Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
(PS: If you’re looking to fill a room with books but don’t want to kill your budget, check out my post “How to Get Books Cheap (or Free)“)
10 Inspiring Attic Libraries
I’ve never had a proper attic anywhere I lived, the kind where it’s a large, open space with a high, sloping ceiling and at least one window (in newer buildings “attics” tend to be windowless crawlspaces full of insulation). But I was always fascinated by these spaces. The ones I’d see on TV always seemed mysterious, full of treasures (and dust), maybe a little creepy. I didn’t really start coveting an attic of my own until I realized they could be renovated. The potential seems unlimited for these private bonus spaces, something these attic owners clearly got. Here are some of my favourite attic libraries, as found around the internet….
- I love the floor, as well as the shelves reaching the ceiling. It also looks like there’s plenty of good light for settling in with one of those books.
2. With stained glass windows and a cozy place to sit, I can picture myself here with a good book and a cup of tea.
3. This goes to show that no space is too small to turn into something great. As long as you can fit a comfy chair, a bookcase, and some lighting, you have a library.
4. Though it’s a little dark, I love this attic library. It looks like a room you could happily live in (or at least, I could).
5. Lots of good light, piles of books, cushy floor pillows, and a cup of coffee or tea. What’s not to love?
6. Not as many books as there could be, but this is a cozy, elegant library. The ladder is a nice touch too.
7. This is such a fun, bright space. There’s also good lighting, an excellent choice of seating, ample shelves, and a chandelier. When can I move in?
8. This looks like a nice room in which to sit, read, and ignore the world. The window over the couch must offer some great lighting too. I’d love to be here on a rainy day.
9. I wish I could have found a better photo because I love this library. The red walls, the woodwork, and the Gothic-arch-esque shape around the window give it a Harry Potter feel. I imagine this is what a castle attic would be like.
10. If I’d had this library during the pandemic, I think lockdown would have been a lot more pleasant. Even without a pandemic, I think it would take a lot to get me to ever leave.
Bonus Library: Apparently this is a still from the movie Knives Out. I haven’t seen it, but kudos to the set designer– this is probably the perfect attic library. Books, art, cozy seating, great architecture, and a desk and computer. This is the room library lovers’ dreams are made of.
Which attic library was your favourite? Are you lucky enough to have one of your own? Share in the comments…
Looking for something to read in your (real or imagined) attic library? I’ve got you covered…
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Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Did You Know…?
The Canadian House of Commons Chamber (modelled after the British Chamber in Westminster) was built so that “The distance across the floor of the House between the government and opposition benches is 3.96 metres, said to be equivalent to two swords’ length.” The reasoning behind this was to prevent duels between members of opposing parties.
Distancing: saving lives since 1866*!
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
*Or, 1801, when the British House of Commons was originally built (Westminster itself has been around since 1016).
A Library Under the Stairs
There are a lot of things you can do with that space under a staircase. like turning it into a design element, a closet or storage, a spot to do laundry, or a bedroom for an orphan (not recommended). But one of the best uses for that space is as a reading nook or small library. With that in mind, I thought I’d share some visual inspiration…
This one seems as though it would be easy to build or have built:
Love the cozy feel here:
Perfect reading nook:
Nice spot for a few books:
This one just looks fun:
These are apparently is put together with Billy Bookcases from Ikea:
Nice use of mouldings:
An interesting take on under-stair bookcases:
Good use of the space:
What do you think–would you like bookshelves under your stairs? What do you have there now? Share in the comments…
-Aspasía S. Bissas
Library Inspiration
If I weren’t involved with books or publishing, I’d be a decorator/interior designer (not sure I have the artistic skills for it, but I would try). I love putting a room together and my tastes are highly eclectic–everything from Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau to Amélie’s apartment and the Gryffindor common room. I’m drawn to spaces that are comfortable, warm, colourful, and with some whimsy. In my own home, most rooms need to include books too. Minimalism? No thanks. (The only books for my donate pile are the ones that tell me to get rid of my other books.)
I thought I’d share some pictures of home libraries I find inspiring. I don’t own any of these photos–I saved them all from Pinterest (follow me). If you see your photo here and would like me to credit or remove it, please let me know.
I love the cozy feel of Vita Sackville-West’s library. And you can never go wrong with a tower.
Bookcase art, flowers, and comfy couch inspiration here:
Floor-to-ceiling books and an old-fashioned library ladder–these are my goals. The arched doorway is a nice touch.
So many books…
This is just the definition of cozy. I would never leave.
Happy colours, orchids, and built-in shelves. I’m not a fan of the books being used to prop up the coffee table, though.
Based on the way the shelves are set up, this is probably a bookstore, but I don’t care. I would love a room packed with shelves and featuring a window seat. Great floor too.
This is the perfect reading spot: plenty of books, a comfortable window seat, and a table for working.
Cozy and comfortable.
Everything about this. I need to get a blanket like that for my boring grey couch.
For those of us who can’t afford a Parisian apartment like this one, the look could probably be emulated with wallpaper, paint, and similar furniture. And a whole lot of books ❤
What do you think–do any of these appeal to you? What do you look for in a home library? Minimalism or maximalism? Share in the comments…
