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
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Modular Cat-Friendly Couches
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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
Curvaceous Animalistic Coffee Tables
The 'Bookpet' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay Has Character
Subterranean Japanese Libraries
This Underground Library is Situated Beneath a Sustainable Farm
Demure Dog House Desks
The Dog Hut Desk by Liam de la Bedoyere Keeps Canines Close By
Modular Decor Shelving Systems
The halblang 'Blendend' Shelving System is Adaptable
Modernized Modular LP Players
found/Founded Designs the Controlled Vibrary Digital LP Player
Recycled Clothing-Crafted Furniture
Hemingway Design Transforms London's Traid Store
Modular Workstation Organizer Accessories
This Hanging Desk Organizer Doesn't Require Installation
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
Sleep-Enhancing Bedtime Lamps
The Loftie Lamp is Gentle, Stylish, and Functional
Juxtaposed Materials Furniture Collections
The Around the Studio Wool Diaries Collection is Chic
Ergonomic Multi-Use Desk Furniture
The 'Kabinett' Desk Supports Productivity, Storage and More
Posh Paper Craft-Inspired Lamps
The Japandi Lamp by Natalia Pogudina is Textural and Organic
Splintered Storage Console Tables
The Flitter Console Table by Deniz Aktay is Stylishly Functional
Modular Grid-Style Shelving
The Bend Shelf by Spenser Atlas Was Designed with Jim Isermann
Humorous Quick Cleanup Workstations
The 'Flip' Desk Concept Allows for Quick Tidying Up
Clock-Accented Shelf Designs
The Omega Shelf by Liam de la Bedoyere Features Bent Plywood
Rolling Leather Bookshelf Desks
The Stretch Desk by João Teixeira Allows for Customization
Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves
The Hullabaloo Bookshelf by Deniz Aktay is Perplexing
Playful Toy-Like Furniture
The 'Frunchroom' Furniture Collection by Adi Goodrich is Delightful
Adaptable Office Furniture Collections
The Derlot 'Homework' Seating Collection Has a Modular Form
Plant-Based Table Lamps
Craighill and Gantri Release a Minimalist Plant-Based Lamp
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
Wooden Warm Light Collections
Lostine Adds Four Designs to the Modernism Lighting Capsule
Retro Vinyl Record-Inspired Lamps
Artyom Alimpjvev Designs the Minimal Gramophone Lamp
Recycled Material Lamp Designs
The 'Cozy Cleo' Lamp from EveryOtherDay is Eco-Friendly
Functional Furniture Cat Houses
The DONARTURO 'Cuba' Cat House Doubles as a Table
Repurposed Vintage Apple Computers
Aquariums, lamps, and clocks made out of Apple iMac Computers
Tubular Literature Storage Racks
The 'Interspace' Magazine Rack by Deniz Aktay is Multifunctional
Metallic Multifunctional Storage Boxes
The Kabine 101 Storage Box Works Well as a Side Table
Cat-Friendly Minimal Desk Concepts
Liam de la Bedoyere Desgisn the Cat Cubby Desk Concept
Minimalist Clutter-Free Desk Designs
The Parallel Work Table by Eldho T Jai Enhances Productivity
Plant-Inspired Table Lamps
The 'Palmetto' Lamp by Patrik Hartog Offers Ambient Light
Modular Cat Trees
The PETLIBRO INFINITY Cat Tree Supports Comfort, Relaxation & Play
Premium Cat Tree Systems
PETLIBRO Designs the New Infinity DIY Cat Tree System for Pets
Upcycled Book-Made Marbled Furniture
Willem Zwiers Designs the Tranformed Remnants Series
Minimalist Book Storage Tables
The 'Pocket' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Split Open
Comfy Printed Component Chairs
These 3D-Printed Chair Designs are Sustainable and Modern
Modern Marble Waste Lamps
The Sole Lamp by Hadiye Ozdemir is Luxurious and Eco-Friendly
Abstract Triangular Side Tables
The Triangle Side Table from SouleWork Holds Books and More
Electronic 3D Book Concepts
The bbook Concept is Designed for the Visually Impaired
Playfully Renovated Homes
This Home Has a Slide, Swings and Rock-Climbing Wall
Tailor-Made Furniture Ranges
Last Ditch Design's Capsule Balances Aesthetics and Functionality
Sliding Wintery Landscape Bookshelves
This Manhwabang Bookshelf by Jisu Kim is Whimsical
Biblical-Inspired Sculptural Furniture
Niamh Barry Presents a Range of Dynamic Lighting
Pet-Friendly Seamless Furniture
Bink Rabbit Goods Delivers a Slew of Modern Furniture
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
Room-Dividing Bookshelf Designs
The 'Fréquence' Shelf Focuses on Customization
Bookshelf-Incorporated Coffee Tables
The Overlap Table by Deniz Atkay Boasts Multiple Purposes
Storage-Equipped Restaurant Chairs
The RACK Chair Design by Zhiyuan Fang is Multifunctional
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
Leftover Wood-Constructed Furniture
Alexander Lervik Creates Furniture From Leftover Materials
Cutesy Coiled Floor Lamps
The Helix Lamp by Liam de la Bedoyere Has a Playful Construction
Japanese Lantern-Inspired Lamps
Eilsa Ossino Designs the Madco Table Lamo for Ambientec
Textile-Transformed Parisian Lofts
Isabelle Heilmann Transforms a Workshop to an Open Home
Brutalist Multifunctional Side Tables
Hyeonil Jeong Designs the B HOLD Side Table Concept
Sea Creature Study Desks
The Cilek Kids Room Pirate Shark Study Desk Has Illuminated Teeth
Opulent Outdoor Lamp Designs
The GUBI Seine Portable Lamp Has a Modernist Feel
Mid-Century Record Consoles
Wrensilva Unveils a New Catalog of Furniture for Stereo Systems
Origami-Inspired Lit Table Concepts
Sonakshi Gupta Designs the Dynamic LightUP Concept
Customizable Home Decor Collections
The Conceptual 'Rebound' Furniture Collection is Modular
Interlocking Living Room Furniture
Mirlay Özlem ER's The Cube is Elegant and Space-Saving
Minimal Four-Legged Wooden Cabinets
ÆTHER/MASS Presents the Exposure Cabinet in Brussels
Historical Humankind Coffee Books
Hungry Minds Presents The Book to Nurture Childlike Curiousity
Organized Gaming Storage Cabinets
Bauhutte Presents a Special Cabinet for Game Accessories
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Sculptural Geometric Furniture Series
Silvia Musetti and Giogetti Join on the LIZ Collection
Vinyl Record-Catering Furniture Series
Montana Furniture Presents the SPIN Collection
Modular Modern Wooden Bookshelves
Kengo Kuma Designs the Marumarushikaku Shelf for More Trees
Twisting CGI-Designed Sideboards
The 'Bookscrew' Sideboard by Deniz Aktay Has a Perplexing Form
Toy Block-Inspired Wooden Bookshelves
Waiting Woood Designs the New Rotating Picture Book Rack
Futuristic Vision Design Books
Nike Introduces the New No Finish Line Book Highlighting the Future
Sleek Black Furniture Varnishes
Ethnicraft Adds the black teak Finish to Its Collections
Travel Trunk-Inspired Shelves
The Louis Vuitton Cabinet of Curiosities by Marc Newson is Artistic
Painting-Inspired Office Accessories
Guillaume Delvigne Draws Inspiration from Henri Matisse
Handle-Equipped Planter Shelves
The Conceptual Ta’care' Minimalist Plant Shelf is Portable
Hanging Lantern-Like Table Lamps
The Woodo Table Lamp by Mahmoud Mahroos is Charming
Sleek Artful Accessible Furniture
ThirdKind Presents its Abigail Collection of Furniture
Library Literature Merchandise
Toronto Public Library Debuts Chic Merchandise Including Shirts
Book-Shaped Transparent Bookmarks
TENT Unveils the Uniquely Shaped Book on Book Bookmark
Asia-Honoring Artisanal Handmade Designs
IKEA Presents its MÄVINN Collection Celebrates Asia
Stylish Bar Accessories
These Creative Bar Accessories Will Transform your Drinking Experience
Industrial Metal-Framed Tables
teenage engineering Designs the Field Desk with Plywood
Skyscraper-Inspired Furniture Collections
Ben Ganz Designed a Series of Cityscape Furniture Pieces
Dynamic Bookend Lighting Designs
Notchi Architects Designs the Stair Table Lamp for Oblure
Modern Convertible Shelving Systems
halblang Designs the Blendend System with Easy Adaptibility
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
Dynamic Geometric Bookshelves
Maryam Pousti Designs the Cheft Bookshelf Under Studio Pousti
Living Plant DIY Chairs
Front/ Highlights Themes of Nature with the Green Hideaway Chair
Greenery-Sheathed Libraries
This Library Building Features Generous Plantings Of Native Species
Sculptural Home Goods
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy Debuts a Collaborative Homeware Collection
Haute Tubular Laptop Stands
The Twelve South BookArc Flex MacBook Stand Comes in Three Finishes
Demolition-Free Home Renovation Decor
The Crate & Barrel Home Renovation Collection is Easy to Use
AI-Generated Bookstores
BookBud.ai Launched a First-of-Its-Kind Bookstore and Library Hybrid
Modular Organized Shelving Systems
TIPTOE Designs the Contemporary UNIT Shelving System
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
Bright Whimsical Home Accessories
Blue Balcony Design Studio Delivers a Range of Vibrant Decor
Modern Vacation Barn Houses
Faure & Miniau Agency Completes Les Greniers de Babel Home
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
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
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
Restaurant-Transformed Eyewear Stores
EBBA Architects Designs a New Store for Cubitts
Personality-Enhancing Side Tables
The ORDO Book Side Table Features Organized Nooks
Gothic Wooden Desk Lamps
The Gothic Table Lamp is a DIY Project and Interacts with Music
Artful Coffee Table Concepts
Liza Chernova Designs the Vertushka Table with a Handle
Dynamic Architecturally Strong Bookshelves
Alain Gilles Designs the Dogma Bookshelves for BONALDO
Contemporary Clean-Line Furniture
Magis Presents the Officina Bookcase and Riace Sofa
Tree-Like Library Spaces
Studio Hinge Presents the Forest of Knowledge Library Design
Broken-Aesthetic Sculpture Collections
Gufram and Snarkitecture Unveil New 'Sculpted Series'
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
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
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Parisian Building-Inspired Bookends
Ezra Feldman Designs the New Colorful Paris Bookend
Bright Artful Cabinet Collections
Muller Van Severen Introduces the Bridges Collection
Romantic Debut Solo Exhibitions
EJR Barnes Debuts A Room on East 79th Street Show
Nomadic Community-Themed Pavilions
Joar Nango Designs Girjegumpi: The Sámi Architecture Library
Versatile Office Shelving Systems
Narbutas Designs the Modular Combus Shelving System
Book-Filled Mezzanine Lofts
Crystal Sinclair Designs Designs the Dumbo loft in Brooklyn
Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores
Wutopia Labs Designs the Shanghai Book City with a Dynamic Facade
Reimagined Traditional Library Ladders
The Step by Step Ladder Offers a Refreshing New Design Take
Playful Dynamic Furniture Capsule
Another Human Presents the New Galliforms Collection
Modular Wireless Speaker Bookends
Liam de la Bedoyere Designs the Beat Bookend with Two Functions
Juxtaposing Angular Libraries
Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli Designs the Brixen Public Library
Library Card-Supported Book Access
Libby Simplifies Magazine Access for Library Card Holders