From the moment that scene from Beauty and the Beast entered our little romantic lives (you know, the one with the huge library), we’ll be lying if we said we hadn’t fantasized about a home library that would resemble it at least a little bit. Lucky for you, today we’re giving out tips and tricks from up the sleeve on how to make it all come true and what are the must-have items to set up a perfect home library.
1# The fantasy-worthy bookcase
If you’re such a bookworm that you fantasize about having a library, you should definitely go for the largest bookcase available. In other words, you want everything to be openly accessible, just as in a public library. Most often used bookcases for a home library go all the way up the wall, creating a literal wall of books. Displaying your books this way allows you to both brag about your extensive library and quickly locate the book you’re looking for. If it gets too crowded and cluttered, you can always donate to charity the books you no longer read.
Pick bigger and more adjustable bookcases
We recommend acquiring a substantial bookcase even if you don’t currently have a sizable library. Don’t worry about it being empty – we’re sure it won’t be like that for too long. Also, if you find a bookcase that you like but that is also easy to put apart – we suggest getting that type. Pro movers say that it can be quite helpful when you want to bring your collection with you to a new place. It will make packing a home library for the move much easier and stress-free.
2# Sources of light
Since you’re going to be spending a lot of time in here, and we don’t want you to go blind, the next on your priority list is taking care of the lighting. Natural light is ideal for any task, whether you’re reading or taking pictures. We recommend placing your personal library near a window so that you may enjoy reading in natural light. However, buying a high-quality light is another smart move. Any sort of light that makes you feel cozy when reading in bed would do, whether it be a floor lamp with a dimmer or a cozy desk lamp. Many people have found that halogen bulbs in desk lamps provide considerably better page illumination than fluorescent lights, so it’s a good idea to look into them.
A window for additional support
However, if you want to live a sustainable and healthy life, you shouldn’t use lamps throughout the day. It’s inefficient if you can get by with only natural lighting. So, make sure to follow the example of Eagle Mountain Library and get as many windows as you can. You’ll be able to let plenty of light into your house thanks to the windows. This is a fantastic alternative to using an artificial light bulb for reading in the evening. As an added bonus, exposure to natural light has been shown to boost mood and efficiency. As you soak in the sun and vitamin D, you’ll feel more energized and motivated to soak in all that knowledge!
3# The perfect, comfy chair
A home library, like a home theater, is a place of amusement, and in order to enjoy ourselves there, we need to be as relaxed and at ease as possible. A comfortable chair is a must in every area of the home, but it’s particularly important in the library, where you could get lost in a good book and end up spending the better part of the day there.
As a starting point, think about whether you like to be:
- Seated
- Lying down
- Sitting cross-legged
- Standing up
The next step is to locate a seating arrangement that reinforces that. Before making a significant financial investment, it’s a good idea to investigate all of the available styles and make sure they meet your needs.
A warm blank filled with nostalgia
When you’re reading, you want to be able to zone out on everything else, and it might be hard to do if you’re too hot or too cold. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you stock your library with items that can moderate the temperature if necessary. It might be anything from a trendy portable fan or dehumidifier to a cozy throw blanket that will help you relax and get into the story.
Blankets are traditional fan favorites. They go incredibly well with all cups of tea and coffee you can imagine and drink. They’ll give your whole library a cozy and nostalgic vibe too, and they’ll be quite handy if you invite your friends for a reading party (one of the best activities for introverts during the holiday season).
5# A fireplace is one of the must-have items to set up a perfect home library
Do you like reading a book while the subtle fire cracks play their little music to your ears? Simply fantastic. Putting up a fireplace in your library will give you the most relaxed and cozy ambiance. If you’re afraid that you’ll fall asleep and somehow burn your whole library down, there’s a solution for that too. You may pick and select from various possibilities. Buy a fake fireplace that looks and feels just like a real thing.
Of course, nothing beats the actual thing. We recommend a ventless fireplace if you don’t want to build a chimney and flue to your property. Since ventless fireplaces don’t need a chimney, they’re flexible in terms of placement. Just make sure that you don’t ignore the maintenance every winter, and you’ll do just fine.
Enjoy your personal wonderland
Once you’ve gotten all these must-have items to set up a perfect home library, you can relax. Make the whole world disappear and lose yourself in the magical world of books, alone or with your loved ones, whichever way you prefer.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.