The Home Library

It’s been a hectic morning! You’ve got your man off to work, harassed the kids out of bed, and prepared breakfasts for everybody which is a major operation these days because you need to make an individual meal for each one of them separately! Here’s a reminder – don’t ever let it get that way in your house. You have to be strong. Insist on buying just one brand of cereal, only one type of bread, and a maximum two flavours of jam. If you stick to those strict guidelines, you won’t have to put up with the early-morning shenanigans of separate breakfasts.

I don’t know about you, but when everybody has left the house and peace and quiet reign supreme, I crank up my little coffee machine, get out my https://kimbo.co.uk/ coffee, take a big breath, let out a bigger sigh, and sip my coffee with a generally blank mind. The TV and the radio are both off and the only thing I sometimes hear is the neighbour’s dog barking. So while I sip my coffee, I look around and mentally check off the things that I need to do to get my house in order for the day. I do allow a little bit of technology in by turning on my iPad and seeing what’s on my schedule.

I can cast my eye around the family living area and the kitchen to work out what needs to be done and in what order. With the amount of junk that I can see lying around on the sofa, armchair, coffee table, and kitchen bench I know for a fact that in my perfect world, I could never have too many bookcases. Fortunately, my kids still like to read their storybooks, my husband and I are both avid readers and don’t always resort to our computers for our information, so the one bookcase we have in the living room is full. Because most of the furniture we have in the house is made of solid wood I put a reminder on my iPad schedule to check out similarly made bookcases and where I can buy one.

There are some wholesale furniture trading companies that provide good quality solid wood furniture these days. Come to think of it, I should see if our budget can extend to a smaller model bookcase for our bedroom so that the books we are reading and some that are not suitable for the children can be stored there. One thing is for sure, there never seems to be sufficient room in either bookcases, cupboards, or coffee table shelves to store everything. It’s a vicious circle. We keep accumulating material which then forces us to go out and purchase articles of furniture in which we can store all this excess material. It has to stop! To that end, setting up a proper home library might be a good idea. And if you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering how you can do that with the limited space you or I have. Well, here’s a few ways:

1. Maximizing Vertical Space: The Sky’s the Limit

When space is at a premium, thinking vertically can be a game-changer. Instead of relying solely on traditional bookshelves, I explored the possibilities of utilizing wall space to create a visually appealing and functional home library. Floating shelves became my best friends, allowing me to store books above eye level without compromising on style.

To keep costs down, I scoured thrift stores and online marketplaces for pre-loved shelves. A fresh coat of paint or a creative DIY touch can transform these budget-friendly finds into unique pieces that seamlessly integrate into your home’s aesthetic. Look for narrow, tall bookshelves that draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height and grandeur even in the smallest of spaces.

For an added touch of personality, I interspersed my book collection with decorative items like small plants, vintage trinkets, and framed quotes. This not only made the library feel like a curated space but also added a touch of warmth to the room.

2. Cozy Corners and Multi-Functional Furniture: A Reading Nook Dream

In a small space, creating a dedicated reading nook is essential for the ultimate home library experience. I strategically arranged my furniture to carve out a cozy corner where natural light streams in, and soft cushions beckon for hours of immersive reading.

To make the most of this space, I invested in multi-functional furniture. A storage ottoman not only serves as a comfortable seat but also provides hidden storage for extra books or blankets. Additionally, a compact bookshelf with built-in seating became the focal point of my reading nook, offering both storage and a comfortable spot to lose myself in a good book.

While on the prowl for affordable and stylish additions, I also considered looking into all these companies that make specific offers such as “Shop our Surfboard Coffee Tables and Beach House Decor” and so on. I may be able to find unique furniture pieces there that could add a touch of coastal charm and chill vibe to your home library, and also add that little bit of extra storage space. Every little bit helps.

3. Mindful Book Selection: Quality Over Quantity

Building a home library on a budget requires a discerning eye when it comes to book selection. While the allure of a massive collection is tempting, a curated assortment of quality books can be just as satisfying. I focused on acquiring books that held sentimental value or those I knew I would read and revisit.

To further stretch my budget, I explored second-hand bookstores, library sales, and online platforms where gently used books are available at a fraction of the cost. Many online retailers also offer e-books and audiobooks at discounted rates or even for free, providing a digital dimension to my home library without taking up physical space.