Small Cozy Nook Home Libraries
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My next project is to create a small, cozy nook home library right in my hallway. This old house has a hallway that is 67 inches wide, and I’m going to make good use of it.
If you have a couch that isn’t placed against the wall, you could fit bookshelves around and behind it to create your cozy home library. As long as you have decent walking space to get around the furniture, you’re good to go.
Twenty-four inches is acceptable for pathways, and 36 inches is best for hallways or high traffic areas.
Window Seat Library Nooks
I’ve always been enamored of window nooks, but so far, I haven’t had one in my home. Add bookshelves to an area like this, and you have a book nook and a gorgeous view of the outdoors!
You’d feel snug as a bug in a rug tucked into a small, cozy, colorful space like those above. It’s just the right spot to curl up and read a book or magazine.
With these wider window seats, you could even stretch out and possibly nap as the sun shines through.
Corner Library Nooks
If you have a free corner you could put furniture in, measure it, and see if you can find bookshelves to fit. Or have someone build bookshelves to your specifications. It’s a good way to make use of these cozy little nooks of privacy.
I can imagine sitting in that chair on a cold winter day, thumbing through books to find something to read. You could sit there and lose yourself in the chapters, or choose a book and take it to your bedroom to read before sleep.
Tiny twinkle lights provide a cozy vibe. The small table would be a great place to rest a cup of coffee or tea. You could wrap yourself in the throw and stay warm while you enjoy reading.
This room has walls painted in the green tones of Mother Nature. This small home library nook has plenty of space to move around. A rug softens the area, and a comfy chair and side table provide a place for a snack and/or a beverage.
This is a really cozy spot with bookshelves along one wall and a gallery with paintings on the adjacent wall. An upholstered easy chair is tucked right in as though it belongs there. The red brick wall provides warmth and texture to the space.
Snug Little Corner Spot
Built-in Shelves
This little corner has a great place to sit without taking up much space. You could use a cabinet base, a trunk, or a bench to place in the corner. Then add throws and pillows to make it a great little book nook.
Arrange a chair in a corner, with bookshelves along the wall. These bookshelves are built in, using every square inch for books. And you’ve got an incredible little spot to sit down and read.
Cozy Little Spots
How about utilizing that dead space underneath the stairs? You could use that area to the max with bookshelves and a cushioned bench. Add a throw, and it’s a perfect winter spot.
What more could one ask for, with a comfy chair and a glowing fireplace? This is truly a cozy spot. I could while away many afternoons sitting there.
Coffee Shop Style
Window Bookshelves
This home library is reminiscent of a coffee shop or a Barnes & Noble store that sells coffee and snacks.
There are books on narrow shelves along the wall. Green plants create a cozy, natural environment for relaxing.
Hallway Bookshelves
Creating My Own Cozy Small Home Library:
I’m looking at my wide hallway to situate a home library. I have a heavy green cupboard on one side (18 inches deep) with a table lamp on it. Therefore, I plan to put bookshelves on the other wall.
I’ve been looking at all the bookshelf ideas and bookmarking them on Pinterest for later. I don’t know when this project will proceed. Soon, I hope!
I love these little reading nooks. What a cozy way to spend the day, curled up with a good book!
Creating a nook is a way of celebrating reading.
What dreamy and cozy spaces! Thank you for posting these, Brenda. We have a recessed wall, 12.5″ deep, in a spare bedroom that used to be my built in library before grandchildren and great grandchildren came along and needed the bottom half for their books and play things. Surely I can adapt one of these that you posted to fit somewhere else in my house.
If I look, I can usually find about 12 inches in places I hadn’t considered before.
Love the nooks, especially the brick wall with all the paintings.
Yeah, that one I found particularly cozy!
I love that idea Brenda,
I really like the window seat areas too. Unfortunately I don’t have 1 place for any of those ideas.
You’ll have to keep us updated on your area though. I can’t wait to see it.
Projects take me longer these days. I will certainly keep you updated. Still looking for affordable shelves to go there. I can’t spend much money on it.
There’s some really beautiful ideas here! You’re lucky you have such a wide hallway. Ours is extra narrow.
The gifts of an old house…
“subscribe screen” from. my other message. auto correct is wonderful…not lol Donnell(notDarnell)
Brenda I’m sorry to bother you but every time I try to read your blog this is scribe page comes up and covers the entire screen and I can’t get out to read it I wonder if you can look at that thank you Darnell
I will look into this for you. It should be removed now. Let me know if it’s still there.
Building a small library beneath your stairs is a brilliant use of space. And it’s automatically a warm and cozy space to hide out and read. I can see a space like this becoming a prime napping spot for kitties.
That area underneath stairs is often overlooked space.