You don't need a dedicated room for a home library. In New York apartments, the best libraries are often one well-built wall.
01One wall, floor to ceiling
A single wall of shelves, ceiling height, holds hundreds of books in about 12 inches of depth. With 9 to 10 foot prewar ceilings, add a library ladder on a rail.
02The reading corner
Two short bookcases meeting in a corner, a good chair and a lamp make a library in a living room or bedroom.
03The hallway library
Long prewar hallways can take 10 to 12 inch deep shelves along one side without blocking the path. It uses space that is otherwise empty.
04Doors on the lower shelves
Closed cabinets below about 30 inches keep games, files and oversized books out of sight, and keep the open shelves calm.
05Protect the books
- Keep shelves out of strong afternoon sun or use UV-filtering window film. - Don't put books directly above radiators. - Leave a little air gap behind the books on exterior walls.
06Light the shelves
Picture lights or LED strips make the wall glow at night. Read our bookcase lighting guide.
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