I’ve seen a few examples lately of built-in bookcases creating a library in a dining room, and it’s an unconventional concept I really like. Incorporating an idea like this into your home works for a few different reasons.
First, everything is integrated. You have one space to inhabit in different ways, whether it’s enjoying a meal together as a family, relaxing with a book while you wake up with your morning coffee, or entertain friends against a cozy backdrop of books. Or, incorporating something like a wine fridge into the bookcases introduces another really cool concept.
Including bookshelves in a common room of the home is a lifestyle idea that’s great for families with kids. With so many of our media choices now relegated to computer screens, TV screens, iPads, and electronic readers, placing books in a position of priority in your home, within easy reach of little hands, sends a powerful message. It also encourages parents to read in front of their children and talk to their children about books. What’s not to love about creating a book-centric culture in such an important room in the home?
The idea of a library in the dining room is also great because it works in so many different ways. Whether your home design style is rustic, traditional, modern, or more hip, stocked bookshelves can easily be incorporated into the dining room. You don’t have to commit to a specific look to make this concept work. I think David Kleinberg, in particular, has designed some really great spaces by incorporating a home library into the dining room.