Does anyone else have a New Year’s Resolution to read more books this year? It is always high on my priority list. Not because I don’t think I read enough, but because I feel like I could always be reading more.

It is estimated that it would take around 81 000 years to read all the books currently in existence. That number only increases as time goes on. That’s thousands of years of knowledge, immersive stories and fantastic writing to sift through. So, the sooner we get started the better, right?

The best way to encourage yourself to read more is to make books a prominent feature in your home. Home libraries are impressive decor statements and a wonderful way to display your collection. Whether you have 10 books or 1 000 (the proposed minimum to officially declare a group of books a library), you’re bound to pick them up more often when they’re front and centre in your interior design.

If you need some inspiration, here are a few of our favourite bookshelf styling and design suggestions for the perfect home library.

Play with shapes

geometric bookshelf

Samuel Regan Asante via Unsplash

When planning a bookshelf, start with the design of the shelf itself. A standard rectangular bookshelf provides a sense of uniformity, while more playful shapes like this geometric design turn the entire library into a statement piece. Look for unique shapes online or DIY your own using wooden crates for a more rustic look.

Go floor to ceiling

bookshelf wall

Mika Ju via Unsplash

If you have more books than you know what to do with, use your collection to your advantage by covering walls with books from floor to ceiling. This design even utilizes the books in the structure itself, forming an arch so it looks as if the wall was built out of books.

Install a ladder

bookshelf with ladder

Taylor via Unsplash

To truly make a bookshelf feel like a real library, you need to add a classic wooden ladder to your shopping list. Not only does it make the space feel more intentional, but it also makes your collection much easier to access and by extension, easier to read.

Try floating bookshelves

floating bookshelf

Swabdesign via Unsplash

For a magical, gravity-defying look, try installing a few floating shelves to display your books. These thin shelves are cleverly hidden away to make your books appear as if they are resting on air. You can try horizontal shelves like this one or vertical stacking shelves that use the cover of the book to stick in place.

Pair books and plants

 

display shelf

Rachel Claire via Pexels

As houseplants continue to grow in popularity, it’s rare to spot a bookshelf that doesn’t have at least one plant snuggled into the design. Choose trailing plants like the pothos (Epipremnum aureum) or string of bananas (Curio radicans) pictured above to blend sections and lead the eye around the display.

Create a reading nook

reading nook

Clay Banks via Unsplash

There’s no better way to dig into a book than in a cosy dedicated reading spot. By blending your home library with a small reading nook packed with comfortable blankets and pillows, you’ll have no excuse not to fill your free time with reading.

Look for unique shelving

thick bookshelves

Zane Persaud via Unsplash

With so many unique shelving choices on the market now, it’s easy to find something a little different. This example highlights the book collection and adds to the overall at the same time. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, get out your tools and try DIY.

Customize your book covers

 

white book covers

Joyce Mccown via Unsplash

Although you need tons of free time on your hands to make this craft a reality, it does have an impressive effect when it’s finished. Custom book sleeves allow you to match your books to their surroundings in any way you like. It’s also a great way to protect books or cover up wear and tear if you tend to purchase books secondhand.

Don’t forget to decorate

 

shelf with books and plants

Beazy via Unsplash

While it’s great to make books the star of the show, it doesn’t mean they have to be displayed on their own. Adding a few other decorative touches like vases or this cascading spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) completes the look and complements the pop of colour behind.

With these tips, it’s so easy to get reading.

Featured image: Avery Evans via Unsplash