Novel Ways With Bedroom Books

Books have long been a natural part of relaxing at home, and the bedroom has traditionally been one of their favorite companions. William Wordsworth wrote poetry from bed, while Marcel Proust composed much of his later work from his brass bed. Truman Capote famously described himself as a completely horizontal writer, and Mark Twain, often pictured with his pipe, wrote some of his best-known works while resting between the posts of his carved oak bed.

Where accomplished writers create, avid readers naturally follow. Even with e-readers and televisions now common in bedrooms, traditional bookshelves continue to have a special place in this private space. Shelving provides an opportunity to display personality, while books bring visual interest regardless of genre. Being able to reach for a favorite book without leaving bed also makes bedroom shelving especially practical. Here are 11 creative ways to bring a library closer to your bedside.

Add a Classic Touch

Hardbound books can immediately give a bedroom a sophisticated and timeless appearance. In this example, white urns provide a quiet reference to Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” making the arrangement feel particularly literary and poetic.

Create the Look for Less

You do not necessarily need an expensive built-in installation to achieve the appearance of fitted shelving. Place an affordable freestanding bookcase against the wall, secure it properly, and add molding around the top and bottom. This simple approach can create a more finished built-in appearance while keeping expenses down.

Turn a Wall Into Inspiration

Full-height shelving offers an enormous amount of room for creativity. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases can fill an otherwise unused wall while creating a dramatic backdrop for the bedroom. You can even extend the literary theme beyond the shelves by placing oversized books or other decorative pieces on a bench at the foot of the bed.

Build a Comfortable Reading Nook

A bookshelf and a dedicated reading corner naturally complement one another. A window seat surrounded by built-in shelves creates a warm and inviting place to settle down with a book. Natural light from the window also makes the space particularly pleasant during the day.

Consider the Cost of Custom Shelving

Custom bookcases can be considerably more expensive than ready-made furniture. Brian Egan of Corvallis Custom estimated that custom shelving could cost approximately $500 to $600 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood and additional features. The 14-foot cherry built-ins and bench shown here cost approximately $8,500.

Create a Shared Space

Bedrooms sometimes have to accommodate both traditional relaxation and modern entertainment. Whether you prefer having a television in the bedroom or not, books can provide a tasteful counterpoint to electronic devices. A collection of bound books introduces texture and personality while balancing a room that might otherwise feel dominated by screens.

Let Books Become Part of the Decor

Books are not simply useful objects; they can also contribute strongly to a room's visual character. Arranging books in a mixture of colors can create an eye-catching display. Even a simple stack of books can become an inexpensive decorative feature, requiring little more than placing them neatly one on top of another.

Use a Bookcase as a Headboard

A bookshelf can serve a purpose beyond storing reading material. When positioned behind the bed, it can act as a visual divider and provide a strong anchor for a centrally placed bed. It also keeps favorite books within easy reach when you are ready to read.

Add Color and Personality

Shelves can become much more than storage for books. Combine favorite titles with framed photographs, keepsakes and meaningful decorative objects to create a display that reflects your personality. A coordinated collection of books can also introduce color and visual interest to the bedroom.

Make Shelving the Room's Focal Point

Installing bookshelves above the bed creates an especially distinctive design feature. If simply being surrounded by books can somehow encourage knowledge, then an overhead library certainly makes an appealing choice for a bedroom designed around reading.

For painted shelving, poplar is a practical material to consider. It is relatively lightweight and affordable, easy to drill and nail, and accepts paint well. After filling the holes with wood filler, you can achieve a clean finished surface without necessarily needing a finish nail gun.

Introduce Children to Books Early

There is no age too young to begin reading aloud to a child. For families who strongly value early literacy and follow the principles promoted by Jim Trelease, a well-designed bookshelf can be an essential element in a young reader's bedroom. Keeping books accessible encourages children to interact with them regularly and makes reading part of everyday life.

Combine Books With a View

Natural daylight can make a bedroom feel especially welcoming in the morning and can also provide excellent illumination for reading. However, books should be protected from prolonged direct sunlight because strong exposure can damage or fade their covers and spines.

For a straightforward classic bookcase like the one shown, architect Dan Nelson worked with Justin Hamlin of Impel Construction to determine the cost. Hamlin estimated that a streamlined design of this type would cost around $450, although the final price can change according to the wood, dimensions and customized details.

Keep the Bookshelf Subtle

Books do not always need to dominate the bedroom. Sometimes a few carefully positioned volumes are enough to introduce a literary character. A small collection here or an understated shelf there can provide just the right amount of visual interest without making books the central focus.

Choose an Easy Shelving Solution

Wall-mounted shelves can be relatively simple to install or construct. They can also be layered, staggered or arranged in different configurations to suit the dimensions and decorative requirements of the wall.

If you do not want to take on a DIY shelving project, hiring a professional is another worthwhile option. Although custom built-ins require a larger investment, they can add functionality and value to both the bedroom and the home. Cabinetmakers can also be excellent choices for custom bookcases, and when several projects are completed together, they may sometimes offer a more favorable price.