Every reader knows how difficult it can be to store all the items in our personal book collection. Chances are, your favorite books are scattered around your home — under beds, on shelves, in bags, and everywhere in between. When it comes time to search for the book you want to read next, you might be hard-pressed to find it. That’s where a home library comes in.
A home library, or private library, is a dedicated space in your house or apartment where you organize and store all your books. You’ll be able to keep all your reads in one place and categorize your collection in whatever way is best for you and your reading preferences.
In this guide, we go over all the steps you need to learn how to make a home library. Keep reading to start creating your perfect private library today.
1: Examine Your Current Collection
The first step to a great at-home library is to figure out how many books you already have. Go around your home and collect all the reads you’ve misplaced over the years. From there, count and categorize them to see how much space you’ll need for your library. You may also find that you’d like to expand your current collection.
2: Make a List of Books You’ll Buy
If you’re looking to build your current collection, it’s a good idea to make a book wishlist. This list can include all the books you’re interested in adding to your home library, along with the locations they’re available for purchase. With a wishlist, you’ll be able to choose a space that can fit your ever-expanding book collection.
3: Choose a Library Location
After figuring out how many books you currently have, it’s time to find your home library location. Avoid areas of the house by outside-facing walls, since those change temperature often, as well as kitchens, since those attract critters. Instead, opt for unused corner nooks or spaces that don’t already have a purpose.
4: Figure Out the Finances
To create a new home library, you’ll probably need to make purchases. Be sure to decide how much money you’d like to spend. From there, determine the costs of certain items you need, such as shelving for your books, seating for any guests, and a table to place your coffee or stress reliever tea as you read. In addition, those who want to expand their collection should account for the costs of any new books.
5: Understand How Installation Works
Since building a private library can impact your home’s structural integrity, you’ll need to understand what kind of installation will fit in your space. In addition, make sure you learn about dwelling insurance. This aspect of homeowners insurance policy may cover any structural damage caused by your home library renovation.
6: Choose Your Shelving Style
One of the most important parts of your home library is the shelving you choose. The two main types of shelving are built-in, which is permanently affixed to your space, and freestanding, which includes bookcases and other temporary, moveable furniture. You’ll want to pick shelving that makes sense for your space and style.
7: Incorporate Color in Creative Ways
When it comes to color, you don’t just have to keep your shelves’ default hue. Get creative and try painting your shelves in a shade that goes with your space. In addition, you can apply wallpaper, choose colorful furniture, or add trinkets that match the color palette you choose. It’s all about creating that dream color scheme that helps kickstart your day.
8: Light Up Your Library
Lighting is another crucial element of your home library. Since you’ll use this space to read new books or maybe even start journaling, it’s important to have both natural and artificial lighting to set the mood and help you see. Make sure to choose a room with a window, and add floor lamps, ring lights, or desk lamps that give you the brightness you prefer.
9: Think About Organizational Style
To make your home library as convenient as possible, you’ll need to pick an organizational style that accounts for your reading needs. Common organizational styles include chronological, alphabetical, by genre, or by color of the book spine. For readers with kids, placing children’s books on the bottom shelves will make it easier for them to access.
10: Add Personal Notes to Your Books
Since this is your home library, you can make it as personal as you want. One way to do so is by adding notes to your books. For example, if you receive a book as a gift, add a note describing the occasion. Alternatively, you can use the books in your library, as well as any unique notes inside the cover, as personalized gifts for others.
11: Consider Cost-Effective Options
If you want to build your dream home library without breaking the bank, there are some ways you can be more cost-effective. For example, you can visit yard sales or second-hand stores to find more affordable books while expanding your collection. In addition, you can visit your nearest Little Free Library, where you can find and share books around your neighborhood.
12: Use Book Cleaning Best Practices
To make sure your home library remains the soothing space of your dreams, you should establish good cleaning habits. Make sure to keep book jackets on your reads to protect them from stains. In addition, dust your home library often so dust doesn’t accumulate. Finally, avoid spaces with direct sunlight so your books don’t fade over time.
Creating a home library is a great way to keep all your favorite books organized and accessible to everyone who visits or lives in your space. The process of building one can seem intimidating at first, but hopefully this article makes things a bit easier. All you have to do is follow the steps above, and you’ll be on your way to making your very own private library.
For an even more in-depth explanation of the steps and benefits of making a home library, check out the infographic below.
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Author bio:
Jennifer Anderson is a writer with a passion for all things history and popular culture. In her spare time, you’ll find her trying out local coffee shops, taking photos around her neighborhood, and searching for vintage finds at local thrift stores.
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