Home libraries are places in which to escape, to become lost in the pages of adventure, romance, deep study or self-reflection. Whilst screens have their place in our modern lives, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a new paperback or revisiting an old favourite. The relaxation of flipping through those familiar smelling pages is a completely different form of reading than being bombarded with blue light. These special moments deserve a special place, so we’ve gathered together 51 home library designs that will have you lost in a love of books for hours – take a pot of tea and a pack of biscuits to keep you going!
Architect:Turkel Design
Laid-back for lounging, this cosy, wood encased home library design cocoons a comfortable LC4 chaise lounge chair designed by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. As the only seat in this large home library, the solo furniture piece states that this is a place for solitude, peace and escape.
Designer:Paul Cremoux Studio
Climb the stairway to book heaven with a stairwell home library. This one provides colour and character to an open plan living room. See more living rooms for book lovers here.
Architect:A_FORM studio
Moving on up. A raised platform floor elevates this unique home library toward a spectacularly huge round window, which bathes the reading area in natural light. Bookshelves stack at the back of the raised floor, whilst drawers utilise the void underneath.
Architect:Despacho Arquitectos HV
Serene and green. This nature loving bookworm’s home has the perfect mix of human imagination across the pages and Mother Nature’s own creation thriving in the courtyard.
Architect:Gianni Botsford
Speaking of human imagination, this inspiring writer’s home has a library that is designed specifically for getting the creative juices flowing, whether through literature or a moment of contemplative music.
Visualizer:Alexey Gulesha
Struggling to find enough wall space for a full home library installation? Fear not, bespoke bookshelves can be shaped to fit around any corner, nook or cranny. This set surrounds the edges of a partition between a lounge and kitchen, rounds the corner into a short hallway, and fills out the TV wall to boot.
Designer:OOOOX
Make the most of high ceilings. Why stop short when you can max out a generous wall height? Either take the shelves all the way to the top for extra storage, or simply extend the casing for a sleek aesthetic like this light-filled library.
Source:Flos
Set the mood inside your home library with atmospheric lighting. This low hanging pendant is a Nebula by Flos.
Designer:Commune Design
Pull in some pattern. Sure, it’s nice to look at the rise and fall of colourful book spines across the stacks, but a hero furniture piece almost has a gravitational pull in making you want to sit for a while. This Eames lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is pretty irresistible.
Via:Arkadia
Light, bright and filled with brilliance, this wonderful glass wall study features academic book stacks all the way up into the sloping roof line
Designer:Ilai
Layer upon layer of book lover’s paradise, this multilevel library is accessed by librarian ladder, a spiral staircase and a wraparound mezzanine.
Visualizer:An Nam Thiết Kế, DClaw 12, Ngoc Do & Nguyễn Thành
Frame a spectacular library view with a built-in bench along the window sill line and custom-fit bookcases up and over the remaining reveal.
Designer:Bigsense Design Studio| Photographer:YHLAA
Take a slice of living space as a home library by installing a small partition wall. A half-height partition maintains the wider spatial flow and allows light share.
Juxtapose straight edged bookshelves within a curvaceous outline. You can do this as a free standing silhouette, or under an undulating ceiling. This curvaceous example is complemented by a round table and an oversized globe pendant light .
Designer:Hudson Interior Designs
Got the bookshelves but lacking style? Colour ordering your book collection could be the answer to your dreary days. Add some colourful poufs to your seating area to extend the joyful palette.
Designer:Nook Architects
Carve out a corner. Even the smallest niche can be fashioned into a beautiful reading nook.
Via:duslerdenizi
This sunny window seat reading nook incorporates the green garden view with vibrant green scatter cushions.
Visualizer:Duc Nguyen
Calming blue colour palettes feel dreamy. White bookstacks fall back for a clean aesthetic.
Designer:Galeazzo Design
We discover our love of books as children, so why not dip back into those days with a playful scheme? Choose novelty bookcases, paint colourful walls, and dangle your legs from a hanging chair .
Visualizer:Press Render
The stuff book lover’s dreams are made of. A dust hater’s nightmare.
Architect:Oostkaai & Studio Ambacht
Modern and minimalist, a floating chaise and floating bookshelves make a simple and refreshing reading space. Industrial elements add dark, textural interest.
Visualizer:Jason Diniz
Take it to the treetops with an attic reading room. A swing arm wall lamp easily tackles the challenges around low, sloping ceilings.
Designer:Fertility Design
Glass doors allow your library to be a feature of your main living space whilst buffering unwanted noise.
Visualizer:2B Group
In reality, many of us don’t find time to pick up a book until we hit the sheets, so the bedroom is a perfectly practical place to locate your library. See more inspiration for bedrooms libraries .
Visualizer:Uglyanitsa Alexander
If your library is as much about study as it is about relaxation, be sure to fashion a desk in amongst the stacks to make cross referencing more comfortable and efficient.
Visualizer:Vasiliy Nagaev
Home libraries bring extreme warmth to double height room voids. Choose oak for a golden warmth, or let your colourful collection of book covers do all the talking.
Designer:Modo Designs
Rotating bookcases can open up, or seal off, a home library in an instant. See more of this curvilinear house here.
Visualizer:RNDR Studio
Glass balustrades leave stairwell bookcases uninterrupted and viewable in all their glory.
Designer:Total Concept
Make use of that dead space under the stairs with an L-shaped bookcase, a cosy armchair and a good lamp.
Designer:Egue & Seta
You don’t need to install an expensive mezzanine to fashion an extra floor under high ceilings, a simple hammock floor/loft net provides an ideal spot for stretching out with a good book. A librarian ladder will give you a boost up there.
Photographer:Ricardo Labougle| Via:Galerie
Classic meets contemporary in this handsome home library, where modern wingback chairs set out a relaxing spot by a roaring fire.
Source:Ancient Surfaces
Create medieval castle vibes with a secret door in the bookcase.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
Use classic columns to bolster a magnificent mezzanine. A modern lounge area with a contemporary sofa will bring the scheme into the modern realm.
Designer:Studio Four
A built-in bookcase can help make sense of small room openings and unusual layouts.
Source:Ikea
Mix, match and be modular. Adjoin flat-pack bookcases with an overhead shelf and sectional seats to create a cost effective window reading nook.
Designer:Vibe Design Group
Clerestory windows will let a good amount of light into your library without the glare.
Visualizer:Andrew Chiniakov
Even a tiny home can squeeze in a dedicated book nook.
Visualizer:Hưng Nguyeexn
Alcoves and niches provide opportunity for building a streamlined library. Frame out the recess with wide decorative moulding to create a high-end custom-made look. Position a pair of beautiful lounge chairs and a stylish floor lamp in front to complete the ensemble.
Designer:Fabian Tan
Where wall space is lacking, look to the floor. This bench seat design adds not one but two tiers of bookshelves to a compact window nook. The higher bookshelf is set back from the lower to create a comfortable step up to the elevated bench.
Visualizer:Paolo Longoni
Black bookcases build dark drama behind colourful tomes. A gallery of monochrome prints accentuate the shadowy decor.
Visualizer:Jason Diniz
In this dark library design, a centre section of decorative items is isolated under bright LED light.
Visualizer:MoJIoKo
Industrial style surroundings create cool contrast against the warmth of wooden bookcases and clustered literary works.
Designer:Woods Bagot
Spotlight a reading nook built in among the bookshelves with a blast of bright, unorthodox colour under a glossy finish and recessed spotlights.
Designer:Equipo de arquitectura
Feel like you’re reading under swaying tree branches with a home library that has its own skylight .
Visualizer:Griffin Enright Architects
Hundreds of books, a toasty fireplace, a comfortable lounge chair and the company of Mother Nature? Yes, please.
Architect:Casa14 Arquitetura
Further increase wall space within a large home library by arranging bookcases into a room divider. In this luxury home , a set of upper and lower bookcases are split apart to let light filter through from the garden.
Visualizer:Lluis Cuenca
Japanese styling and Shoji doors will bring a calming sense of zen to your home library.
Visualizer:Sergey Makhno Architects
Curve bookcases around a courtyard. See more of this luxury underground bunker here.
Designer:Meta-Project
Fully-fitted furniture will give your home library a special, individual aesthetic that feels cosily tailor-made to you. Seating and stacks should flow as one seamless piece, like this serene and silky smooth wood grain volume.
Visualizer:Svetlana Nezus
Crisp white bookshelves boost the colourful nature of a home library. Employ bright spotlights to amplify the brilliant effect.
Visualizer:Javier Valero
Book lover on a budget? OSB chipboard offers a remarkably cheap option for creating custom furniture, like this fused bedroom and study area with a small storage staircase, and a mini library set into the desk.
Lovingly preserved historical heritage brings neoclassical intricacy to this exquisite apartment that overlooks Bolshoi Prospekt, at the very heart of the Petrogradka District of St. Petersburg, Russia. Visualised by Rindes , this elegant residence boasts original crown moulding and deeply decorative stucco moulding across impressively high ceilings. Wainscotting has been manipulated to disguise interior doors, and unique paint effects distort spacial perception under a subtle muted sage green and blush pink palette. Crisp, contemporary furniture items and modern decor accessories create clean juxtaposition against the more decorative elements, whilst eye-catching modern light fixtures add a refreshed sense of grandeur. Floor plan included at the end of the home tour.
A Maytoni Nostalgia chandelier catches the eye and draws attention to a wonderful original decorative stucco ceiling. In contrast, things are kept simple down on the floor, with a subdued area rug and a crisp white sofa.
The regularly spaced modern wall sconces are inspired by a traditional candle sconce. The lights accentuate smart wainscotting, which is topped with a chic crown moulding. A traditional fireplace has been given an update with a coat of glossy sage green paint. The soft accent colour breathes life into the delicate room palette.
Opposite the sofa, a floating tv stand carries a fashionable ribbed aesthetic under a luxe black marble top. A decorative vase adds a little height to the linear piece, which connects it with a frame of exquisite boiserie. Glass doors on either side of the TV wall reveal a glimpse of a second lounge area with a dainty blush pink painted fireplace.
In the second lounge, a beige modern sofa adds warmth to the furniture arrangement alongside two fresh white lounge chairs .
Contemporary artwork adds a bold black and white display above the sofa, between two stylish black wall sconces.
A unique shelving unit takes the black accent colour to the far end of the predominantly white scheme, where a small dining area is set up in the window.
Bespoke storage is installed along the back of the TV wall. A small library of books and glassware are displayed on open, backlit shelves, announcing the leisure function of this room.
The kitchen is situated down the hallway. The large room accommodates the main dining area here too.
The same oak chevron flooring creates cohesivity throughout the home, as well as classic decorative features.
An extraordinary dining room chandelier sets modernity against the backdrop of traditional wainscot.
The entryway is a peaceful sea of sage green, with walls, doors, furniture and the radiator painted to perfectly match.
Even the dog bed receives a sage green upholstery treatment.
A half-height, light grey paint effect cuts panel moulded walls and custom storage units in half to break the monotony of the long hallway.
Sage green entryway paint is flooded up and over crown moulding and the ceiling to create clear zoning.
The bedroom is a spectacular example of neoclassical interior design , with a mesmerising decorative stucco ceiling, classic crown moulding and a beautiful boiserie headboard wall. Contemporary glass closet doors increase the sense of incredible space, light and grandeur.
Wall sconces are incorporated into a unique headboard design behind the simple upholstered bed . Contemporary artwork creates layers over the ornate wall trim.
A subtle, tonal paint palette breaks up the lofty height of the room. Perimeter LEDs highlight the classic trim.
A round ottoman is accompanied by a unique floor lamp , which is the Pasteur pedestal table and lamp designed by Johan Lindsten for Roche Bobois.
Frameless interior doors are disguised within the panel moulded wall treatment.
In the master ensuite, a double sink bathroom vanity follows the same ribbed and black marble aesthetic as the living room’s TV stand.
A white marble backsplash climbs to a deep, traditional crown moulding.
Regal boiserie surrounds the “throne”.
A stepped black marble floor raises the bathtub to stylishly accommodate plumbing. A small black side table perches neatly at the edge,
Moving on into the second bedroom of the home, we find ourselves under a cosy blush pink ceiling. A large area rug keeps the floor light.
With no exterior windows of its own, this space borrows light from the adjacent room via clerestory windows.
Pink paintwork is extended down from the ceiling to form a deep border around the room, which bleeds into a row of built-in storage units.
Bright pendant lights descend over pink bedside tables.
Colour coordinated pink skirting board makes a unique trim.
On the opposite side of the clerestory windows lies an adventurous modern kid’s room design. An AIM pendant light strings a playful tangle across the green ceiling.
Colourful green, yellow, blue and orange accents, and a nature inspired wall mural fill this space with energy and interest.
Custom-made wall units, bookshelves and wardrobes are built-in around the door to create one sleek wall of kids’ storage.
The family bathroom decor scheme creates drama under a black, grey and green saturated palette.
Green tiles encase the small room and the bathtub .
The vertical tiles smoothly follow the curve of the bathroom wall, accentuating the unique architectural feature.
The powder room that is attached to the kitchen follows the same dark aesthetic.
Wood tone doors momentarily lighten the look.
Bathroom supplies are stored inside.
Adjacent doors hide away another large storage space.
In here, we discover that the small powder room actually doubles as the laundry room.
Floor plan.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
