24 Dreamy Home Libraries

Adding a library brings a luxurious touch to your home, whether it is a small reading nook or an elaborate space to entertain guests. Check out these grand and inspiring home libraries that will have you feeling like you're in a real-life fairy tale.

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February 13, 2023

By: Farima Alavi and Lauren Fansler

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Private Home Libraries

There is something dreamy about a home library. Whether it is a small reading nook or an expansive space with shelves upon shelves of bound adventures waiting to be discovered. Check out these romantic home libraries that will leave you feeling like you are in a real-life fairytale.

See More Ideas: 27 Beautiful Book Storage Ideas

Elegant Home Library

This traditional library features wood paneling and a lakeside view, making it a perfectly cozy place for an afternoon read.

Contemporary Library & Fireplace

Floor-to-ceiling black built-in shelves make a dramatic, memorable space out of this library.

See More Ideas: 20 Beautiful Built-Ins

From: Windermere Real Estate

Views, Art & Desk

The two-story paneled library mixes traditional and modern styles. Dark brown walls are paired with classic bookcases filled with the homeowners' collection. Centered in the room is a long rustic table and contemporary wire-and-leather chairs, creating a great spot for homework and research, while cozy chairs by the bay window make for the perfect reading area.

See More Ideas: 65+ Small Home Office Ideas

From: @properties

Handsome Library

Curl up on the tufted leather sofa with a good book in this wood-paneled library. At one end, a fireplace is flanked with built-in storage and framed art. Hardwood floors are softened up with a multicolor area rug, while the room is brightened by natural light from oversized windows.

From: Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. and Luxury Portfolio International®

Library With a Spiral Staircase

As if the two-story library wasn't enough of a wow-factor, the spiral staircase really brings the drama into this space.

See More Ideas: 65 Simply Stunning Staircase Designs

From: Hilton & Hyland and Luxury Portfolio International®

Georgian Mansion Library

Luxurious wood paneling adorns the stately two-story library, creating a nobly elegant retreat for quiet study by the fire. The bookshelves' interior is done in a rich green for a subtle pop of color.

From: Houlihan Lawrence

Bold, Blue Library Space

Red sofas provide ample seating in this transitional home office featuring blue walls with built-in shelves. A fireplace and unique, black and gold desk add elegant touches to the space.

See More Ideas: Living Room Color Ideas: Which Paint to Pick

Bookshelf + Art Display

Floor-to-ceiling, built-in bookshelves provide storage and an elegant backdrop for artwork and collectibles. Cozy seating and a chess table make for a perfect place to enjoy a match.

From: Beth Bourque

Ivy League-Esque Home Library

Curl up in this cozy library and suddenly the afternoon is gone. A fireplace warms the space when the temperature drops, while bookshelves stretching the length of the rooms' walls keep your favorite authors within easy reach.

Glam White Library With Colorful Novels

The white shelves allow the colorful book collection to take center stage, while gold lamps add some drama. Not least, the modern black chairs in a fun print prevent the library from feeling too serious.

Jane Fonda's Santa Fe Ranch Library

Reclaimed wood beams adorn the ceiling of Jane Fonda's library, which houses her collection of Navajo rugs and artifacts acquired over her many years of travel and adventure.

Contemporary Style Library

Glass panels on the staircases blend in seamlessly, becoming nearly invisible, and look less bulky than traditional railing. White walls and a white ceiling, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, keep the room feeling airy and bright despite the large bookshelf wall.

From: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Reading Nook With Funky Wallpaper

In this reading nook, the abstract face wallpaper is a subtle backdrop for a library that houses a rainbow of books, cheerful graphic pillows and artwork.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Modern Custom Library

In this incredible library, the custom bookshelves are equally exciting as any title they may hold. Special lit niches highlight artwork, photos and other treasures.

From: Strutt & Parker

Traditional Two-Story Library

This two-story library feels like something of the past. The walls are covered in a handsome, colorful striped wallpaper and an upper-level balcony brings a grand feel to the lavish space.

From: Barfoot & Thompson Ltd. and Luxury Portfolio International®

Reading Room

This multipurpose family room is reminiscent of the reading rooms of grand European estates. Designer Stephanie Wohlner says, "by adding the bookcases, a tall storage unit, ceiling beams and three seating areas, we were able to change the dynamics of the entire room, adding layers of warmth and a sense of cohesiveness."

Library With Rolling Ladder

With two chairs, stacks of books and a rolling ladder, this home library is the perfect spot to relax and read.

From: Turnstyle Interior Design

Orange Built-Ins Adorn This Library

Orange you glad this library uses so much fun color? Built-in bookshelves tuck in next to windows and the bright, cheery trim infuses the whole space with life.

From: Ansley Real Estate Christie's International and Luxury Portfolio International®

Library With Coffered Ceiling

The library has tons of classic appeal with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in handsome dark wood and a coffered ceiling.

From: Scott Sanders

Lighted Shelves

The track lighting inside the shelves of the dark-trimmed bookshelves gives the room a warm and inviting glow.

Library With River View

Southern hospitality is on full display in the home's lovely living areas. This library, cozy inside with its fireplace and built-in bookshelves, opens out onto the covered veranda with riverfront views.

From: Harry Norman, REALTORS and Luxury Portfolio International®

Bedroom Library

This bedroom features a back wall full of books organized by color.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Library and Home Office

This combination home office/library features rift oak paneling stained a dark gray, light hardwood floors and a two-tone paneled ceiling with recessed lighting.

From: Granoff Architects

Upscale Serenity

This upscale library is filled with elegance. The soft gray and gold color tones coordinate to deliver a luxurious feel to the study space. Glass, metal, stone and Venetian plaster implement different textures for a dimensional look. Two hidden storage cabinets flank built-in shelving to store a large book collection.