Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
How Do You Design a Custom Home Library?
DIRECT ANSWER:
A good home library starts with what will actually be stored and how the room will be used. Book sizes, shelf spans, display objects, base cabinets, lighting, architecture, seating, electrical needs and future growth should be considered before determining the final cabinetry design.
A WALL OF SHELVES IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY A LIBRARY.
A good library has to work.
For the books.
For the room.
And for the person who uses it.
START WITH THE BOOKS
Before designing shelves, look at the collection.
Are they primarily:
Hardcovers
Paperbacks
Oversized art books
Reference books
Albums
Binders
Collectibles
Mixed sizes
Shelf spacing should respond to actual contents.
HOW MANY BOOKS DO YOU HAVE?
Count roughly.
Then leave room for more.
A library designed exactly for today's collection may be undersized surprisingly quickly.
DO YOU NEED DISPLAY SPACE?
Books may share the room with:
Photographs
Art
Sculpture
Awards
Collections
Family objects
Decorative pieces
Different objects require different proportions.
OPEN SHELVES OR LOWER CABINETS?
Base cabinetry can hide:
Office supplies
Games
Electronics
Files
Charging equipment
Less attractive storage
The combination of open shelving and closed cabinetry often creates useful flexibility.
WHAT ABOUT A DESK?
A library may also function as:
Home office
Study
Reading room
Meeting room
Homework space
A desk can be integrated when the room's function supports it.
PLAN ELECTRICAL BEFORE CABINETRY
Think about:
Outlets
Lighting
Charging
Internet equipment
Computer equipment
Speakers
Television if appropriate
Do not design beautiful cabinetry and then discover extension cords running across it.
THE LIBRARY SHOULD BELONG TO THE HOUSE
Study:
Doors
Windows
Molding
Fireplace
Baseboards
Ceiling
Existing cabinetry
Flooring
A library can be new without looking disconnected from the architecture.
WHAT ABOUT AROUND WINDOWS?
Windows can become part of the composition.
Potential approaches include:
Shelving beside windows
Cabinetry below
Window seats
Integrated trim
The right solution depends on the room.
DON'T FORGET LIGHT
Books need to be readable.
The room also needs atmosphere.
Coordinate woodworking with an appropriate lighting plan rather than treating lighting as an afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
HOW DEEP SHOULD LIBRARY SHELVES BE?
There is no single correct depth because book and display sizes vary. Design around the intended contents.
CAN A HOME LIBRARY INCLUDE CABINETS?
Yes. Closed base cabinetry can provide useful hidden storage.
CAN A LIBRARY BE BUILT AROUND WINDOWS?
Potentially, and windows can become an important part of the design.
CAN A HOME LIBRARY ALSO BE AN OFFICE?
Yes. The design can incorporate work surfaces and technology where appropriate.
YOUR BOOKS ALREADY HAVE STORIES.
GIVE THE ROOM ONE TOO.
Send Lloyd’s a photo of the space, approximate dimensions and an explanation of what the finished piece needs to do.
DISCUSS A CUSTOM LIBRARYCALL 978-562-9007ONE ROOM CAN INVOLVE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF WOODWORK.
A project may combine:
- Custom cabinetry
- Built-ins
- Architectural millwork
- Furniture
- Trim
- Doors
- Historic woodwork
Rather than treating each component independently, the woodworking can be considered as part of the room as a whole.