If you’re looking for some great inspiration to deck out a home or work library, these hacked library finishes are a fantastic starting point. Between the modern accessories that you can find for your library, including bookends that contain live fish in them or jumping giraffe book holders, there are a lot of new designs awaiting your reading room.
Almost every part of the library is now hackable. Technically speaking, you don’t even have to have real books in a library room, it can be all digital if that’s what you prefer. If you’re more of a Kindle or E-Book reader type, you can furnish your library with classic book settings, such as a table with the shape and feel of a classic novel, without the costly expense of the paper reads.
Whichever your reading style preference, these hacked library finishes give an outstandingly literary touch.
90 Modern Library Finishes
From Animalistic Book-End Accessories to Converted Library Abodes:
Jennifer Gosnell — May 21, 2013 — Art & Design
89
Branching Paperback Perches
The Olivier Dolle Book Shelf Never Ceases to Be a Tree
88
Piped Paperback Storage
Industrial Bookshelves Bind Your Library into the Structure of Your Home
87
Deceptive Wallpaper Designs
Mr. Perswall Creates Elaborate Illusions for Your Humble Abode
86
Landscape-Blended Architecture
The 'Liyuan Library' Fuses Nature and Man-Made Structure
85
Sustainable Stackable Shelves
The Dany Gilles 800g Library Makes Interlocking Eco Storage
84
Literary Feature Walls
Library House Was Designed Around the Necessity for Expansive Book Storage
83
Celebrity Home Libraries
Judy Berman Photographs Libraries of the Rich and Famous
82
Book Brick Desks
The Recycled Book Reference Desk at the Delft University of Technology
81
Slide-Dividing Libraries
Korean Architects 'Moon Hoon' Offers a Playful Room to Read Books
80
Led-Lit Libraries
The Castro Leal Library Uses Diode Lighting
79
Glass Box Libraries
The Bloor/Gladstone Library is an Incredible Use of Glass
78
Floating Literature Holders
The 'Conceal Book Shelf' Makes One a Reading Magician
77
Storybook Storage Systems
The Pagina Bookcase Looks Like a Magnified Model of an Open Novel
76
Novel Architectural Models
Your House by Olafur Eliasson is a Sectional Study
75
Graphic Novel Galleries
The MoCCA by Alessandro Ortiz and Reid Nystrom Conceive a Built Caricature
74
Romantically Decorative Heaters
Art Radiators Creates Stylish Room Warmers
73
Circular Library Bookshelves
Ex Libris' Curvy Design is Capable of Holding 20,000 Tomes
72
Book-Encasing Pyramids (UPDATE)
The Book Mountain by MVRDV is a Librarian Marvel
71
Showy Red Reading Rooms
The New University Library at the University of Amsterdam
70
Chic Living Room Libraries
Montana Mobler Helps You Organize Your Own Personal Library
69
Scannable Subway Libraries
The Physical Digital Library in Bucharest Subway Lets Passengers Read
68
Outdoor Book Rooms
The 24 Hour Library and Community Space in Magdeburg, Germany
67
Non-Linear Libraries
The Sacred Heart Primary School Library by Suters Architects is Inventive
66
Digital Subway Libraries
New York Commuters Tap into the Digital Subway Library for Free Reads
65
Bounteous Bookcases
Small Spaces Call for Serious Storage, and These Designs Deliver
64
Book-Inspired Tables
Micth Steinmetz Presents Literary Furniture
63
Recycled Book Desks
Tu Delft Architecture Bibliotheek Turns the Tables on Intelligent Design
62
Fish-Friendly Shelfmates
These 'Halve Bookends' from Gnr8 Combine Novel and Nautical
61
Suspended Bookshelves
Adrien De Melo's Upside Down Library
60
Upcycled Novel Artworks
Lisa Occhipinti Gives Old Books New Life
59
Circular Seating Bookcases
The Archive Bookshelf Collection by David Garcia
58
Animalistic Book-End Accessories
The Sturer Bock for Pulpo is a Fierce Way to Display Literature
57
Musical Instrument Furniture
The Piano Bookshelf Lends the Home a Melodic Vintage Vibe
56
Bookshelf Tabletops
The Library Exhibi-Table Shows Off Your Reading Collection
55
Faux Library Finishes
This Vintage Bookshelf Wallpaper Makes Your Home Intellectual
54
Library-Like Stairwells
The Bookcase Staircase is Great for Small Spaces
53
Book-Made Buildings
The Book Cell by Matej Kren is an Octagonally Awesome Accomplishment
52
Soft Bookworm Storage
The Silicone Catalyst Shelf Has a Built-In Bookmark
51
Domed Ceiling Bookshelves
The Wade Davis Writing Studio Boasts a Sky-High Library
50
Open Air Libraries
This Incredible Karo Architekten Design is a Public Repository Like No Other
49
Phone Booth Libraries
Community-Run 24-Hour Micro Library in Somerset
48
Bookworm Accommodations
The 'Library Resort' in Koh Samui is Meant for Book-Lovers
47
Bookstore-Inspired Libraries
The Almere Library Incorporates Retail Details
46
Feline-Friendly Bookshelves
The Corentin Dombrecht Cat-Library is the Perfect Perch for Puss
45
Sustainable Book Repositories
The 'Winds of Change Library' Blows Away Its Predecessors
44
Converted Library Abodes
The Elena Garro Cultural Center Boasts An Inventive Remodel Concept
43
Modern Libraritecture
TANK Architects Constructs 21st Century Literary Havens
42
Compact Reading Nooks
A Simple, Space-Saving 'Library' by Guy Eddington
41
Many-Leafed Magazine Racks
The Ligne Roset Paper Table is a Lazy Susan Library
40
Brick-Resembling Libraries
The Katowice Library by HS99 Towers With Academic Grandiosity
39
Inverted Bookshelf Makeovers
'Raw Edges' by Booken Completely Redesigns the Traditional Bookcase
38
Contemporary Library Designs
The UvA University Library is a Book-Less Archive
37
Layered Library Concepts
The Ghirardelli Achitetti Concept for Daegu Gosan Unfolds Gradually
36
Playful Swaying Bookcases
Topple Shelf Mimics the Motions of Your Favorite Reading Rocking Chair
35
Library-Inspired Lights
The 'Book' Light Brings Character to Any Dining Room
34
Podlike Literature Buildings
Stockholm Public Library is All About Infinite Space
33
Library Zoos
‘Animal Index' Wildlife Book Markers Bring Bookshelves to Life
32
Spiralling Book Installations
Twisted Tales by Wary Meyers is Made for Whimsical Literature Lovers
31
Fancy Bookstores
Motto Berlin Makes Buying Literature a Chic Experience
30
Literature Tribute Architecture
Knut Hamsun Center Pays Homage to the Norwegian Writer
29
Oversized Hardcover Facades
The Kansas City Library has Installed a Gigantic Bookshelf
28
Pedal-Powered Libraries
Street Books Delivers Literature to Portland's Homeless
27
Curtain-Style Book Storage
The Atecton Hanging System Turns Literary Collections into Partitions
26
Glow-in-the-Dark Libraries
The Exterior of the Aberdeen University Library Responds to Light
25
Public Library Homes
Hernando Guanlao Pays Love to His Parents by Honoring Their Love of Reading
24
Symmetrical Library Hyperphotos
Bibliotheques Ideales by JF Rauzier is Realistically Surreal
23
Bookish Buildings
De Batavier is a Facade of Books in Lootstraat, Amsterdam
22
Library Ladder Kitchens
Francoise Bollack Architects Makes Kitchens More Accessible
21
Library Sized Apps
The Boundless Library Provides Extensive Exploration of Library's Conte
20
Excised Novel Storage
The 315 Bookshelf Holds Volumes Through the Removal of Material
19
Rice-Written Novels
Trong G. Nguyen's Library Exhibit Features Minuscule Grains of Art
18
Novel Tech Chargers
The Book Charging Dock for iPhone and iPod has a Vintage Aesthetic
17
Book-Free Libraries
New England Prep School Ushers in Literary Electronic Era
16
Literature-Scented Sprays
The Demeter Paperback Cologne Smells Like Aged Books
15
Digitized World Histories
The Google Books British Library Project Provides Literature Online
14
Literary Ecotecture
The UNStudio Waalse Krook Library Will be a Green Haven
13
Pillows for the Overworked
Steal a Quick Nap With the Disguised Workaholic Pillow
12
People-Lending Libraries
The Surrey City Centre Library to Offer 'Living Books' to the Public
11
Leaning Library Furniture
Patricia Yasmine Graf Lets the Wall Do the Work for Kantik Big
10
DIY Library Kits
This Cute Set Turns Bookworms into Librarians
9
Online Book Catalogs
'Librarything' Library-Quality Tracking App for Hardcore Book-Lovers
8
Overeager Book Police
Man Arrested for Not Returning Library Materials in Littleton, Colorado
7
Stunning Sorting Apps
ShelvAR App Uses Augmented Reality to Arrange Library Books
6
Book Borrowing E-Readers
The Kindle Owners' Lending Library Loans Novels Sans Due Dates
5
Same-Sex Bookshelves
The Equal Opportunity 'I Love You Library' by Samaldesign
4
Classy Corkscrew Bookends
These Book Holders Will Add a Classy Touch to Your Library Decor
3
E-Book Libraries
The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Debuts the World's First e-Library
2
On-Demand Literary Printing
Harvard Book Store Espresso Book Machine Prints in Four Minutes
1
Free Cultural Libraries
UNESCO, Library of Congress, and Others Launch World Digital Library
Related Ideas
Minimal Shoe Rack Concepts
Joao Teixera Designs the New Multifunctional Tokyo Shoe Rack Concept
Multifunctional Sleek Furniture
Hoek Home Presents the Modular FLEX Furniture Designs
Demure Dog House Desks
The Dog Hut Desk by Liam de la Bedoyere Keeps Canines Close By
Flexible Workplace Furniture Collections
The IKEA MITTZON Office System Has 85 Products
Modernized Modular LP Players
found/Founded Designs the Controlled Vibrary Digital LP Player
Beautiful Automotive Design Books
Auto Photo Manual drives the car design coffee table book trend
Book-Themed Home Decor Collections
June St. George Debuts the Eloise Collection
Modular Decor Shelving Systems
The halblang 'Blendend' Shelving System is Adaptable
Modular Workstation Organizer Accessories
This Hanging Desk Organizer Doesn't Require Installation
Inconspicuous Pet Furniture
Pilar Pirez Manfredi Designs the TAIPEI Pet Furniture Collection
Friend-Founded Home Decor Lines
Nook Theory is an Affordable and Quality Home Decor Brand
Mid-Century Modern Furnishings
Todd Hewitt Adds Four Designs to the Last Ditch Series
Modular Bedroom Solutions
Endy Debuts Mix-and-Match Furniture Collection with Fast Delivery
Juxtaposed Materials Furniture Collections
The Around the Studio Wool Diaries Collection is Chic
Splintered Storage Console Tables
The Flitter Console Table by Deniz Aktay is Stylishly Functional
People-Pleasing Office Furniture
Form Us with Love's Cubicle System is Minimalist and Interesting
Tech-Equipped Classroom Lecterns
This Smart Lectern from the TZEN Studio is Sleek and Stylish
Modular Grid-Style Shelving
The Bend Shelf by Spenser Atlas Was Designed with Jim Isermann
AI-Powered Choose-Your-Own Adventure Books
Playbrary GPT Merges Literature with Gaming
Bauhaus Era-Inspired Furniture
Knoll Introduces a Slew of New Modern Chair Designs
Clock-Accented Shelf Designs
The Omega Shelf by Liam de la Bedoyere Features Bent Plywood
Curvaceous Storage-Focused Nightstands
The 'Cozy Night Stand’ Satisfying Holds All Essentials
Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves
The Hullabaloo Bookshelf by Deniz Aktay is Perplexing
Plant-Based Table Lamps
Craighill and Gantri Release a Minimalist Plant-Based Lamp
Philanthropy-Inspired Collections
The I’m Library People Initiative Encourages Holiday Giving
Bookshelf Board Games
These Classic Board Games are Disguised as Vintage Books
Ultra-Elegant Timeless Furniture
Deft Studio's Furniture Collection is Modern and Approachable
Modern Bookworm-Inspired Capsules
Indigo Debuts its Book Club Collection
Repurposed Vintage Apple Computers
Aquariums, lamps, and clocks made out of Apple iMac Computers
Wooden Warm Light Collections
Lostine Adds Four Designs to the Modernism Lighting Capsule
Retro Nightlife-Inspired Hotels
Necchi Architecture Designs the Hôtel Château d'Eau
Retro Vinyl Record-Inspired Lamps
Artyom Alimpjvev Designs the Minimal Gramophone Lamp
Book-Inspired Public Benches
Madrid City Council Launched the Sit Down to Read 2024 Campaign
Recycled Clothing-Crafted Furniture
Hemingway Design Transforms London's Traid Store
Cat-Friendly Minimal Desk Concepts
Liam de la Bedoyere Desgisn the Cat Cubby Desk Concept
Mid-Century Warm Consoles
Calico Introduces a Look at the Captivating Hi-Fi Console
Minimalist Clutter-Free Desk Designs
The Parallel Work Table by Eldho T Jai Enhances Productivity
Premium Cat Tree Systems
PETLIBRO Designs the New Infinity DIY Cat Tree System for Pets
Modular Cat Trees
The PETLIBRO INFINITY Cat Tree Supports Comfort, Relaxation & Play
Upcycled Book-Made Marbled Furniture
Willem Zwiers Designs the Tranformed Remnants Series
Modular Configured Office Furniture
SKNYPL Presents the CABINET+ Series of Furniture
Minimalist Book Storage Tables
The 'Pocket' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Split Open
Vinyl Record Credenzas
Geology Studio's Wall of Sound is Stunning, Chic, and Versatile
Abstract Triangular Side Tables
The Triangle Side Table from SouleWork Holds Books and More
Stunning Mid-Century Coastal Homes
Design Theory Updates a House from the 1960s
Electronic 3D Book Concepts
The bbook Concept is Designed for the Visually Impaired
Tailor-Made Furniture Ranges
Last Ditch Design's Capsule Balances Aesthetics and Functionality
Playfully Renovated Homes
This Home Has a Slide, Swings and Rock-Climbing Wall
Origami-Inspired Lit Table Concepts
Sonakshi Gupta Designs the Dynamic LightUP Concept
Invasive Wood Hotel Interiors
Policronica Transforms the Hotel Elysée Montmartre Interiors
Sliding Wintery Landscape Bookshelves
This Manhwabang Bookshelf by Jisu Kim is Whimsical
Biblical-Inspired Sculptural Furniture
Niamh Barry Presents a Range of Dynamic Lighting
Posh Pet-Friendly Chair Designs
The 'Arch' Chair Design by Ricardo Sá Has Multifunctional Storage
50s-Inspired Renovated Basements
Gundry & Ducker Add a Colorful New Extension to Home in Hackney
Wooden Textural Furniture Series
Hanneke Lourens Designs the Corrugated Furniture Capsule
Storage-Equipped Restaurant Chairs
The RACK Chair Design by Zhiyuan Fang is Multifunctional
Detailed Ceramic Book Vases
Biblio Bloom Vases are Inspired by Timeless Literary Classics
Cat-Friendly Book Sets
Temptations' Tails of Irresistibility Shares "Kitterary Classics"
Customizable Book Portraits
Lagom Collections Boasts Personalized Portraits for Your Books
Modular Biodesign Furniture Series
The VANK-CUBE Series are Made from Flax and Hemp Materials
Literature-Inspired Sculptural Lamps
Loft & Thought Designed the Morri 1 Light Table Lamp for Troy
Imitation Book Accessories
Novel Bookwallets Mimics Novels and Film Books for Small Leather Goods
Japanese Lantern-Inspired Lamps
Eilsa Ossino Designs the Madco Table Lamo for Ambientec
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Textile-Transformed Parisian Lofts
Isabelle Heilmann Transforms a Workshop to an Open Home
Sea Creature Study Desks
The Cilek Kids Room Pirate Shark Study Desk Has Illuminated Teeth
Smartphone-Concealing Books
The 'GATBOOK' Keeps Smartphones Out of Infant View
Mid-Century Record Consoles
Wrensilva Unveils a New Catalog of Furniture for Stereo Systems
Pool Noodle-Inspired Furniture
Lieyah Dagan Designs the Loop Furniture for Indoor and Outdoor
Minimal Four-Legged Wooden Cabinets
ÆTHER/MASS Presents the Exposure Cabinet in Brussels
Naturalistic Furniture Collections
The RJ Living Back To Nature Collection Prioritizes Tranquility
Historical Humankind Coffee Books
Hungry Minds Presents The Book to Nurture Childlike Curiousity
Cutesy Coiled Floor Lamps
The Helix Lamp by Liam de la Bedoyere Has a Playful Construction
Organized Gaming Storage Cabinets
Bauhutte Presents a Special Cabinet for Game Accessories
Sculptural Geometric Furniture Series
Silvia Musetti and Giogetti Join on the LIZ Collection
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Gallery-Like Elevated Retail Designs
Format Architecture Office Designs the Leica Store & Gallery
Vinyl Record-Catering Furniture Series
Montana Furniture Presents the SPIN Collection
Mobile Reading Accessories
Astropad's New 'Bookcase' Aims to Enhance Mobile Reading Comfortability
Modular Modern Wooden Bookshelves
Kengo Kuma Designs the Marumarushikaku Shelf for More Trees
Toy Block-Inspired Wooden Bookshelves
Waiting Woood Designs the New Rotating Picture Book Rack
Intricately Patterned Interiors
Viruta Lab's Latest House Renovation is Visually Captivating
L-Shaped Stacked Shelving
The LOFT Shelf for GOODS Can be Assembled at Various Heights
Sleek Black Furniture Varnishes
Ethnicraft Adds the black teak Finish to Its Collections
Sneaker-Honoring Furniture Collections
The Modernica x STASH Range Features Four Items
Bright Whimsical Home Accessories
Blue Balcony Design Studio Delivers a Range of Vibrant Decor
Sleek Artful Accessible Furniture
ThirdKind Presents its Abigail Collection of Furniture
Book-Shaped Transparent Bookmarks
TENT Unveils the Uniquely Shaped Book on Book Bookmark
Contemporary Playroom Features
grOH! Playrooms & Shelfology Create the Randle Wall Climbing Handle
Sustainable Wooden Digital Projector
The Openhagen Lightboks Adds a Warmth to the Living Space
Personalized Book Boxes
Aardvark Book Club Offers Exclusive Hardcovers for Book Lovers
Instrument-Inspired Wall Lamps
The Louis Collection by Sara Schoenberger Honors a Jazz Musician
Modular Office Furniture Series
Form Us with Love Presents String Furniture for the Office
Modern Convertible Shelving Systems
halblang Designs the Blendend System with Easy Adaptibility
Dynamic Bookend Lighting Designs
Notchi Architects Designs the Stair Table Lamp for Oblure
Library-Converted Modern Sheds
The Act of Quad Creates the Light Box in Mumbai, India
Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio Designs The Sea of Cortez Research Center
Gallery-Like Minimal Home Designs
Daytrip Completes the Interior Design of a Home in North London
Cat Tree Furniture Concepts
Ricardo Sá Designs the Slash Cat Tree Concepts for the Home
Home Office Furniture Collections
Dieffebi Creates a New Modern Capsule for Home Offices
Revived Celebrated Home Decor
Ikea Brings Back Archives in the Nytillverkad Vintage Collection
Modular Organized Shelving Systems
TIPTOE Designs the Contemporary UNIT Shelving System
Book-Inspired Tech Organizers
The Twelve South BookBook CaddySack Organizes Laptop Essentials
Haute Tubular Laptop Stands
The Twelve South BookArc Flex MacBook Stand Comes in Three Finishes
Versatile Portable Compartment Desks
The Looha Desk by Gökçe Nafak Boasts Various Functions
AI-Generated Bookstores
BookBud.ai Launched a First-of-Its-Kind Bookstore and Library Hybrid
Japanese Woodwork-Inspired Shelving Units
Cozey Presents the New Altitude Shelving Line
Wilderness-Inspired Furniture Series
Name Place Animal Thing Designs the Habitat Collection
Architecturally Strong Furniture Capsules
Alain Gilles Designs the Edge Capsule for Milla & Milli
Modular Beam-Themed Furniture
The Beam Collection by Adam Weir has a Harmonious Structure
Stylish Oakwood Storage Furniture
Priyan Doshi Designs the Moose Cabinet with a Whimsical Look
Vinyl-Filled Music Room Extensions
Benjamin Wilkes Extends the Vinyl House in Leytonstone
Wooden Sustainable Table Lamps
Mahmoud Mahroos Designs the Nature-Inspired Woodo Lamp
Book Pile Retail Decor
A London Aesop Store Gets a New Decor Definition by Sebastian Cox
Neo-Brutalist Immersive Audio Experiences
Devon Turnbull Presents the HiFi Listening Room Dream
Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries
The Graded School Library is Integrated Inside a School
Guitar-Holding Benches
Yamaha Design Lab Created This Unique Place to Sit
General Store-Inspired Consoles
Lisa Sacco Presents the New Haptic Wood Console Table
Personal Digital Book Libraries
Bookov Lets Readers Create a Digital Personal Library Collection
Bold Patterned Tubular Benches
Rik van Veen Designs the Leopard Bench with a Bright Look
Personality-Enhancing Side Tables
The ORDO Book Side Table Features Organized Nooks
Gendered Concept-Exploring Furniture
Formafantasma Presents its Dynamic La Casa Dentro Range
Gothic Wooden Desk Lamps
The Gothic Table Lamp is a DIY Project and Interacts with Music
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Tree-Like Library Spaces
Studio Hinge Presents the Forest of Knowledge Library Design
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
Bright Artful Cabinet Collections
Muller Van Severen Introduces the Bridges Collection
Love Lock-Inspired Coffee Tables
Adrián M. Almonacid Designs the 4E Coffee Table
Glass-Lined Towering Libraries
Snøhetta Designs the Beijing City Library Located in China
Eco-Friendly Desk Stands
The 'HOMBI' is a Customizable Stand for Phones, Cards, and More
Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries
Parallel Studio Designs the Mariam's Library in Zanzibar
Romantic Debut Solo Exhibitions
EJR Barnes Debuts A Room on East 79th Street Show
Digital Audio Speaker Displays
found/Founded Introduces the Vibrary Digital LP Player
Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores
Wutopia Labs Designs the Shanghai Book City with a Dynamic Facade
Plus-Shaped Wall-Mounted Designs
Goux Studio Introduces its Minimal Plus Collection
Printing House-Transformed Offices
OFIS Arhitekti Renovates the Mladinska Knjiga Printing House
Book Reading Managers
Books Manager Helps Readers Achieve Their Goals with Ease
Playful Dynamic Furniture Capsule
Another Human Presents the New Galliforms Collection
Library Card-Supported Book Access
Libby Simplifies Magazine Access for Library Card Holders
Modular Wireless Speaker Bookends
Liam de la Bedoyere Designs the Beat Bookend with Two Functions