6 Pinterest-worthy home library ideas

If you didn’t rearrange your bookshelves at least 1500 times over lockdown, then congratulations: you found other ways to procrastinate. If, however, you spent hours positioning and then repositioning your favourite candle, picture frame, or lampshade, well, you’re not the only one.

From burgeoning bookshelves to converted home offices, the result is there are some seriously Pinterest-worthy home library ideas out there, and we’re here to share 6 of our favourites with you.

Home library idea: colour coordinate your books

The easiest and offering the most instant gratification is colour coordinating your books. If your collection isn’t already arranged in rainbow formation, then what on earth are you waiting for? Start by removing all of the books from your shelf (maybe give them a dust whilst you’re up there) and reorder them in colour order. They don’t have to be rainbow, but this style is definitely easy on the eye. We love how this look below is made a little more grown-up in Teal 02 paint, which contrasts beautifully against the bright yellow books that pop in the bookshelf.

Home library idea: create a floor to ceiling bookcase

There are few things more envy-inducing than a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. So, would you believe us if we told you that Annem from @ahousebuiltoncheese created hers for under £600 using an IKEA Billy bookcase hack? Nor would we if we hadn’t seen it for ourselves. Annem opted for Red 03 paint, and you can get the look by following her easy to follow steps or take a look at our guide on how to paint furniture, wood, metal and other internal surfaces for a professional finish.

Home library idea: incorporate houseplants

The interior trend that continues to grow, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that houseplants are taking over our homes and our shelving. Ensure your home library is truly Pinterest-worthy by bringing the great outdoors in. According to Science Daily, not only do office plants relieve stress and increase happiness, but they can even improve productivity by 15%. Not bad for a humble pot plant. Allowing trailing plants to hang down from open shelving will add texture and bring a little life to any home office. Or add a pop of colour with indoor beauties like Purple Shamrock.

Home library idea: opt for a built-in bookcase

Another home library option that feels sturdy and timeless is the built-in bookcase. We love @projectdelphine's use of panelling in her built-in shelving, transformed using Green 03 paint. Now it’s part office filing system, part home library, part display case for photographs.

Home library idea: store your books in glass cabinets

There’s something rather grand about glass cabinet shelving. Like walking through a museum, it gives the impression that whatever is displayed behind is worth protecting. Well, there’s nothing more precious than memories, so why not display your favourite photographs and mementos in a glass cabinet. From embossed leather-bound books and chess boards to an atlas globe or antique brass lamp, make a bold statement in your home library with glass cabinets.

Home library idea: mix it up

In truth, there are no rules about how to style your home library. From the paired back, with white walls and utilitarian style shelving, to the grand and period-drama style, demonstrated gorgeously here in Green 02. Whether you’re using it for practical purposes to store notebooks and office supplies or ornaments and coffee table books, it’s your bookshelf, your space, your home. Don’t be afraid to mix it up.

If these 6 Pinterest-worthy home library ideas have given you food for thought when it comes to your home then why not find the perfect colour for your home office based on your personality. Or take a look at these 5 ways to improve your home office set-up to get you started.