If you love to read, then a home library has probably crossed your mind a bunch of times. A space at the comfort of your home, where one is surrounded with books is a dream come true for book lovers. While for some reading invokes attention, for many it is a time of leisure and relaxation.Whether you are an avid bookworm or just enjoy reading in general, a home library might just be what your home needs. For the entire experience to be both productive and comfortable, it is important to develop the right space. While creating the space it is essential to pay attention to look, ambience and functionality for a satisfactory outcome. The point is to not only make it ideal for the reader but also for the books. 

Creating a home library is rather easy and fun. Right from the layout, to finishing touches, here’s a guide you can adhere to create a reader’s paradise, right in your home.  

PICK A SPACE 

Picking a space is the first and the most important step to creating a home library. Depending on the amount of space and your home’s layout, you can choose to dedicate an entire room or demarcate a certain portion of it to set up the library in. You can also get creative and utilize different spaces to extend your library into. You could use the space under your staircases, or by your window sill for a unique look. The important thing is to pick a space that can store the books that you have without feeling too cramped up. You must also be wary of spots that receive too much or too little sunlight, to keep the books safe from damage. Give preference to spaces that are fairly quiet in order to keep disturbances to a minimum. You could also combat the noise by opting for a wooden floor or soundproof walls in the room you pick to help contain it. 

SELECT THE RIGHT SHELVING  

Shelves are the most vital component in a home library. Key for storage and aesthetics, picking out the right shelves to suit your space is important. Plan your storage depending on the amount of books you wish to bring into the library and the space that is available to you. Ensure that there is a sufficient amount of storage to ensure that every book has its place to keep it safe and the area neat. You could use shelves made of metal, wood, glass or plastic. According to what’s convenient for you and appropriate for your design, you can choose to put in premade book shelves or go for customized ones. For a fun and budget friendly alternative you could DIY the shelves by choosing to make them by yourself, or purchasing simple premade shelves and customizing their finish by painting them to the color of your choice. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shelves must have proper ventilation to prevent the books from damage. 

PLAN YOUR LAYOUT WELL

Properly planning your layout is important from a design and functionality perspective. The space needs to look good while also being set up in a practical manner. To do so, it is important to plan out the placement of your shelves and seating area properly. This is important to ensure that the space doesn't feel too crammed and is comfortable too. Keep these tips in mind while setting up the library space : 

- Keep a sufficient amount of space between the shelves and your seating setup

- Install shelves according to what the space allows. You could go for a single or multiple bigger shelves spread out in a bigger space. Where the space is less you could opt for multiple smaller shelves or one big shelf to avoid crowding of the space.

- Do not push your shelves up against the wall or directly in line with sunlight. Putting them up against the wall would mean that the impact of climatic changes that affects the temperature of the wall would transfer onto the shelves and your books, possibly causing damage. Similarly, constant exposure to sunlight could harm the books. 

To avoid such a situation, leave some space between the wall and the bookshelves 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHTING 

The right kind and amount of lighting is essential to have in your home library. Too much or too little lighting can affect your reading and comfort level. It is thus important to strike the right balance and layer your lighting well for aesthetic and practical purposes. The space needs to have ample lighting overall. Go for warm yet bright lighting that allows you to read well even when there is no natural light. Make sure that the room is overall well lit. Simultaneously, adding a focal light or a lamp could prove to be a good choice. You can have it installed right near your seating space to bring an ample amount of light focused in the reading spot to reduce strain and maximize comfort. You could also choose to install lights within your shelves or around them to enhance the display. 

OPT FOR COMFORTABLE FURNITURE 

When you choose to sit down and unwind with a book in your hand, having the comfortable space to do so is imperative. To create the right seating space you have to pick out the right furniture. Depending on the space and the look you are going for, you can choose to lay in a couch, a comfy sofa chair, a desk and chair combination or even opt for inbuilt seating set amongst the bookshelves for a unique look. Putting in a desk or some sort of table may be a good idea both to assist in reading and make space to keep objects such as water bottles, cups or even knick knacks. Throwing in comfy cushions or a throw blanket can also help up the cozy factor of the library space, making the overall reading experience pleasant. 

P.S. Add in a ladder or stepping stool if you have high shelves 

WORK ON THE AMBIENCE 

The right decor for your home library helps develop a positive ambience. Adding a touch of greenery with the help of plants. Plants help give a touch of freshness and make the room feel and look very lively. You could choose to opt for a couple of big planters or go for small succulents/desk plants that take up less space. You could also add some art pieces to the space. This could add to the aesthetic of the room. You could also choose to have a customized painting or make one yourself for a unique and personalized element in the space. You could also add a few souvenirs or showpieces for aesthetic purposes. You can also print and frame quotes or excerpts from your favorite books to truly match the theme of the room. 

Overall, a home library is the dream for every book lover. A dedicated space/corner for reading may just be the solace you need. It also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your home, with a simple set up. From your living room to any empty corner of the house, a home library can fit in anywhere. Use the above guide to develop your home library the right way. Happy reading!