT COLORS FOR BOOKSHELVES:
- SHERWIN WILLIAMS SALTY DOG (DARK NAVY BLUE)
- FARROW & BALL STUDIO GREEN (DEEP DARK GREEN)
- BENJAMIN MOORE RAINDANCE ( LIGHT GREEN GREY)
- BENJAMIN MOORE NATURAL CREAM (NEUTRAL OFF WHITE CREAM)
- SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR (DARK BLACK)
- BENJAMIN MOORE SOFT SAND (BLUSH PINK)
5. Small Home Library Ladder
Create the ultimate vibe in your small home library by adding a sliding library ladder along your bookshelves. A ladder is the perfect way to be able to reach each and every book and make the most out of your tiny library area.
6. Add String Lights
Set the mood in your reading corner by adding warm string lights. They will make reading your books such a great experience and also provide light to see!
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7. Bookshelves Over Your Desk
Add bookshelves over your desk for a decorative way to display and also store your books. This is the best way to create a library area if you are limited on space.
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8. Library Corner
Create a small home library in the corner of your living room or office area by adding built in bookshelves. We adore this small home library idea if you have built in shelving in your living room near the fireplace. What better way to snuggle up with a good book then with a warm fire!
9. Create A Library In Your Hallway
Transform your narrow hallway into the cutest tiny library by adding shelves for your books along the walls. We recommend this small library idea for a city apartment or a tiny home because it doesn’t utilize any valuable space in an actual room.
10. Rolling Book Cart
For an easy library setup that you can move around try using a rolling book cart. You can move your favorite books into any room and also put them away when they are not in use.
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11. Opt For Low Bookshelves
Use low bookshelves in your home for a sleek and modern tiny library idea! We love this idea because you can utilize the tops of your shelves for decor and extra table space in your small home.
12. Color Coordinate Your Books
Arrange your books by color to create a visually appealing and organized look. This adds a vibrant and also a designer touch to your bookshelves. This will make your small home library look like it was organized by a professional!
TIP: If you aren’t a fan of colors in your library, flip the books around so that the spines are hidden in the bookcase.
13. Aesthetic Reading Nook
Create an aesthetically pleasing reading nook in your library by incorporating a neutral color pallet into your home. Choose sleek, white bookcases to place against your wall and opt for neutral books to display.
14. DIY Floating Bookshelves
Adding floating bookshelves to your walls is such an easy way to DIY a small library area in your home. Hang a set of floating shelves over one another, leaving just enough room for your favorite books to fit.
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15. Slim Bookshelf
In a tiny home or small apartment, try using a slim bookcase that is not too bulky a deep in size. Find an empty corner of your bedroom or hallway and create a mini home library area!
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16. Floating Bookshelves
Get the best of both worlds with a floating bookshelf to display your books in your small home library. Simply buy floating shelves and paint them to match the wall color in your space. This will create the look of a large bookcase without spending a ton of money.
17. Small Library Cabinet
Use an old cabinet or furniture piece to store your books in a neat manner. We adore this cabinet with the clear doors to showcase your collection! If you have a messy book collection, look for furniture pieces that won’t display the books. Consider finding old furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Goodwill and restore them with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.
This blog post was all about small home library ideas.
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