Image Credit: The Painted Furniture Company
BookTok interiors: 7 ways to get the library chic look at home
We’ve spent the summer trying to bring a little holiday destination living into our homes, embracing a sports girl aesthetic and giving our decor the look of an Italian gelateria.
But, whisper it, we’re starting to feel just a teensy bit excited about staying in again.
As the evenings slowly draw in and thoughts turn to snuggly throws, cosy table lamps and that first excuse to light a scented candle, there’s one interiors look that feels particularly well timed: BookTok chic.
If you’ve somehow missed it, BookTok is TikTok’s enormous community of reading enthusiasts.
More than 84 million posts now carry the #BookTok hashtag, a figure that’s risen 65% in the past year.
And its influence is beginning to extend beyond what we’re reading to where we’re reading it.
Think walls of books, sink-into-em armchairs, tucked-away reading corners, atmospheric colours and shelves filled with novels, artwork and collected treasures.
It’s closely related to the viral ‘bookshelf wealth’ aesthetic, which swaps pristine, perfectly styled interiors for rooms that feel personal, layered and more than a little lived in.
It seems we’re craving spaces designed for curling up with a good book, too.
Pinterest reports that searches for ‘reading nook ideas’ have jumped 245%, while ‘comfy reading chair small spaces’ is up a whopping 455%.
In other words, you don’t need a stately-home library, or even a spare room, to join the literary set.
“BookTok has done something quite unexpected to our homes,” explains Kate Conrad, founder of Madison and Mayfair.
“It has taken a corner of social media built around reading and turned it into one of the biggest interior design movements of the year.
“After a few years of minimalism and pared-back neutral spaces, there is a real hunger for warmth, character and a sense of being cocooned at home, and library chic delivers all three.”
Kate says the trend’s popularity comes down to comfort as much as aesthetics.
“It taps into nostalgia for old studies, grand libraries and cosy reading rooms, but it is achievable in an ordinary house or flat.
“That combination of aspiration and accessibility is exactly why it has spread so quickly.”
So, whether your TBR (To Be Read) pile is threatening to topple over or you simply like the idea of a home that feels a little more library-like, as we start to tiptoe towards cosy season, now is the perfect time to turn the page on summer decorating and settle into something snugglier.
Build in a library wall
Whether bespoke or created with clever off-the-shelf shelving, a wall of books is the ultimate shortcut to that coveted library look.
“The alcoves either side of a chimney breast are made for it, and painting the joinery the same colour as the walls makes it read as part of the house rather than furniture,” explains Lisa Hensby, founder and creative director, Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio.
If an entire wall dedicated to tomes is not on the cards Lisa says there’s plenty of reasonably priced freestanding shelving.
“If you’re a dab hand at DIY, buy a plain Billy bookcase from IKEA,” she suggests. “Prime it properly first or the paint will peel, then add skirting along the bottom, moulding down the front edges and cornice across the top. Paint the lot and nobody will know it isn’t bespoke.”
Choose the perfect spot to page turn
The perfect reading spot starts with the right location, so cast a fresh eye over those underused corners of your home.
“I’d always suggest finding a light-filled spot if you can,” suggests Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, it’s the perfect place to pile up cushions and throws for maximum comfort, and doubles as more storage for your favourite books.”
Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture agrees light is an important consideration for your nook.
“Natural light has been proven to be the healthiest and most relaxing way to read, so locating your reading nook near a window will allow you to enjoy your book while unwinding after a long day,” she says.
If you’re tucking the reading nook into a dark corner or the room is north-facing, Sue suggests bringing in extra lighting; a pendant light above the seating area.
“Or a table lamp next to a sumptuous armchair works well,” she adds.
Even small or awkward spaces can work well as part of a reading corner.
“An alcove, understairs area or quiet corner can all be used for storage, creating a dedicated spot to unwind without needing an entire room devoted to books,” Melissa adds.
Get comfy
Looks matter, of course, but when you’re planning to lose yourself in a few chapters, comfort should be top of the reading-chair wish list.
Especially as you’re likely to be curled up in it for hours at a time.
Antoni Roig, interior designer at OKA suggests choosing a chair with a relatively high and supportive back, and a plump seat cushion (“I like a down-topped cushion for maximum comfort”).
“This is chair that’s likely to get lots of use, especially if it’s going to partake in story time with children,” he says.
“So, I’d suggest a durable upholstery fabric like linen or velvet, or even better, our ‘clever’ performance fabrics, which are stain-resistant.”
Melissa says almost everyone likes to have their feet up when they’re reading, so having somewhere to rest them is another consideration.
“Having a foot stool, ottoman or pouffe nearby would be ideal,” she suggests.
Lean into the dark academia aesthetic
For a moodier take on BookTok interiors, borrow from the dark academia trend with rich colours, vintage details and plenty of old-school library charm.
“Popular amongst the reading community, dark academia is a cultural aesthetic that centres on a moody, vintage, and academic lifestyle,” explains Lisa O’Hanlon, interior specialist at The Shutter Store.
“Vintage and gothic style furniture is essential, paired with red wine, forest green, and navy blues that add drama to the space.
“For the best dark academia interiors, you want the space to feel lived-in and loved, so decorate the space with second-hand books, antique objects, and cosy fabrics.”
Melissa agrees a moody paint palette can set the tone for a more atmospheric reading space.
“Deeper shades such as moss green, plum or rich brown can help a room feel calmer and more intimate, making them particularly well suited to cosy corners and literature-filled spaces,” she explains.
“Pairing darker tones with natural materials and softer lighting will help create a balanced scheme that feels inviting throughout the day and evening.”
Another stylish idea, according to Melissa, is to paint your shelves in a contrasting colour to your room.
“This will add interest and playfulness,” she adds.
Style a literary centrepiece
If a home library is the stuff of fiction, coffee-table styling offers an easy way to make your favourite books part of the decor.
“For those who don’t have the space of built-in bookcases, placing hardbacks onto your coffee table and creating a reading stack can be a great way to get the library chic look too,” suggests Chloe Barrow, head of creative interiors at Laura James.
“You can place your largest hardbacks down first and work your way up to the smallest, then finish with something that has a bit of weight to it like a small fruit bowl or a stylish tray for your reading glasses.
“In my experience, the latter is what really stops a stack looking like it was arranged for a photo, because it looks like it’s a genuine book collection someone is actively reading from.”
Use books as decor
Your book collection can bring just as much colour and character to a room as artwork or accessories. The secret is in how you arrange them.
“A creative way to organise your built-in bookcase is to arrange the books on shelves according to their colour to create an eye-catching display,” suggests Melissa.
“Secondly, consider creating a library of books by placing them in alphabetical order by title or author.
“Not only is this visually appealing, but it means you can access the books you want with ease.”
If colour-coding your entire book collection is an organisation step too far Kate suggests mixing colour blocking on one shelf with stacking a few favourites horizontally on a coffee table, perhaps with a small object on top.
“It looks curated and lived-in rather than staged, which is really the whole spirit of this trend,” she adds.
Style your shelves
For shelves that feel stylish rather than simply stuffed, look at the bigger decor picture and balance your books with decorative pieces, artwork and plenty of personality.
“There is so much more to the purpose of shelving than just storage for your books,” explains Sue. “It’s a chance to really add character and style to a room.”
Sue says there is no set way in which you should display your pieces.
“It will really depend on your style,” she continues.
“I’m more of a maximalist and love to layer small pots and decorative objects I’ve collected on my travels – I like to give each piece space to be seen! This makes for an eclectic but still considered look.”
Chloe suggests giving your books and treasures room to breathe.
“There’s a temptation to pack every shelf completely full, which actually ends up making the bookcase look like storage,” she explains.
“I recommend leaving a fifth of each shelf clear and changing the orientation of your books.
“For example, lay a few books flat in stacks of four or five and place a small object on top like a candle or a small trinket dish.
“That way you’re still displaying your favourite reads, and the gaps stop each shelf looking like one solid block.”
Want more inspiration? Read: Greek chic: 10 ways to get The Odyssey look at home and 8 interior collaborations that need to be on your radar this summer. And check out Gelato interiors: 8 ways to introduce the sweetest decorating trend of the summer
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