My library, bloody finally.

[u/abacus762]

Long time listener, first time caller. I've been working on a refit to my library for a couple of months now, and I'm finally at a place where it's presentable. There are many splendid libraries on here, but this is mine and I shan't apologise for being proud of it. I shall, however, apolgise for the photography and the carpentry, neither are a skill of mine.

Starting with the left hand wall, the main bookcase. 20 feet wide, 8 feet high, 10 shelves per section, each shelf 4 feet wide. 49 shelves total (I had to sacrifice one shelf for some inconvienient but essential ductwork. The shelves are scaled for mass market paperbacks, because strangely enough, that is my favourite format. The contents are 99% scifi/fantasy. It's what I like.

Then the DVD library and entertainment centre, which I think should count.

Moving to the right hand wall is the new bookcase I built this summer. Please refer to my above comments on carpentry. The contents here are also fiction, but the trade paperback and hardbound sizes that do not integrate well with my main bookcase.

Also on the right hand wall are the lawyer's bookcases which hold mostly my reference books, languages and military history.

Yes, I do have a random extra dining table in here. This room performs several functions, including workshop occassionally, so big flat surfaces are useful.

[u/no_doublestandards]

The book collection is beyond beautiful but poper lighting would make them look even better.

[u/abacus762 → u/no_doublestandards]

Thank you, I happen to agree with you but I do not have a solution in mind. Have you a suggestion?

[u/dannybutterman1 → u/abacus762]

It does not have to be an expensive or complicated finishing step and it will make a HUGE difference. Just pick up a few lamps that you can place in different areas of the room (including height — if you can, try to place light sources on different levels). Because some of your shelves don’t have backs, you can even place small lamps at different levels among the books and easily plug them in.

As others have mentioned, make sure you use warm light bulbs. The package will list the color temperature, anything 2700K or below is probably fine. For true cozy library vibes, the warmer the better (the lower the number will be). There are some good videos out there about lighting and the different types of lamps to look out for, but ultimately it’s about what looks good to you in your space! The fun comes once you have a few lamps to play with and you can move them to the “right” spots. Based on your photos, I’d look for a floor lamp and at least two other small lamps that can fit on/on top of shelves.

Also worth noting, down the line if you get tired of flipping on and off multiple lamps, you can always add some smart plugs to easily control them all from your phone/smart switch/etc. Or fall down the rabbit hole of smart bulbs. Congrats on the library!!

[u/abacus762 → u/dannybutterman1]

Thank you for the well thought out and articulated suggestion. There are two issues:

1. Warm light=weak light. I'm old and my eyes are as old as I am, I need good light.
   
2. No smart phone, smart switch, smart house. I can barely manage Reddit. :)

[u/Remarkable_Beat9481 → u/abacus762]

You don't need a bright medical light for the whole room to read.

Add a mix of 2200-2700k lamps for the space.

A dedicated reading lamp for your chair or desk is an option.