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Books and reading are celebrated in Hallmark movies, which often feature romantic storylines centering around books. Numerous Hallmark movies derive from books, and many Hallmark movies allude to literature. Countless Hallmark films highlight characters who are passionate about reading and writing books, such as authors, bookstore owners, and even Aurora Teagarden, who shares my profession as a librarian.
Inspired by books and reading, I transformed my living room into a library space where my daughter and I can enjoy reading.
The library room is the perfect place to escape from the outside world and enjoy a peaceful, quiet place to read. Here, you can curl up with a good book and make yourself comfortable without any outside interruptions.
This tutorial demonstrates how to design a reading space that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Follow the steps to create your own DIY bookshelf and transform any room into a stunning library!
The first step in creating a library room in your house is to determine the size and shape of the bookshelf. You can use an old bookshelf, or you can purchase one from a store. I purchased Billy Bookcases from IKEA.
Consider the materials that you’ll need for your bookcase. You’ll need to consider your budget and the type of material you want to use before you start shopping. Once you have your materials, you can start to build your bookcase and add the finishing touches.
Trim:
Electrical Outlets:
Lighting
Once you have determined the size and shape, you can begin to measure and cut the wood. You will need a a drill, a hammer, and screws to complete the project.
Once the pieces are cut, you can begin to assemble the bookshelf. Start by attaching the sides of the bookshelf, making sure that the pieces fit together snugly. You can then use the drill to attach the shelves to the sides of the bookshelf. Make sure to use the screws in the appropriate places to ensure stability and strength.
For my Ikea Billy bookcases, I unloaded the boxes and built the shelves according to directions with the extensions measuring floor to ceiling, with a lot of help from my Dad.Â
Move existing electrical outlets higher and add electric wire.
Then, add dimmer switch for lights. Install either a single pole for one switch or a multiple pole dimmer switch to control the lighting in the room.
Position and arrange 31-inch and 15-inch cabinets in the room to create the desired number of shelves.
Pre-wire cabinets for 5 ‘picture lamps’ connected to a single dimmer switch.
Order individual door hinges and assemble doors easily with step-by-step instructions.
Install trim on top of bookshelf gaps and separations with nails. Then use spackle to fill in nail heads and any gaps between the trim lines. Once the spackle is dry, sand the joints until they are seamless. Wipe away sanding debris with a damp cloth.
Before painting the trim, apply paint masking tape. Afterwards, use enamel paint with the same color as the bookshelves for the trim.
No matter how you choose to create your bookshelves or library room, the important thing is to make sure it’s a place where you can enjoy your books and quiet time. Choose a spot in your house that’s peaceful and comfortable. This way, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the world of books and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Make sure to read my subsequent post about what to display on your bookshelf!
