At Home Library

What’s better than having your own library? Not much that’s what! But, we’re pretty sure only a small percentage of Americans have enough real estate to house one. Today’s tip is all about how to create your very own private library without having to win the lottery.  

This tip is going to hit home with Smarts — in particular Smart Structures who are often bibliophiles — and to a lesser extent Organics. These types tend to have more books than Funs and Classics. For every Classic who thinks they have a book problem, i.e., too many books, there’s a Smart Structure who has 5x as many books and doesn’t understand what someone means by “book problem.” But, this tip will appeal to Funs’ and Classics’ aesthetics because they love things hidden away especially when they seem like visual clutter. There’s a certain pull to the idea of having a mish mosh of books hidden away in a closet nook. 

So while you don’t need to win the lottery to build your own private library in your home, you do need an extra closet  — which to many might seem as likely as winning the lottery. Perhaps a purge is in order before setting out on this project. And like the rest of the tips from this week, there is yet another door to take down with but it’s well worth it because all your guest will see your extensive collection of books in one place and all it takes is a closet. The one necessary addition is built in shelves. The extra added frill is painting the new shelves an exciting paint color to set a warm and inviting tone or coordinate with nearby decor. Plus, you can keep not only books but give files a home, trinkets can also add a personal flare to your at home closet library.

Shelves and sitting space built into the closet in the picture to the right make this at home closet library the ultimate cozy place. It makes me want to snuggle up with my favorite book in that perfect little space. 

Originally published on September 9, 2011.