Creating a functional and comfortable library space in a small home can seem like a challenge, but with some strategic planning and clever design tricks, it is very achievable. Optimizing the layout and storage in a small home library allows you to maximize every inch of space while still creating an inviting, enjoyable spot for reading and relaxing.
Assess Your Needs and Goals
Before starting to design your small home library, take some time to think about how you want to use the space. Consider the following:
- What will be the main activities in this room – reading, working, arts and crafts? Prioritize furnishings and features that facilitate these activities.
- How many people need to be accommodated comfortably at one time? This will determine what size and style of seating you need.
- What types of media need to be stored and accessed? The amount and size of books, magazines, files, CDs/DVDs etc. will inform your storage solutions.
- What is your decorating style? Choose colors, lighting and accessories that create the ambiance you desire.
- Are there any other special needs, such as space for a computer desk or room for hobby supplies? Plan for these too.
Once you know exactly how the space will be utilized and what needs to be accommodated, you can start mapping out an efficient layout.
Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Lack of storage is one of the biggest challenges in a small home library. Carefully selected storage furniture and organizers are key to keeping the space neat, uncluttered and user-friendly. Consider these storage strategies:
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Tall shelves that reach all the way from floor to ceiling are a smart way to take advantage of every inch of vertical space. Stagger shelves at different heights to accommodate both tall and short items. For safety, secure shelves to the wall.
Compact Bookcases
Replace bulky bookcases with narrower shelving units. Look for bookcases with a small footprint but lots of shelves. Stackable bookcases are great space-savers too.
Cubby Storage
Cubbies add both storage and visual interest. Use fabric covered bins or baskets in cubbies to neatly corral small items like stationery, electronics and hobby supplies.
Under-Seat Storage
Lift-top benches and ottomans allow you to stash items right under your seating. Look for ottomans and benches with interior shelves or compartments.
Floating Shelves
Mounted on the wall, floating shelves create storage without taking up floor space. Use them to show off decorative objects or favorite titles.
Media Storage
Plastic media storage boxes neatly file away CDs, DVDs, video games and tech accessories. Label the boxes and store them on shelves or in cabinets.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
From seating to lighting to decorative accents, opt for pieces that serve more than one purpose in your small home library.
Storage Ottomans
Ottomans pull double duty as both seating and storage. Lift the lid to reveal handy hidden storage for blankets, books and more. Some ottomans feature trays or cubbies inside.
Convertible Desks
A convertible desk offers a space-saving solution for adding a work area to your library. Models with a folding or lifting lid allow the desk to seamlessly blend into the room when not in use.
Chairside Tables
Compact, wheeled tables roll right up next to chairs for holding snacks, books or crafts supplies. When not needed, they tuck neatly out of the way.
Stylish Step Stools
A step stool does the practical job of helping you reach high shelves. But today’s step stools come in such attractive designs you’ll want to leave them out as decorative accents.
Bookcase Ladders
Make a style statement while getting to those top shelves with a rolling library ladder. Choose a model sized appropriately for your shelving height.
Pendant Lamps
Hanging pendant lights free up table surface space. Position one low to illuminate a reading nook or desk area. Swing arm sconces serve a similar dual role.
Design a Comfortable Reading Nook
Create a cozy dedicated reading area with smart space planning:
- Place two chairs or a loveseat flanking one side of a small side table or floating shelf. This instantly designates it as a reading spot.
- Look for chairs with arms and supportive backrests for reading comfort. Also make sure seating is well-lit.
- Add a floor lamp or reading light behind seating so light shines over the shoulder. Gooseneck lamps allow adjustable aim.
- Use the wall area around the seating to mount shelves. They should be within easy reach for book storage.
- Cover side tables with trays to corral remotes, books and drinks. A small drawer adds concealed storage.
- Hang curtains or install shelving above seating. This helps define the space and makes it feel extra cozy.
- Roll out a small patterned rug to delineate the reading nook floor space.
Maximize Wall Space
Taking storage and furnishings off the floor and onto the walls opens up valuable floor space. Some ideas:
- Use wall-mounted cabinets or floating shelves for display and storage. Stagger them at different heights for interest.
- Hang wall-mounted racks or track systems to display artwork or favorite prints/photos.
- Install sconces, wall-mounted reading lamps or pendant lights for overhead illumination that doesn’t occupy table space.
- Utilize vertical cubbies mounted on the wall to store magazines, small decor items, or office supplies.
- Mount a flat screen TV on the wall if media viewing is part of your library activities. Hide unsightly cords in wall kits or raceways.
- Floating desk and table options attach securely to the wall. Fold down when needed then fold back up and out of the way.
Incorporate Multi-Tasking Furniture
Furniture that adapts for different uses is ideal for small home libraries. Consider these flexible, functional pieces:
Murphy Bed/Wall Bed
A bed that folds down from the wall is a great space-saver in a library that also serves as a guest room. Just be sure to allow adequate clearance for it to open.
Daybed
With its padded seat/backrest and space for throw pillows, a daybed easily converts from a seating area to a napping spot. Some styles come with pull-out trundles to accommodate overnight guests.
Convertible Coffee Table
Lift the top of these tables to reveal storage for books, blankets and more. Some coffee tables even fold out into a dining table with extra leaf extensions.
Nested Tables
Nesting tables stack together when not in use. Pull them apart for extra surfaces when you need them, then push back together to clear floor space. They come in a range of sizes.
Fold-Down Desk
Mounted on a hinge, a fold-down desk can be opened when needed for work then folded back into the wall to keep the room open.
Choose Space-Saving Seating
Seating for small spaces should accommodate people comfortably without dominating the room. Some fitting options include:
Slipper Chair
With its low, narrow profile a slipper chair squeezes into spots where bulky chairs won’t fit. The low seat makes it a good occasional chair but may not work well for prolonged reading.
Director’s Chairs
Director’s chairs fold up slim and flat for easy storage. The seating is not plush but provides good back support. Arms offer a place to rest books.
Slim Armchair
Look for armchairs with a slim silhouette. Avoid oversized, overstuffed chairs that will overwhelm a small room. Chairs with an open lower base also maintain an airy feel.
Backless Stool
Pull up extra seating on demand with backless stools stored under tables or counters. They work best for quick seating not prolonged reading sessions.
Small Settee
A petite two-seater settee adds seating while keeping the look light and airy. Avoid large, bulky sofas or sectionals that dominate a small room.
Create “Hidden” Storage Solutions
Concealing some storage keeps clutter out of sight and maintains a streamlined look. Ideas for hidden storage include:
Secret Bookcase Door
A bookcase that swings open like a door is a fun way to conceal a whole storage room while making clever use of space.
Storage Beneath Window Seats
Many bench style window seats open up to reveal spacious storage compartments inside. Utilize the space to store linens, seasonal items or hobby supplies.
Bookcase with Hidden Cabinet
Some bookcases feature one or two concealed cabinets built right in. The cabinet doors seamlessly blend in and disappear among the bookshelves.
Under-Window Shelves
The space under windows is prime real estate for narrow shelves. Tuck them under the window for discreet storage. Utilize for books, plants or collections on display.
Hidden Media Storage
Minimize visual clutter of movies, games and tech accessories by storing them in concealed cabinets rather than out on shelves. Install cabinets with doors to hide contents.
Visually Expand Space
Strategically using color, lighting and decor in your small home library can make it feel open, airy and expansive.
Light Colors
Stick with soft neutral or light-colored paints and fabrics. Light colors refract more light making rooms feel open and airy. Dark hues can close in a small space.
Mirrored Furniture
The reflective quality of mirrored furniture makes any room feel larger and brighter. Incorporate mirrors into cabinetry, coffee tables, headboards or wall art.
Glass Shelving
Glass bookshelves maintain an open, transparent look. Tempered glass is best for safety. Add LED strip lighting to illuminate contents.
Sconces + Track Lighting
Install adjustable track lights or wall sconces to spotlight different areas and make ceilings appear higher. Uplighting creates a spacious ambiance.
Floating/Wall-Mounted Furniture
Minimize space-hogging furniture legs by choosing floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets and desks. This opens up the floor area.
Sheer Window Treatments
Floor-length, opaque drapes tend to close in a space. Sheer curtains still allow abundant natural light to filter in for an open feel.
Carefully Consider Room Layout
Thoughtful planning of your library’s layout enhances functionality and flow. Keep these tips in mind:
Place Desk Near Window
Situate any computer desk or work area next to a window for ample natural light during daytime tasks. Supplement with a task lamp.
Reading Nook Away From Doors
Pick a quiet, undisturbed corner away from room entrances to create an inviting reading nook. Position seating near light sources.
Shelves Across From Seating
For convenient book browsing, place shelves directly across from comfy seating areas. Floating shelves or bookcase wall units work well for this arrangement.
Media Components Near TV
Group all media storage and equipment like DVD players and gaming consoles near the wall mounted flatscreen for easy access.
Entryway Bookcase
Take advantage of the typically underutilized space right inside the entrance by placing a tall bookcase, closet or storage cabinet there. It becomes a handy drop zone.
Decor Touches for a Polished Look
Artful decor choices enhance your library’s ambiance. Consider these refined finishing touches:
Gallery Wall
Cover sections of wall space with framed artwork, wall shelves and decorative mirrors. This draws the eye up and keeps the room from feeling bare.
Book Display
Show off prized titles and vintage book sets by arranging them attractively on shelves with bookends. Or stack horizontally on a coffee table.
Reading-Inspired Wall Decals
Decorative wall lettering with literary quotes, book passages or clever sayings brings a library theme to blank walls. Available in a range of colors and fonts.
Coordinated Throw Pillows
Tie seating areas together with throw pillows in corresponding colors and patterns. Coordinate with any area rugs and window treatments.
Stylish Book Bins
Woven baskets or cloth bins keep loose items like magazines and tech accessories corralled while adding texture and color.
Desk Accessories
Personalize a library workspace with framed photos, decorative jars for pens and attractive desk organizers. A tabletop bookshelf displaysfavorite titles.
Lighting for Every Activity
Proper illumination makes a small library enjoyable for a variety of pursuits. Layer these lighting sources:
General Overhead
Chandeliers or semi-flush ceiling fixtures give even ambient lighting throughout the space. They create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Reading Lamps
Provide direct illumination for reading nooks with adjustable wall sconces, swing arm lamps or standing floor lamps placed behind seating areas.
Task Lighting
Target desk spaces and craft areas with gooseneck desk lamps. Look for ones with flexible necks for easy maneuvering.
Under Shelf/Cabinet
Battery operated LED puck lights illuminate the interiors of shelves, cabinets and display cases to show off contents.
Natural Light
Maximize free sunlight through windows. Install translucent shades to diffuse harsh glare. Supplement with curtains.
Wall Sconces
Mount stylish sconces on walls flanking bed or seating areas. They provide directional uplighting and a decorative accent.
Night Lights
Plug-in night lights and low-wattage table lamps create a soft glow for safe nighttime navigation in a library/guest room.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Small Home Libraries:
Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about designing and setting up a functional library in a small home:
What is the ideal floor space for a library in a small home?
For 1-2 people, a library can comfortably fit into a space as small as 6ft x 6ft or 7ft x 7ft. Mini libraries under 100 square feet are doable with the right layout and storage solutions. Just provide adequate aisle space for moving around furniture.
How much shelving is needed on average?
The typical home library requires about 10-15 linear feet of total shelf space. For a smaller collection, compact shelving units like cube bookcases work well. Expandable modular shelves grow with your library.
What are space-saving options for storing books?
Opt for shelving styles with a small footprint like tower bookcases, corner bookcases, or wall-mounted shelves. Store less accessed books in under-bed boxes or under-seat storage ottomans.
How do you keep a small library from feeling cluttered?
Frequent purging of unwanted books keeps collections manageable. Box up and donate titles you won’t re-read. Store hobby supplies or seasonal items elsewhere. Only keep frequently used items on open shelves.
What type of seating works best in a small home library?
Bench seating, compact slipper chairs, directors chairs and stools maximize seating while minimizing space occupied. Look for furniture with exposed legs and avoid oversized pieces. Nesting and folding chairs provide flexible extra seating.
Is it possible to add a desk or work area to a small home library?
Yes, just look for a desk with a modest footprint. Floating and wall-mounted drop-leaf desks save space when folded up. A lap desk removes the need for a full-sized desk altogether.
Conclusion
While maximizing functionality in a small home library presents some challenges, the tips above demonstrate it can be done with careful planning and space-savvy storage and furniture choices. The key is determining your needs upfront, then selecting multi-functional and streamlined pieces that serve those needs without dominating the compact room. With custom-fitted shelving, comfy reading seating, and cleverly concealed storage, a small home library can become a favorite retreat for reading and relaxing.