Attics in many of my favorite stories were places of magic and mysteries that always led to enchanted lands or hiding spots of many scandalous family secrets!
Having an attic library can really set your reading experience apart from the rest. Whether you read works of fiction, non-fiction, or even magazines on your favorite topics, everything can become a treat when you have a cozy place to settle in and plunge and swim into your favorite literature!
So, in case you have an attic, that’s waiting on you to revamp into a home library, dive into these attic reading room designs that I’m sure will make you feel inspired to embark on your next DIY adventure!
Color Code The Shelves!
There is nothing more satisfying than a well-arranged shelf of books. While some prefer to arrange them in order of series or genre, color-coded arrangements are a popular choice these days.
A triangle-framed shelf works well for those who have gables in their attics. All you need are horizontal shelves to place your books on and your small attic library is all set for use. You could also add in some string lights to spruce up your secret reading den.
Try A Minimalist Attic Library!
A neutral-toned approach works well for those who wish to put together a minimalistic attic home library. Using neutral tones opens up the chance for you to incorporate reading chairs in pastel shades or even in bright tones.
Simple horizontal shelving can be accommodated within the gable (asymmetric arrangement works best.) Don’t forget to add a floor rug that matches your color scheme to provide a warm surface to rest your feet on or to even sit on the floor for a good and grounded read.
Use Cozy Rugs And Pillows
If your attic is low in height, cozy floor rugs and big pillows are all the seating you’ll ever need for creating your small attic library.
Turn the gable portion of your attic into a triangular shelf. Add proper lighting and experiment with patterned pillows and rugs to add some color as well as texture to your space.
Library Cum Study!
For the lucky ones with attics as big as rooms, this one’s for you!
Combine your library room with your study space to make it your productivity haven. You could experiment with different design aesthetics or keep it simple, it’s all on you!
Decorate your space with floor rugs, reading couches, plenty of lighting, plants, and all your favorite things to read. Make your attic space warm and inviting so you can unwind at the end of each day before bed.
Stack Your Books Up High
When you have ample ceiling space in your attic, you could go for high shelves and add a rolling ladder for accessing the books on top.
This shelf arrangement will help you save floor space within your attic and leave room for plenty of comfortable chairs for you to curl up and read on. (Thank me later.)
The Book Club!
Adding in a vintage table and chair set can open up your reading room for more people, great conversations, and an exchange of views. Book clubs are fairly popular among readers of all ages and what better place than a secret attic reading zone known to the members only?
Decorate your place with floor rugs and paintings and your very own book club hideout/ reading speakeasy is ready!
Use The Sloping Roof For Shelving!
If you feel the gable shelves are a little on the basic side, try to use the slope of your roof to create shelving space for your books.
Use low-height box units on the opposite side for maximum space utilization. And don’t forget to provide adequate light fixtures and a comfy floor rug for you to sit on while you read.
Bring In The Coffee Shop Vibe!
There’s just something about coffee shops that makes me want to read for hours without moving. While going to a café every day multiple times for reading your book isn’t practical, you could make your own inside your own attic.
Fill in small tables and chairs alongside some comfy couches to accompany your bookshelves. Flaunt your reading space among your other book-loving friends and you will be well on your way to forming your own little book club. Or you could enjoy your personal attic cafe cum library on your own with a cup of coffee right at home!
Make It All-White And Bright!
An all-white contemporary attic library opens up plenty of opportunities for you to add additional colored décor items such as colorful floor rugs, bright flowers, and colored posters all over.
White shelves will also make your book covers stand out and make your attic feel brighter and more open. So, consider white.
Try Cottagecore
Cottagecore aesthetic works perfectly for an attic library, especially when you’re working with a smaller space. The use of bright colors will make the room feel more vibrant and open. This is an ideal space for a children’s library as well.
Add plants and bright flowers to your space and if you’re lucky enough to find a vintage bookshelf, grab it! Thrifted furniture pieces look awesome in this design aesthetic.
Try A Window Seating!
Nothing beats natural light when you’re reading. And if your attic space comes with a big window, you should definitely opt for a window seating space. You can avoid the hassle of finding an armchair when you go for a window seat and if your window looks onto a good view, you’ve hit the jackpot!
Bring in a few matching cushions for your bench and make sure that the seating is soft enough for you to be able to sit on for long hours, without aches and pains following.
Bring In Some Pastels!
I personally love a reading nook that is full of cool pastels, patterned furniture pieces as well as textured rugs and pillows. They give off a very classy and modern look that will never go out of style.
So when you’re picking out furniture for your attic library, don’t hesitate to bring in some pastel pink couches and floral-printed armchairs! They are there to stay!
Create Cozy Little Corners!
If your attic is already being used for other things, a small corner of it will do just fine. All you need to do is find the corner with the best lighting and your reading spot is almost ready.
Arrange box units against the wall and pair them with a comfy chair. Your reading corner is all set within the limited space available in your attic. Don’t forget to leave a warm throw on your chair for some wintertime reading.
Sit All Around The Library!
Let your seating spaces go all around the attic space to give yourself endless options to choose a reading spot. Soon enough, this will become your favorite place in the house and I’m sure you might end up spending a few nights in there on your comfortable seating as well.
The continuous seating all around will also give a feeling of movement within the space and work as an interesting design element! Grab it!
Attic Library For Kids
Kids love colorful spaces! When you’re trying to inculcate a love for books in your children, a dedicated reading space can make all the difference in the world.
Small-height attics work perfectly for younger kids and also make it easier for them to pick out their favorite books from low-height shelving units. The gable space can be used to make a study table and your attic library is now a combined study for your new little readers!
Don’t forget to add matching floor rugs and couches so your kids have plenty of choices for where to sit!
Let It Be Lit!
When your windows are placed on the slope of your roof, you have a beautifully lit space for placing your reading couch under.
Position your bookshelf right next to the couch and you have the perfect lighting for reading under. You might even be lucky enough to catch a little glimpse of the moon during your late-night reading sessions. I am jealous!
Add A Swing Chair!
Bored of the old couches and armchairs? Try a swing chair.
These comfy chairs can be placed anywhere within your attic so you could rock yourself into a comfortable slumber while reading.
Cane swings work best (and you’re supporting local craftsmen) but don’t forget to add comfy cushions for sitting on the swing. You could also add a few vines or creeper plants and fairy lights to decorate your chair and create a truly magical attic library for yourself!
Until next time, happy decorating!
