By Mitch Rice
Creating a personal library or reading space is what every bibliophile wants! The idea of being surrounded by your favourite books brings solace and happiness. It helps you travel inwards, far away from this chaotic world, and create a vortex of joy, beauty, and wonder.
Books stacked on shelves can certainly make a space. However, there are a few tricky aspects that you need to consider. The approach matters most – that is, whether you want a collected yet cluttered or airy and minimal look, you need to balance the opposites.
Needless to say, a little handholding can go a long way in giving shape to your reading space the way you want.
- Custom cabinets steal the show
The library cabinet you choose defines the look and feel of the room. Every other décor element revolves around it. Hence, it’s best to opt for custom cabinet solutions rather than selecting from generic online or offline deals. The built-in library shelves offer much more than storage space. It reflects your taste and adds class to your personal library space.
The new-age service providers have come up with built-in library shelves, walls, and other custom cabinet solutions that complement your room’s design. Most importantly, they can be customized based on your room space requirements, limitations, personal choice, and budget capacity. You can browse through the latest collection from Quality Custom Cabinetry and choose what caters to your needs.
- Stick to a flow and rhythm
If you view any object or similar items at a stretch, it feels monotonous. Therefore, try and break up collections and books with contrasting items. Choose personal mementos, ceramics, or artwork that complements a library set-up and texture. Your shelves would look both balanced and striking. Some other options to opt for include new-age abstract artwork, ornate boxes, and candlesticks.
Ensure any décor item you select aligns with the look you wish to create and can be kept comfortably in the shelf space.
- Experiment with negative space
Most stylists emphasize negative space. Allowing some space in the shelves makes anything from a paper lining to a paint color to pop. If you overstuff shelves with books, it can look rich, but also boring. While both are tried and tested ways to arrange library cabinets, you need to decide on things you feel are worth highlighting.
From a potted plant to an ancient wall clock your grandparent had, choose what’s striking and creates an ambiance.
- Let it appear real and raw
The secret sauce to have a reading space with its aura and energy is not to force things. According to Anthony Amiano, an interior stylist, the décor needs to be imperfect and casual. Anything overtly perfect looks airbrushed and not natural. To create what Amiano says is to allow some books to lean and even old books with soiled covers to be kept in front. Having potted plants that have faded leaves also adds to the natural beauty of the room.
There’s no fixed rule on creating a personal library. You can draw inspiration from the décor magazines and even your school library. The idea is to have a space that blends in beauty, class, and originality.
Final words
It’s important to give some thought to your personal library or reading space. After all, you are going to spend quality time here, immersed in thoughts and developing new perspectives. Using the best cabinets while playing with negative space and keeping it real can work wonders.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

