Sustainable Reading Spaces: How to Design an Eco-Friendly Home Library
Have you ever dreamed about living in a Barnes & Noble, a Waterstones, or a Kinokuniya? If one of your life goals is to live in a bookstore, consider creating your very own library at home.
Having a personal library has always been a symbol of wealth and intellect, but over the years, more individuals have come to view a home library as a sanctuary where they can unwind, relax, and foster their personal growth. In an interview with The New York Times, Courtney Coleman, an interior designer who routinely designs home libraries for her clients, said that a dedicated reading space is personal since you’re surrounded by the things that you love. “It offers a kind of personal history, because it reflects things that have informed your life and that you’re interested in,” she explains.
Filling your library with all the books and objects that are precious to you can create a homey feel in your space. However, if you want a reading space that is energy efficient, has a reduced environmental impact, and better air quality, think about creating an eco-friendly library to house your favorite books. For a green reading space, here’s how to design an eco-conscious library for your abode.
Decorate with Environmentally-Friendly Furniture
If you’re going for that Pinterest library aesthetic, you’re probably thinking about having an all-white reading space with brand new furniture and modern lighting fixtures. But if you want a classic, lived in, and cozy feeling library, consider using environmentally-friendly furniture for your space.
Think shelves made from reclaimed wood, a thrifted or secondhand chair in impeccable condition, and a small vintage coffee table. Using reclaimed wood can reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent, while choosing thrifted or vintage furniture allows you to conserve resources and prevent them from ending up in a landfill.
Inspect all thrifted furniture for signs of wear and tear, damage, mold growth, or bug infestations. Your shelves, in particular, should be free of bugs like powderpost beetles or booklice since these can damage the wood and your books.
Clean the shelves thoroughly, and make sure that they’re dry before placing your books in them. Arrange books by category, then organize them by size, color, genre, or author. Add some minimal decorations, such as an artwork or a personal photo on a custom picture mount, an interesting sculpture, and a vintage lamp or vase. As for your chair, be sure that it’s comfortable enough for hours of prolonged sitting, so pick a tufted upholstery armchair or a wingback chair.
If you’re getting this second-hand, check to see if the cushioned parts are clean and in good condition, or if they need to be reupholstered by an expert.
Maximize Natural Light
Flooding your library with natural light can reduce eyestrain, and it helps you save on energy costs since you won’t have to turn on so many lights while you’re reading. It can also make your reading space feel bright and more inviting, so think about setting up your library in a room with large windows to let in sunlight and fresh air. Alternatively, you can install an operable skylight on the ceiling to provide ventilation and reduce the need for artificial lighting. For nighttime reading, think about adding energy-efficient LED lights to your space, as well as floor lamps or a reading lamp with a LED bulb.
Add Thoughtful Decor
After setting up the shelves, placing all the furniture in their proper places, and illuminating the area, it’s time to add decorative touches here and there. A rug made from organic materials, like jute or sisal, can provide a non-slip surface that feels cozy underfoot.
Next, add one or two potted plants to introduce some natural elements to your space. Finish by dressing up your reading area with a few interesting elements, such as a vintage record player, one large or medium-sized painting on the wall, and a rolling ladder made from reclaimed wood to inject some charm and personality into your home library.
Having a personalized reading space allows you to have a quiet and private place to escape while you get lost in the pages of your favorite written works. Consider these ideas to create an eco-friendly home library, and have a sustainable, comfortable, and enjoyable place to read your books.