Every Bibliophile’s Dream: 9 Perfectly Imperfect & Lovely Libraries

Nancy Mitchell

updated Oct 14, 2020

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I’ve written other posts about libraries so beautiful you find your finger involuntarily wandering towards the pin button. These are not those libraries. Not because they’re not beautiful, but because they are beautiful in a different way—beautiful in the way that things that are lived in and worn and loved become (though feel free to pin away if your finger desires!) There’s something a little comforting, to me, about a messy pile of books. When I see these photos, I want to browse the shelves, and run my fingers over their spines. I can almost smell that old-book scent, can’t you?

Above: A wonderful old library in Tangier, from Salva Lopez.

(Image credit: Lonny)

A red ceiling and coal black walls lend dark drama to this cozy space from Lonny.

(Image credit: Desire to Inspire)

What better place to read than on a couch completely surrounded by books? Image from Desire to Inspire.

(Image credit: Biblioklept)

The library of philosopher John Searle, spotted on Biblioklept, has a pleasantly rumpled look.

(Image credit: William Abranowicz)

This reading nook from William Abranowicz looks like an excellent spot to curl up on a cold winter afternoon.

(Image credit: Design Sponge)

A pleasantly disordered reading nook from Design Sponge.

The low beamed ceiling and leaded-glass windows give this library from My Domaine an old-fashioned, British charm.

(Image credit: The Style Files)

A beautifully lit library from The Style Files.

(Image credit: Marie Claire Maison)

A cozy little corner from Marie Claire Maison.