If you have a whole room for your library, then the ideal space will have few windows or other features in the walls. Such structures are difficult to position shelves around, and can complicate the décor of the space. The area does not have to be huge, although a tall room does create an impressive display when books are stacked all the way to the ceiling. Other considerations are that you want a quiet space that is clean, has hard flooring to support shelves, and does not suffer from dampness or mold.

Shelves

There are three types of shelving units you can use to create your library. Recessed shelves have the most finished look, but they are also expensive and require architectural installation. More frugal and less permanent options include free standing shelves, and hanging shelves.

Free standing book cases can be as elegant as you are willing to pay for. If you purchase them all at once, you should be able to get matching sets, which will make the room look more finished. The only problem with these units is that they have pre defined shapes and sizes, which don’t always fit into the spaces you are using. They also almost never reach to the ceiling, leaving valuable storage space unused in your library.

Hanging shelves are the least expensive option, and they provide the most flexibility in your designs. Unfortunately the freedom they provide can also lend itself to chaos if they are not installed in a precise manner. In order to maintain the appearance of professionalism it is very important that these units are hung in straight, precise lines, and linear columns.

Books

The books are the content that will fill the form of your library. The type of literature you choose is completely dependant on your taste, although you should be aware that those you show the library to will probably read a sample of the titles in your collection, and will make judgments of you based on that. For this reason rare and expensive tomes should be displayed prominently, in positions of honor, while less important books are relegated to the shelves.