Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2025 Read Harder Challenge
Lists

12 Home Library Ideas And Trends We Loved In 2019

Even if you're working with a small budget or space, you'll find ideas from these stunning home library ideas and trends from 2019 to use in your space.

Emily Stochl

Staff Writer

Emily is a proud Midwesterner, living in Iowa. Reading literary fiction has always been her favorite. She also enjoys yoga and tending to her hundreds of houseplants -- you might say Emily is a bit “crunchy granola." She is the producer and host of a podcast about vintage and second-hand style, called Pre-Loved Podcast. She’s really into sustainability, and old things! IG: @emilymstochl

View All posts by Emily Stochl

Who doesn’t love looking at dreamy home library decor ideas on Instagram and Pinterest? They’re eye candy for book lovers. Even if you’re working on a tight budget, or with a small space, you’ll be able to pull design ideas from these stunning home library ideas and trends from 2019 to use in your own space.

1. Bright and White Interiors

One of the most classic home library ideas? Bright, white decor always looks great with loads of colorful books.

A post shared by alexandra gater (@alexandragater)

2. Plant Covered Bookshelves

This is my personal favorite bookshelf design technique—I just think books look better with plants! Trailing plants, like pothos, are especially easy to place on top of a bookshelf for a big impact.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Whitney | The Unread Shelf (@theunreadshelf)

3. Books in the Fireplace

For one of the most creative home library ideas, if you want to dress up your fireplace and mantle, just fill them with books!

4. Ladder Shelf

A ladder shelf is a great option for a small corner where a larger bookshelf will not fit.

5. Art on the Bookshelves

I love how these bookshelves look with large, statement works of art  displayed on them for extra visual interest.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4DZKFHHKEh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3RbFR8HZPP/

6. Books in a Drawer

Say you’re dealing with a tiny space and a big book collection? Try under the bed storage, or drawer storage for your home library!

7. Displaying Collections

If you’re a collector, you can display whole collections together for a major impact.

8. Books Piled on the Floor

Few home library ideas and designs look as bohemian and chic as mountains of books piled on the floor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4iD0jXKI7F/

9. Books Piled Up to the Ceiling

Make the most of your shelf space and stack books on the tops of the shelves, too!

10. Built-in or Custom Bookshelves

Some home libraries are shaped in such a way that built-in or custom bookshelves that fit that specific space are the best option.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4nN4VHgsNQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4N10xHjigN/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zPEzjBhOJ/

11. Twinkle Lights

No matter what kind of shelf space you’re working with, you can always dress up your bookshelves with a couple darling strings of twinkle lights.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4m29c1AVKb/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxni2uBonpq/

12. Book Cart

Another small space home library options is the versatile library book cart. Find some of the best library carts here.

What are your favorite home library ideas and decor styles? Do you go for a modern, minimal display? Or are you drawn to cozy and colorful? We love looking at your home library photos! Fore more advice on styling your home library, check out other Book Riot posts here and here.