20 Stylish Home Libraries Embodying Refined Relaxation
Because even your books deserve a beautiful space.
Often reserved for rest and leisure, home libraries offer more intimacy than public and university libraries without sacrificing splendor and elegance. And in times when we are spending a lot more of the day within our own four walls, these quiet spaces double as chic work-from-home offices and the perfect end-of-day getaways.
From classic paneled walls to blue lacquered ceilings, these home library ideas will help you create a stylish yet cozy space for unwinding and for showcasing treasured tomes. Use these stunning home library designs from the world’s top designers to inspire your own reading nook that will fit both your personal style and your beloved hardbacks.
The Vintage Library
For designer Peter Dunham, making sure a room feels rooted is crucial to ensuring a home has a settled ambience. In this Newport Beach library, the California decorator used a vintage walnut bookcase, found at an auction house in England, to ground the room and add warmth.
"The holy grail of architecture salvage," says Dunham of his bookcase that was shipped from across the pond in pieces. He worked with architect Timothy Joslin to rebuild it into the stunning statement piece shown here. The striking chandelier (Abell) casts a warm glow over the entire space.
The Relaxed Library
Exceptional yet humble furniture and thought-provoking artwork, like the 1960s photograph by Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, lifts the spirit of this once sleepy Connecticut library by David Netto. The luxe sofa (Design Quest Custom) offers a soft landing spot to relax and read after a long work day.
The Smokey Library
In this 18th-century Paris flat by designer Jean-Louis Deniot, a vintage Maison Jansen bookcase inspired the smokey tones and the layout of the library. The French designer moved the shelving originally in the dining room into its new home and repeated its metallic detailing in the wainscoting. The gold-trimmed alcove was designed specifically as a petite gallery for a figurative sculpture by Philippe Valentin.
The Glitzy Library
The home library of this glamorous Hamptons home strikes a balance between relaxed and refined and has gold and silver accents that mingle with cozy white upholstered furniture. Designer Alex Papachristidis covered the walls in a modern take on plaid from Carolyn Ray, Inc., and hung antique ormolu wall lights to bring a sense of historic warmth to the space.
The Quaint Library
Atlanta-based designer Amy Morris transformed the attic of a 100-year-old Tudor manse into a quaint library. The series of hand-rubbed brass reading lights up the bookcases filled with literary classics and stunning photography. The portrait is by early-20th-century artist Trevor James.
The Not-So-Hush Library
Electric chartreuse walls do all the talking in the library of Meg Braff’s Long Island home. The bright shade by Benjamin Moore ushers in natural light while accentuating the room’s original 1960s paneling. Braff covered the cushions of Julian Chichester cane-back armchairs in a leopard fabric by Brunschwig & Fils.
The Lacquered Library
Designer Richard Keith Langham transforms the former living room of this 1850s Pennsylvania farmhouse into a high-style library. A Colefax and Fowler plaid evokes the homeowner’s Scottish heritage and playfully reflects off of blue-violet lacquered walls. The library’s club chairs are in a linen chenille, and the custom ottoman is in a Jerry Pair suede.
The High Couture Library
Historian Maureen Footer blends neo-Dior elegance and cosmopolitan bliss within the halls of her New York City apartment. Inspiration from design icons flood the small library, which features cerused oak paneling inspired by French designer Jean-Michel Frank and vintage Elsie de Wolfe slipper chairs. The Chinese chest and Sultanabad rug are mementoes from Footer’s travels. The sofa pillows are Fortuny; an Elk Lighting pendant hangs above.
The Chateau Library
A feast of patterns and antiques are mingled throughout the media and reading room of designer Juan Pablo Molyneux’s Château de Pouy-sur-Vannes. A pair of Giacometti lamps flank a custom sectional upholstered in a Luigi Bevilacqua tiger velvet.
The Provence Library
Designer Bunny Williams restored the ethereal charm of this France farmhouse by echoing influences from the home’s Provence setting inside. This once-boxy space was transformed into a comfortable library filled with pedigreed antiques. The room’s custom sofa is topped with a vintage Turkish textile. A Cowtan & Tout fabric covers the armchair and ottoman. The custom rug is by Studio Four NYC.
The Artful Library
A 1960s Atlanta high-rise becomes the perfect space to frame the world-class art collection of designer John Oetgen. Oetgen’s dogs, Double and Gibbs, relax in the home’s library, which houses a Venetian black bird mask and bronze rhinoceros from a Paris flea market. A Robert Kuo floor lamps sits beside a custom sofa. The cowhide rug is from Stark.
The Fashionable Library
Tiger print carpets and contemporary artwork make a dramatic statement in the study of this Manhattan pied-à-terre designed by Daniel Romualdez. Focused on adding a fashionable yet not-too-stuffy layer to the room, Romualdez covered antique pieces with modern textiles, like the vintage Billy Baldwin slipper chairs he reupholstered in a Zimmer + Rohde fabric. A piece of art from American artist Conrad Marca Relli acts as the study’s focal point. The carpet is from Patterson Flynn Martin.
The Storied Library
This Upper East Side library exudes elegance and ease as designer Alecia Stevens pairs together storied pieces with subtle patterns. A 19th-century pendant from David Duncan hangs over a custom sofa in a de Le Cuona wool paisley. The antique Federal mantel is from William H. Jackson Company.
The Paneled Library
Designer Ellie Cullman and architect John B. Murray merge a pair of neighboring Manhattan apartment into a glowing park-side suite. Natural light reflects off the polished French anigre woods walls of the library. A Burden side table and Larrea Studio cocktail table sit pretty with a sofa and tufted chairs from Anthony Lawrence-Belfair. The artwork is by French painter Françoise Gilot.
The Soaring Library
High in one of New York City’s most iconic residential buildings, designer Tammy Connor turns this Hampshire House pied-à-terre into a warm retreat. The subtle palette and wood furnishings of the apartment’s library echoes Central Park’s verdant canopy below. A Florian Schulz pendant hangs over the room’s 1940s Danish desk. The vintage Khotan rug is from Keivan Woven Arts.
The Rich Red Library
Worldly treasures and luxe textiles surround designer Alidad every time he lounges in his London home library. A William IV rosewood bergère and Victorian slipper chair complement a custom sofa in a red Colony fabric with Turnell & Gigon fringe trim. The green lamp is from Vaughan.
The Luminous Library
Soft orange walls and olive shades give off an intimate vibe in the library of this 1930s Spanish Colonial home in Dallas. Designer Cathy Kincaid covered the custom club chairs in a Claremont fabric. The cocktail table is from East & Orient Company.
The Eclectic Library
Luxe fabrics and a bold color palette envelope the walls of this Washington, D.C., home library designed by Alessandra Branca. A cozy wool paisley covers the walls and serves as the room’s drapery. The rug is from Stark.
The Classic Library
An eclectic mix of classicist and modernist styles, the Montecito getaway of John Saladino acts as urbane gallery of the designer's most treasured antiquities and art. A slick, modern Remains Lighting chandelier offsets the rustic wall paneling of the library. The sofa from Saladino’s own line features a Dualoy leather and Quadrille fabric. A Fortuny cushion tops a Charles II-style caned armchair. The rug is from Sacco Carpet.
The Euro Library
Inspired by the Villa San Michele outside of Florence, this Southern California home embraces its European influences with antiques sourced throughout the continent flooding each room. Designer Laurie Steichen painted the paneling with an aged patina that infuses the library with a sense of history. An antique English leather wing chair is paired with a French gueridon table from Brenda Antin.
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.
A Modernist Lakeside Playground
90 Designer Dining Rooms That Make Us Swoon
60 Spectacular Swimming Pool Designs
Indulgent Bathroom Trends Worth the Splurge
