5 Best Accessories for Book Worms.
There is nothing more satisfying than curling up in a cosy armchair and reading your favourite book or delving into the latest best seller. Good literature can transport us into a world of fantasy, history or romance and give us a small yet welcome reprieve from our busy everyday lives. With book clubs becoming more and more popular across the UK we have decided to take a look at unique and fun accessories and home decor that will add a splash of literary flair to any interior space.
- Reading Chairs
The most important aspect of enjoying a book is finding an inviting and comfortable space in which to read. If you get lost in the pages you may find yourself spending several hours in one seating area so why not ensure that your chosen seat is both stylish and functional. A traditional window seat is a lovely space in which to stretch your legs and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and bird song from the comfort of your home. Hanging egg seats and hammocks also provide a relaxing space in which to hide away from the rest of the house and the swaying movement will add to the laid back nature of enjoying a novel or magazine. Beanbags are a great addition to children’s bedrooms and can be moved around easily for a change of scenery. If you prefer a more efficient and practical seating space then take a look at this fabulous ‘library chair’ (left) that features a cosy padded seating space as well as a built in exterior shelving for all of your favourite books. Place your chair near a window or free standing lamp to avoid straining your eyes when reading.
- Cushions and Throws
For me, no reading session is complete without a cosy throw to wrap myself up on colder nights and winter days and a soft and squishy cushion to support my back and arms after a marathon of reading. Why not personalise these items to your chosen library decor or literary tastes by selecting items that reflect your favourite authors, characters and stories. If you are a ‘Harry Potter’ fan then why not select an array of cushions in the four Hogwarts houses or if you have more classical tastes then some fabulous ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or ‘Wuthering Heights’ throws and pillows featuring quotes and pages from your chosen novel. For a more dark and gothic inspired setting, select black velvet designs in black, red and purple and opt for characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein and Dorian Grey as your chosen imagery and influence.
- Bookcases
Choosing the right bookcase for your collection can be a very personal choice. Not only does the bookcase need to be functional and spacious but it also needs to suit your chosen interior space and your literary tastes. If you prefer a more traditional library interior then select full floor to ceiling bookcases in golden oak or dark mahogany and alphabetise your collections for a classic library feel. You can add a sliding library ladder for an eye-catching feature that gives you easy access to your hard to reach items. If you wish to create a bright and fresh space in which to display your collection then select a soft grey or white painted dresser and place your books behind the illuminating glass doors; perfect for more unique or collectable items. For a quirky twist on classic bookcase designs then select bent and curved abstract designs and wall shelving or for a fairytale twist take a hollowed out tree trunk and create a hinged door where you can hide your classic tales or children’s books.
- Wall decor
Creating the right ambiance in which to read can often be quite tricky. A room that is too plain will feel cold and stark and not at all inviting while a room that is full of bold and bright colours can be a distraction from the pages of your book. Select classic colour schemes that are relaxing and calming such as feminine pastel palettes, warm earthen tones and classic monochrome for a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. Why not select a literature inspired wallpaper print that will compliment the function of your chosen space. Calligraphy style writing will look great in traditional library areas or choose a simple book print wallpaper design that will mimic the full height bookcases of larger library interiors. For a children’s bedroom or playroom then select characters from their favourite stories such as ‘The Gruffalo’ ‘The BFG’ or ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and display them on a mural style wallpaper or sticker display.
- Accessories
Literary accessories will add the finishing touch to any reading area and create a functional and stylish space in which to relax. Bookends are perfect for propping up your wayward books and comics and also provide visual detail and colour to a bookcase or wall shelving area. Select fabulous quotation mark shapes, silhouettes or children’s character designs in modern home interiors or opt for more classic glass or bronze orbs and eggs to add an authentic feel to traditional library spaces. Reading lamps are an important addition to any library or office space and can completely change the ambiance of the room. If you prefer to read at a desk then select a classically curved table lamp with a chrome or brass base and a stained glass shade for a traditional look and feel. If you prefer a more modern or quirky look then select a retro style floor lamp with an orb style shade or try your hand at some crafty up-cycling by taking an old lamp shade and using pages of an old book or letter stencils to personalise the finish of the plain exterior.
For more ideas on creating a literary inspired interior design, take a look at our latest Pinterest board – Pinterest – Book Worms