Homes + Decor

9 Home Libraries for Hitting the Books in Style

Bookworms, delight in our collection of seriously stunning home libraries, from perfectly traditional to totally mod

Is there any room more inspiring than a library? Even in the internet age, there’s nothing like flipping through the pages of a book filled with poetic prose, stunning photography, or bold ideas. A home library is the perfect respite from the high-tech world with shelves of books and a cozy, studious feel. From a modern space in Manhattan to an ornate study in Houston, we’ve gathered some of our favorite home libraries from the pages of AD. Peruse these sophisticated spaces to find inspiration for your next project, whether you want to create a spot for studying or a showcase for a collection of literary greats.

Photo: Oberto Gili

Floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelves distinguish the library of a New York City townhouse renovated by architect Annabelle Selldorf.

A 1951 abstract painting by Charlotte Park and James Brooks hangs in the library; the vintage Italian marble-top cocktail table is from Sutter Antiques, the armchairs are clad in a Malabar cotton, and the rug is by Woodard & Greenstein.Photo: Pieter Estersohn

A 1951 abstract painting by Charlotte Park and James Brooks hangs in the library of a Hamptons retreat decorated by Carrier and Co.; the vintage Italian marble-top cocktail table is from Sutter Antiques, the armchairs are clad in a Malabar cotton, and the rug is by Woodard & Greenstein.

Photo: Björn Wallander

At a Manhattan townhouse transformed by William T. Georgis, a Piotr Uklański resin painting provides a striking contrast to the library’s brass-trimmed millwork; the Regency armchairs are attributed to Morel and Hughes.

Photo: Scott Frances

In the cherry-red library of Patricia Altschul’s spectacular Mario Buatta–designed mansion in South Carolina, a chinoiserie fabric was used for curtains and upholstery; the gilded 18th-century mirror, from Gracie, once hung in Scotland’s Keir House, the tiger-stripe velvet is by Brunschwig & Fils, and the ocelot-spot carpet is by Stark.

Photo: Richard Powers

At a Seattle home renovated by Jeffrey Bilhuber, a sofa and lounge chair by Bilhuber, a stone-top cocktail table by Lucca & Co., and antique wood panels from Todd Alexander Romano set an inviting scene in the library; the chandelier is by Bourgeois Bohème, and the steel sculpture is by Peter Millett.

In the library of accessories designer Fiona Kotur’s Hong Kong home, the pair of Christian Liaigre armchairs and the custom-made sofa and its pillows are all covered in Manuel Canovas fabrics; the cocktail table is by Yves Klein, while the Moroccan carpet from Woven Accents and the floor lamp in the corner are both vintage. Brass picture lights by Ralph Lauren Home top the bookshelves.

Photo: Thomas Loof

Miles Redd lacquered a Houston library’s paneling and installed a chandelier by Robert Kime over a George II drum table found at Sotheby’s and George III–style chairs purchased at Christie’s.

This Washington, D.C., residence was designed by Solís Betancourt & Sherrill, who reworked the spacious interiors for a more luxurious look. A Bartolomeu Cid dos Santos stone relief sits above the sofa in the bright multiroom library.

In the library of a Washington, D.C., apartment renovated by Solís Betancourt & Sherrill, a Bartolomeu Cid dos Santos stone relief is displayed above the sofa; the small table in the foreground is by Holly Hunt.

In the library, picture lights from Circa Lighting top the bookcases; the sofa is by Dune.Photo: Pieter Estersohn

Designer Nick Olsen installed picture lights from Circa Lighting above the bookcases in the library of a Brooklyn home; the sofa is by Dune.