Libraries…not just for books

08 Nov Libraries…not just for books

Elle Decor

In the home we live in, built in 1921, we have a lovely library.  It is the largest room in the house, holds a couple of gorgeous stained glass windows, the original wood stained floors, bookcases, and moldings, and the original wedding cake chandelier.  There are also ten original crystal sconces evenly spaced on the bookshelves.  They still work!

It sounds lovely, doesn’t it?  Sadly, it has been a bit of a storage room since we moved in.  My husband still uses it as his office, and the TV is located in the room, so we do use it, it just isn’t quite as pretty as I would like quite yet.  Several people have asked if we had ever thought about making it our bedroom or some other interesting room instead of an upstairs living room/office area, which led me to these photos.  I think with our current layout, the plan we have going for it now is the best, but it is fun to think about.   It needs some work, but we have made some improvements – I hope to have photos of our hint of progress soon!  In the meantime, feel inspired by these pretty images.

 Dining Room Libraries

(I was recently informed, “this is very New York” due to people having to make multi-use rooms because of spacing constraints.)

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Suzanne Slesin

Marie Claire

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Keith Irvin

Domino

Domino

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My Notting Hill

Badgley Mischka, Elle Decor

James Andrew

Domino

Jonathan Adler

Vogue

Bedroom Libraries

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in the fun lane

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Fernando Marques

Calfinder.com

Todd Romano

Roger Ebert’s Bedroom Library

houzz

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Do you need to put a library in an unexpected room in your home now?  I think it would be fairly easy and budget friendly with Jenny’s Ikea Hack!

There is something so intriguing about a shelf of books, yes?  My husband and I love to read, and I know we live in a Kindle-filled world, but there is something special about holding a book in your hand or tucking one in your bag.  Hard back books with pretty covers are my fave, and we love to read classic literature; therefore, one of my saved searches on Ebay is for classics from the 1800’s.  When an affordable one pops up, I buy it, but it will take a lllooonnnggg time to fill all of the shelves in here.  I am sitting in our library as I type glancing around (at the laundry next to me – ha!), seeing a long to-do list, but imagining how lovely it will be when I am through!

See you tomorrow.  xoxo