Lost in a Library: 12 Epic Reading Rooms

Check out these 12 epic reading rooms - Begin slideshow by clicking arrow.

Book Nooks and Stately Libraries - While a dedicated room just for reading feels like a luxury, the standard elements of such a space are pretty basic—good natural or artificial lighting, comfortable seating, and strong shelves. If you're a book lover in need of a place where you can read undisturbed, take some inspiration from these 11 reading rooms, which run the gamut from cozy to clever to cool. Whether you have a vaulting two-story space at your disposal or only a tiny closet, you'll find some smart ideas in these book lovers' lairs.

Recess for Readers - Twin wall sconces and a velvet sofa enhance the recess in this wall of books, providing a cozy seating area amidst the light shelves.

A-Frame Archives - Make the most of your A-frame attic or home by taking the shelves right up to the roofline, creating an interesting and functional feature to a top-floor reading room.

Laddered Library - With this laddered, kid-friendly library wall, half the fun of reading a book is getting it down. The built-in bench is a great place to flip through a picture book and could provide space for additional shelves as the kids and library grow.

Comfortably Traditional - Dark shelves, a classic leather sofa, and a plaid ottoman give this space elegance, while natural light from the double French doors and high window aids reading and adds warmth. Accent lights call attention to a row of art books used as a display, drawing the eye up.

Modern Library - Taking advantage of a ton of books and lots of wall space, an open staircase with a wrought-iron banister mirrors the shelving style, providing visual appeal and connecting the first and second floor.

Room for Epic Adventures - Ready to dive into The Odyssey? Then you need a truly epic reading room. This beautiful family library, complete with a catwalk, is cozy and classic, featuring wall sconces and a comfy bench seat with drawers underneath.

A Home for Books - Incorporating a feature wall of books instead of trying to carve out a separate reading room makes sense for open-concept homes. This two-story space employs a mixture of woods and white walls, keeping the reading room bright, modern, and central to the home.

Blue Surroundings - This delightful reading room steers away from traditional dark wood shelves yet stays classic with its blue and mustard palette. Accent lights illuminate the book collection, and a timeless leather chesterfield anchors the space.

A Great Divide - Why have just one reading room when you can have two? This floor-to-ceiling open wall provides shelf space for books and magazines, while the large windows offer natural light and a view of the greenery outdoors.

Cozy Alcove - A blue-gray color palette, washed oak floors, and an unusual angle over built-in seating makes this reading alcove light and airy. Recessed shelves and deep drawers provide extra storage, while inset light fixtures keep things bright.

Teeny Tiny Reading Nook - Do you have little ones but no space for a reading room? Good news — teeny tiny readers need teeny tiny reading rooms. Formerly a closet, this book nook now offers shelves and comfy cushions for the smallest readers.