Reinventing the Study or Home Library
Jasmine Albriton is the senior staff writer for http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/, a unique wall art store specializing in metal wall plaques. Please check for more unique articles about home decor and interior design.
The feel of your library can be more traditional or modern, and the space may be an expansive room all by itself, or a cozy little nook you carve out just for this purpose. Regardless, creating a study to house your books and encourage reading as a valuable pastime will provide an indoor sanctuary that is both surprising and refreshing.
Freestanding or Attached Wall Shelving
Once you choose your overall style, you can purchase or install either free standing, or attached wall shelving that fits your needs and allows your books a safe place to reside. If you are going with a traditional study, you may want to buy or install shelving that is warm in tone like a cherry wood, or oak veneer.
If you are trying for a more modern appeal, look to the metallic frame, space saving, shelving units they have at home decor stores that are ready made and relatively easy to install. Or find freestanding wall shelving that has a satin black or metallic looking high gloss paint. Flat black or white will keep the space updated, while wood choices tend to invite more of an old world feel.
Cozy Seating Options
In order to set the mood, use large, overstuffed reading chairs with ottomans, or a smaller more intimate loveseat as opposed to a larger sofa. Keep side tables in the same style of your shelving with enough space to create lighting if your room does not get enough natural sunlight. If it does, be sure to arrange your furniture to get the full effect such illumination can afford.
Organizing the Books
There are many ways to stack and organize your books based on the style and method you prefer. A few suggestions are to sort in alphabetical order by title or author, by a particular theme, or by the color or size of the book cover.
You may use a horizontal stacking method and intersperse it with the more standard, time-honored vertical placement which works best with a more formal style, or you may wish to add a front enclosure to enhance the look and keep rare volumes safe. A cute way to help you remember what types of books you have on display at a glance, is to use keepsakes and knickknacks that mirror the themes and types of books you have. For example, if you are a sports fan and have a lot of reading material on that subject, you may choose to place a trophy or other sports related item on the shelf relating to that topic.
Marry the Accessory to the Style
Take your study seriously by taking the time to let the style you have chosen infiltrate the room and give it a strong defining theme. Use artwork and keepsakes that convey a literary subject matter such as a map, globe, and or written quotes that impress and inspire. Stick to the overall look of the room, as well. Traditional spaces call for leather and old fashioned furnishings and accessories, while the modern look needs to stay with brighter, clearer cut lines that use up to date furnishings and matching accessories.
Most of the services reviewed by this website are available or may be accessed from Australia (see 