For our latest lookbook, we’ve gathered eight interiors where bookshelves and bookcases were used to create elegant storage solutions, ranging from a study in Berlin to a pied-à-terre in Mayfair, London.
Not everyone has the space for a library, but adding bookshelves to a home – whether it’s just for storing books or to also display artworks and sculptures – is an easy way to help create cosy, creative interiors.
The bookshelves in this lookbook range from simple, low shelves that run along the floor to tall floor-to-ceiling book walls.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring kitchens with splashes of blue, self-designed studio interiors and interiors with earthy finishes.
Belgravia townhouse, UK, by Child Studio
A five-metre-tall, floor-to-ceiling bookcase made out of mahogany wood forms a striking backdrop in this home in Belgravia, London.
Designed for an art collector and informed by late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld‘s bookshelves in his Parisian studio, the roomy shelves hold a variety of art books and other titles.
Find out more about the Belgravia townhouse ›
Mérida home, Mexico, by Marc Perrotta
Architect Marc Perrotta renovated this traditional home in Mérida, Mexico, which now has an office and dining room at the front.
Here, a low wooden bookshelf curves around three walls and holds both books, paintings and photos. Its dark wood matches the dining room table and looks striking against the colourful tiled floor.
Find out more about the Mérida home ›
Clear Oak Residence, Australia, by Woods + Dangaran
This renovation of a mid-century modern house that once belonged to singer Bing Crosby’s manager features teak wood, travertine stone and expansive glazing.
The mid-century modern feel is underlined by the floating bookshelves that sit against wooden panelling in the living room and showcase books, sculptures and green plants.
Find out more about Clear Oak Residence ›
Dumbo loft renovation, US, by Crystal Sinclair Designs
Books peep out from their shelves on the mezzanine floor of this flat in Dumbo, Brooklyn, which also features a bedroom behind a glass partition.
The L-shaped mezzanine floor was designed to hold the client’s book collection, which is displayed in a library that covers almost the entire wall. The mezzanine, which is accessed by a ladder, also has a cosy chair for relaxed reading sessions.
Find out more about Dumbo loft renovation ›
Berlin apartment, Germany, by Gisbert Pöppler
Interior design studio Gisbert Pöppler was given a lot of freedom to renovate this apartment in a glass pavilion on the roof of a 1930s residential building in the borough of Mitte, Berlin.
In the study, dark teak walls are contrasted with pale, sage-green bookcases and a desk in the same hue. The practical shelving makes the space look both well-organised and stylish.
Find out more about the Berlin apartment ›
A white low-slung bookshelf sits close to the floor in Casa Vasto, which local studio Mesura designed in Barcelona. The space, which also functions as an art gallery, is located in a former factory.
The bookshelf is flanked by other low-lying furnishings, including a comfy sofa, which underline the height of the space and its unique sculptural ceiling.
Find out more about Casa Vasto ›
Mayfair pied-à-terre, UK, by Child Studio
Child Studio, which also designed the Belgravia townhouse in this article, had previously created a tall bookcase for this Mayfair home.
The bookcase’s ribbed dark wood is contrasted by veiny marble, which creates a luxurious patterned backdrop against the books and sculptures on display.
Find out more about the Mayfair pied-à-terre ›
West Bend House, Australia, by Brand New Eco
In the study of this Melbourne home, full-height timber bookshelves provide space for the family’s books and are matched with a shelf in the same material displaying sculptures and toys.
Local studio Brave New Eco used red bricks for the flooring, adding a tactile, rustic feel to the room.
Find out more about West Bend House ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring kitchens with splashes of blue, self-designed studio interiors and interiors with earthy finishes.
