It is commonly mentioned that a home which has a library in it has a soul. Having a devoted studying room at residence and even a private nook is the dream of each avid reader. From majestic teakwood bookshelves and wall-to-wall cupboards to cosy nook areas and window nooks, creating a literary haven is a much-cherished mission for each bibliophile.
“In today’s fast-paced world where people are bombarded with content, reels, news and information, some relevant and mostly otherwise, the book world provides a refuge where you can slow down and unwind,” says Anupriya Subbian, Cofounder, Triple O Studio. “It is thus a great idea for every home to have a space like a study nook, a library or even a reading corner that can truly become a sanctum for both knowledge and leisure.”
The concept of getting a devoted library area has grown considerably in at the moment’s properties. As folks spend extra time indoors and place better significance on consolation, wellness and aware residing, there may be a clear shift in the direction of creating quiet, private corners that supply a sense of calm. “It is no longer just about storing books. These spaces are becoming thoughtfully designed spots that feel warm, intentional, and inviting. Some opt for a full library wall, while others make use of a sunny window corner with built-in shelves and soft lighting,” says Minnie Bhatt, founding father of Minnie Bhatt Designs. “The goal is the same: to create a cosy, comfortable space that encourages you to relax. A well-designed reading nook adds depth, personality, and a sense of balance to a home. It is functional, emotionally grounding, and often becomes one of the most loved spaces in the house.”
Some of the important thing components for designing a library area at residence embody useful storage for the books, comfy seating, lighting, and good air flow. The addition of sentimental supplies like rugs, curtains, or upholstery helps take up sound and provides character to the area. “If you are starting from scratch, then the best way is to build bookcases with glass fronts to protect the books from dust and dirt. Install them on the walls around the room, add a few armchairs in the middle, throw in a rug and a coffee table, and you are all set,” says Manjul Misra, former journalist and residential decor fanatic. Personal components akin to artwork, household images and journey souvenirs will make the area really feel actually lived-in. “To infuse personality, layer in decorative bookends, handmade ceramics, or framed photographs,” provides Bhatt. Also, keep away from lining the whole lot up in a single flat airplane. “Layer books with objects of different heights — perhaps a stack of books paired with a small sculpture or a candleholder. It adds rhythm and visual interest,” says Kirti Dodeja, founding designer of the eponymous design studio.
Here is a take a look at some numerous library areas — from alluring nooks self-designed by residence décor fanatics to elaborate architect-designed rooms.
Triple O Studio, Chennai
The wallpaper with the classic cabinet brings heat to the research area.
| Photo Credit:
Pixels by Binsan
This ingeniously designed library area in a Chennai residence accommodates near 800 books in a 75 sq.ft. area. “The entire storage is built-in and crafted in an off-white tone with glass shutters. This gives the space a visually light appearance. Further, all shutters were made handle-less, adding to the seamless aesthetic,” says Subbian. This cleverly designed area epitomises performance in a restricted space. An arched built-in research ledge has been built-in across the window with storage items, making it a good nook for studying and even board video games. An antiquated picket bookshelf that dietary supplements storage, wicker chairs, and a flamboyant Jaipur forts-inspired wallpaper serve to interrupt the monotony of the muted hues.
Vasudha Somayaji, Bengaluru
The bookshelf in Vasudha Somayaji’s library.
| Photo Credit:
Vasudha Somayaji
Vibrant, useful and aesthetic. These adjectives finest describe residence décor fanatic Vasudha Somayaji’s library in her Bengaluru residence. “My library is about 6 by 6 feet; being avid readers, we have collected many books varying from children’s literature, non-fiction and fiction over the years. The solid wood bookshelf adds a sense of warmth and is central to the space. While some shelves have books arranged according to the colour of the cover, one shelf is dedicated to only Kannada books, while another one is for books that are still unread. This way I can easily access what I want,” says Somayaji.
She additional provides that she has a small chair and a rug to sit down on and skim leisurely, aside from a desk and chair to do some severe studying. The bookshelf is styled utilizing a plethora of collected artefacts. Think masks, collectible figurines, baskets and a host of potted crops and contemporary foliage; all of which lend a tactile distinction and a layered, curated look.
Manjul Misra, Kolkata
Brick partitions add rustic appeal in Manjul Misra’s library.
| Photo Credit:
Manjul Misra
The den-cum-library on this Kolkata condo is a lesson in eclectic design. “It is the fourth bedroom of our flat that we decided to convert into an informal space to relax in. The two wooden vintage bookshelves belong to my grandfather. They hold a lot of sentimental value for us, and hence we worked around them to create a space replete with nostalgic vibes,” says Misra. Real brick cladding on all 4 partitions of the room exudes an earthy, rustic appeal. An Obeetee rug, a planter chair, mix-and-match furnishings items, lamps and chic delicate furnishings full the look. Plenty of greens and collectible figurines of birds picked up from throughout, add the appropriate pop of color to the area.
Minnie Bhatt Design, Mumbai
Ceramics and different artefacts add character to the asymmetrical bookshelf.
| Photo Credit:
Prashant Bhat
This library nook in a Mumbai house is a part of a bigger residing area and brings collectively clear traces with earthy textures. At the center of it’s an asymmetrical, sculptural bookshelf with a bronze-toned metallic body, styled with a balanced mixture of books, ceramics, and artefacts, which creates an inventive, virtually gallery-like really feel. “A wooden hanging swing in an oval shape adds a casual and sculptural touch. The seating includes a light blue wooden-framed sofa with textured cushions and a deep blue accent chair, paired with layered round coffee tables in wood and marble,” says Bhatt. Natural wooden rafters overhead, a woven rug underfoot, leafy crops, and African tribal baskets on the wall convey depth and texture. The total look is relaxed, coastal, and thoughtfully private.
Kirti Dodeja, Goa
The window sill was customised to align with the research desk, permitting uninterrupted views of the greenery outdoors whereas sustaining ergonomic ease.
| Photo Credit:
Rohit Ganguly
The library-cum-study area on this Isprava villa in Goa is all about operate, rhythm and the ability of storytelling in design. “The room itself is quite narrow, but we used that as an advantage by lining the entire length of one wall with a deep blue library unit, turning it into a striking visual feature. Despite the compact footprint, the natural light flooding in transforms it into a warm and uplifting space. The flooring is wood-look tile, not real wood — selected specifically for Goa’s climate and its ability to withstand humidity,” says Dodeja. She additionally provides that the deep blue hue was prolonged throughout the dado peak of the adjoining partitions to create a sense of cohesion. The window sill was customised to align with the research desk, permitting uninterrupted views of the greenery outdoors whereas sustaining ergonomic ease. Bookends formed like a tiger’s head and tail, and a quirky little artefact that ‘hangs out’ from the shelf add a playful contact to the area.
Studio Saransh, Ahmedabad
A library area by Studio Saransh.
| Photo Credit:
Ishita Sitwala
Deep and dominant wooden tones make this residence library in Ahmedabad a cohesive and visually interesting area. “The study area, done up in the Brutalist architectural style, establishes its own relationship with the trees outside through uninterrupted double-glazing glass partitions that allow natural daylight without additional heat gain. Furniture pieces in the space are crafted using ethically sourced Valsadi teak wood. This beautifully complements the concrete plank pattern leather finish kota flooring,” says Kaveesha Shah, affiliate accomplice, Studio Saransh. The stately-looking bookshelf has a easy, modular design to accommodate the proprietor’s rising assortment of books. With a lovely inexperienced view on the west because the backdrop, the area enjoys a sundown view day-after-day whereas wanting into the home’s double peak mild function.
Styling suggestions
Artefacts: West Elm, House of Things, Nestasia, Rangeela in Goa
Bookends: Nicobar, Pepperfry, Ikiru
Lamps: Fabindia, Amazon, Hatsu, Fig Living, LMNOH
Rugs: Jaipur Rugs, Obeetee
Bookshelves: IKEA, Urban Ladder, Wooden Street
Chairs: IKEA, Green Soul, Godrej Interio
The Bengaluru-based freelance author is enthusiastic about all issues design, journey, meals, artwork and tradition.
