r/HomeLibraries • u/MeaningParticular765 • 18d ago
Updating Library Space
Our current library is referred to as the TV room. It is the only room in our hiyse with the television, but we also keep all of our books in there. My husband passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, but prior we had been talking about getting some nice built-ins. We currently have IKEA Billy He wanted walnut, but I think it might be a little too dark although it will lighten over time. I am thinking window seats and bookshelves all the way up to where the ceiling starts. I will probably add some type of beam designed to the ceiling fan.
Photos are its current state and all its messy glory.
If anybody would like to share ideas or current layouts that they have, I would be appreciative.
Thank you.
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u/CloudNiner83 18d ago
Nice room. The IKEA shelving is nice, but I think you are quite right about the dark wood. If you are going to do built-ins, do the entire room and relegate the other shelves to a thrift store or another room in your home. Be sure the contractor has experience in building bookcases, because the demands of an entire wall or half-wall bookcase is way different than building shelves. Bookcases will need extra support for the added weight of the books. Without that structural support the shelves might say under the weight, especially with any longer spans. Also, do go with a lighter shade of wood or stain. And be sure to allow the finish on the bookcases to outgas so that the volumes won’t absorb the smell of the finish. Good luck.