Do you have a lot of books around your home? Why not consider storing them in your own private library? Bibliophiles, bookworms, and mere collectors nowadays make it a point to have their own private library. You don’t have a space for that, you say? What about your basement? Basements can easily be turned into wonderful private libraries. Here are some tips for you to check out:

Have your basement waterproofed

Since the basement is situated below ground level, it is unavoidable for it to suffer from moisture as well as leaks. If you want to turn your basement into a library, you would need to have it waterproofed. Water is the number one enemy of books. If there is too much moisture in your basement or if there are any leaks, your books would definitely be destroyed. Make sure your basement is waterproofed by professional and reliable professionals.

Use a dehumidifier

Basements are naturally humid. That is why proper renovation should be implemented. You would not want your books to be destroyed because of low class renovation and waterproofing. In order to be sure that the humidity level in the room is good for your books, you can always use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers might cost a lot but they can really prolong the life of your books as they protect the books from moisture and mould. They also prevent the books’ pages from sticking to each other.

Build with what you have

You have to design your library basing on the collection that you currently have. How many books do you have right now? How do you plan to organize them? Do you have enough books to categorize them according genre? Or are your books limited to a number of favourite authors? Your library must have an organized system so that you would not have a hard time searching for your books. Also, proper design would affect the number of books that you would be able to store in your basement-turned-library.

Have space for future additions

Aside from your current collection, you should also be mindful of the future additions to your library. Do you plan to collect more books in the future? Then make sure there is enough space for them when designing the lay-out of your library. Collecting books is fun and emotionally-satisfying. Paperback and hardbound books are becoming more affordable in this world of technology – this is something that a lot of book lovers celebrate. If you really are a fan of books, then you should really allot some space for numerous more future additions.  

Use comfy furniture

If you really love books then you probably love to spend several hours in a library. Thus, it is important for you to put comfy furniture in it. Make sure your couches are soft and can be useful for several hours of book reading. If you love reading with a reading table, make sure the size and the height of your table and your chair are comfortable for you. You might want to make use of bean bags since these are becoming very trendy in public and private libraries nowadays.

Make sure you library is well-lighted

Do you read in the dark? It would be nice if you can properly see what you are reading, right?  Do not give your eyes a hard time as you read. Make sure your library is well-lighted. In order to get free light for your library, you can always have basement windows made. Let the free sunlight make it easy for you to read. Or if you do not want windows, you can simply add up a lot of lighting fixtures to make reading as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Decorate the walls

Private libraries do not just have to be about books. If you have bare walls that are not covered by bookshelves, then be free and creative in beautifying them. Put up framed images of practically anything – an old newspaper cut-out, a painting, a photo of a historical figure, and the likes. Do not hesitate also in adding other decors such as wall clocks and posters. Make your library a room that you are very comfortable to stay in for long periods of time.

Never let the pests in

It is important for you to keep the pests away from your books. Pests can come in through any hole or opening and that is why you should always be on the look-out. Read your books frequently so that these would not be dwelling places of insects that eat paper. Also, be on the look-out for rodents since these nasty critters love to chew on paper. Protect your bookcases from termites as well.

The idea of turning your basement into a private library is definitely fun and exciting. If you ever need help in renovating your basement, contact Basement Bros., a leading company in basement design and renovation.