Building the Ultimate Antique Book Library

How many of us are taken by famous scenes in movies featuring glossy, well-loved wooden shelves laden with books? Does having a particular nook or room in your home with shelves filled with colorful bindings, leather hardcovers, blankets, oversized armchairs, and gentle candle-glow lighting excite you?

Building an antique dream library may not be as tricky or complex as you think. Those of us who adore books as a tool for learning, a means of escape, or a way to travel to far-off places often dream of creating an area devoted to reading and comfort. Why not consider making an at-home library for those with a massive book collection or appetite?

Why build a Home Library or Book Nook?

While it may seem obvious, for book lovers who adore the physical touch of books, the texture and sound of paper, and the smell and charm of seeing them on a shelf—a home library is probably their constant daydream.

If you are a book collector of rare or antique books, you've probably always wished to have a beautiful display for them. A home library is the perfect solution to showcase rare finds, antiques, and anything in between you may also collect for your unique aesthetic.

If you adore being cozy, a personal library space can be used for more than reading! Find a perfect blanket, chair, chaise, or couch and enjoy afternoon naps, watching movies, or having a private space to unwind.

Choose The Space

To begin, you need a room or a space for your library. The key to any successful shelving or book storage is enough wall space for the type of shelving you require. If you enjoy natural light, consider a room with a window, but note that sunlight directly on wooden furniture or books can damage or fade it over time.

If you prefer a darker, more secluded space, you can choose a room that does not have a window or decorate a window with blackout curtains.

If you do not have an empty room to dedicate to a library but have a home office, consider dedicating a space within the home office to renovate into a home library.

Choose a Décor Style That Suits

Whether you adore the clean, simple, yet stately lines of Colonial Era bookshelves, the intricacy and fine embellishments of Chippendale, Victorian comfort and sumptuous velveteen, the industrial era, or an eclectic bohemian style—find one that suits you and your ideal library. When creating an antique-styled home library, you don't have to remove or discount modern furniture and designs, as many new and old aspects can be merged to create a unique décor aesthetic.

Lighting

Choosing the proper lighting for your home library can set the tone for the entire room. An inviting space should have ambient and accent lighting with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Today's technology makes recreating realistic candle flame lighting easy with LED bulbs and flameless candles. These choices protect your valuable books, furniture, and home while placing a lamp where you will be reading allows you to have plenty of light to see.

Antique Books

Are you embarking on a journey to create an antique-inspired or reproduction home library and want to display a collection of antique books within it? Finding the right antique books for your home library can be like treasure hunting, uncovering long-forgotten tales or stories while holding bits of history. Let us share some insights and tips for a beginner looking to collect antique books for their dream home library.

If you wish to begin to collect books that are or will be valuable, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the hallmarks of a rare book. Features that can mark a book as collector-worthy are:

• What edition is it? First-edition books are generally some of the most sought-after for antique book collectors.
• What condition is it in? Much like any antique or vintage item, the better the book's condition is, the more valuable it becomes. Wear, tear, foxing, water damage, and the state of a book's binding can all affect its value, including whether or not it has all of its pages.
• If the book is easily found in marketplaces seemingly everywhere and online, that means the book is not scarce, and scarcity often drives the value of a book upward.
• The history of the book, or provenance of it, such as who previously owned it, where it was printed and purchased, and where it traveled throughout history, can also add to its value. A well-documented provenance for a book can make it highly desirable to collect.
• Is it signed? A book signed by either the author or illustrator or a notable person or celebrity associated with the book can increase the value of the book.

The most accessible place to begin is to think about a book you are already passionate about. Perhaps you are an avid J.R.R. Tolkien fan, or Le Comte de Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is an all-time favorite. By starting with the books you are passionate about, such as the two examples named, you now have a place where you can begin your treasure hunt for books.

Seek Reputable Sources

Mirroring the advice we share with beginners to antique collecting, we highly encourage newcomers to book collecting to purchase from reputable sources that are members of the ABA, ABAA, or ILAB.
• The Antiquarian Bookseller's Association (ABA)
• The Antiquarian Bookseller's Association of America (ABAA)
• The Internation League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB)

Be Patient and Do your Research

A finely curated library is a labor of love, time, and patience. There are many rare, extraordinary, or unusual books to add to your library; the best way to get to know them is through research. Do not hesitate to find experts in rare books, reach out to them, and build lasting relationships with them. These specialists can often advise you and help you find books for your collection according to your budget and needs. And of course, collect a few books about book collecting too.

Embarking on your dream library filled with rare or antique books is fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. You will own beautiful pieces and covers, stories, and information and preserve pieces of history, culture, and human experiences. We hope we've helped you take your first steps toward the ultimate book collection.