Tips on what to consider when coming up with a home library

How easy is it to build the library?  It is not a cheap venture and few people have a ‘proper’ home library or so you think. Coincidentally, it is cheaper to build a home library.  Space can be a challenge to many, but with a bit of creativity, you can have a fascinating space. The main components of the library are, of course, the books and shelves to display them. Add other components like furniture and knick-knacks to complete the look. How you arrange these elements in the space will define your library. So what do you consider as you come up with your home library?

Space: Decide where you want your library to be — it could be a room dedicated to the library. Even a small space is ample as long as it is tidy. A room with a high ceiling gives the advantage of stacking books to the top, creating an impressive display. If it is too high, use a ladder to reach the books. The ladder increases the perceived prestige of the room.

For those without an extra room, share other spaces within the home like the TV room or the lounge.  You could turn any space into a library as long as you have shelves and books.

Shelves:  Go for shelves that take the least space. In this case, recessed shelves work better than free standing or built–in wall shelves; they also look more professional. Freestanding shelves are either made of wood, metal or plastic.  Their advantage is that you can also use them to partition your library. Placing it in the centre of the room will increase storage space and portray a professional look. Their disadvantage is that they come as predetermined blocks and as such, one does not have the flexibility of arranging the room as they wish.

 Built–in wall shelves offer a solution to this as you can have your fundi install them wherever you so wish. Ensure the installation is done professionally to avoid an amateur look. For wooden shelves, dark-stained ones inspire a traditional look.

Books: No books, no library. Collect all kinds of books you love from your high school and college books, to the latest publications in the bookshops.  Books can be expensive especially new ones. There is, however, a cheaper way of stocking your library by going for second-hand ones. The streets, at least Nairobi, are full of second-hand books at affordable prices. Arrange your books horizontally across for a library appearance.

Accessories: Give your library your personal style by adding accents. Accessories give the space a finished look. Let it be your quiet reading lounge and also a personal museum.

 Display items to enhance the effect you want to achieve. Good examples include old maps, globes, works of art, sculptures, candles, vases, plants and even chessboards. Chairs and lounges will provide a comfortable spot to read. A coffee table and an end table could be placed for offering food and drinks or recently acquired books. Add a carpet to give some elegance to the room and a throw blanket on the couch to offer warmth on those cold days. Some throw cushions on the couch and a mantel clock will crown the beauty of your library.

Walls: Choose a colour scheme that is your favourite or a theme you love. Paint your walls a dark colour to give the space a traditional look. Earth tones will give you a calming library, while bright colours like red induce excitement.

 Painting your doors white and having white mouldings will make your walls stand out. Wallpaper on an accent wall will give the room additional texture and pattern.

Lighting: Libraries require adequate reading light. Floor lamps placed next to a couch will do the trick. Try and have a lamp for each chair if possible. Recessed ceiling lights directed at the shelves will highlight the books whenever necessary.