Why Every Kitchen Should Have a Shelf or Two of Books
It’s not just about cookbooks and digital recipes – a little library can bring warmth to the heart of your home
Becky Harris
21 November 2017
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Books play such an important role in what makes a house a home. They take us to faraway places, provide endless inspiration, help us plan family meals and spark our imaginations, and I’m all for finding places to keep them handy in every room in the house. The kitchen may not be the first place you think of for a mini library – but here are 10 reasons why you should.
Weave in an extra library corner
“I love putting books in a kitchen, and they absolutely do not have to be cookbooks,” says interior designer Rebekah Zaveloff. “Kitchens can include study nooks, so why not put a mini library in there?”
This family cookspace has a cosy bistro style, so keeping favourite novels, art books and travel guides to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the nook makes good sense.
Tip To keep books in good condition, maintain adequate ventilation around them, and site them far enough away from the hob to minimise grease build-up.
“I love putting books in a kitchen, and they absolutely do not have to be cookbooks,” says interior designer Rebekah Zaveloff. “Kitchens can include study nooks, so why not put a mini library in there?”
This family cookspace has a cosy bistro style, so keeping favourite novels, art books and travel guides to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the nook makes good sense.
Tip To keep books in good condition, maintain adequate ventilation around them, and site them far enough away from the hob to minimise grease build-up.
Always have a companion
“I always design a spot for old friends in the kitchen… both the ones I get together with in person and those I find in great books,” says designer and renovator Laura Schwartz-Muller.
In this crisp white kitchen, the book spines in the wide, built-in bookshelf add both colour and a selection of literary friends to choose from when the homeowners want to settle into the banquette with a good book.
“I always design a spot for old friends in the kitchen… both the ones I get together with in person and those I find in great books,” says designer and renovator Laura Schwartz-Muller.
In this crisp white kitchen, the book spines in the wide, built-in bookshelf add both colour and a selection of literary friends to choose from when the homeowners want to settle into the banquette with a good book.
Give a galley a nice view
Rather than a view of bulky appliances or a wall of cabinet doors at the end of this galley kitchen, the owners can enjoy floor-to-ceiling shelves enlivened by books.
Rather than a view of bulky appliances or a wall of cabinet doors at the end of this galley kitchen, the owners can enjoy floor-to-ceiling shelves enlivened by books.
Tone down the kitchen-y look
Incorporating open shelving into kitchen islands has been trending recently. The shelves not only keep books handy, they also ease the transition from living or dining room to kitchen in an open-plan space, and help to make the kitchen look less utilitarian.
Are these the best kitchen island storage ideas?
Incorporating open shelving into kitchen islands has been trending recently. The shelves not only keep books handy, they also ease the transition from living or dining room to kitchen in an open-plan space, and help to make the kitchen look less utilitarian.
Are these the best kitchen island storage ideas?
Slot in a sliver
You don’t need a large kitchen to find space for books. In this modestly sized room, a tall, skinny bookshelf provides plenty of room to keep books at hand.
You don’t need a large kitchen to find space for books. In this modestly sized room, a tall, skinny bookshelf provides plenty of room to keep books at hand.
Make use of a dividing wall
This pantry already had double French doors. Rather than keeping the partition walls to each side plain, the clever designer incorporated bookshelves. Visually, the books work nicely with the tins, jars and packets in the pantry.
This pantry already had double French doors. Rather than keeping the partition walls to each side plain, the clever designer incorporated bookshelves. Visually, the books work nicely with the tins, jars and packets in the pantry.
Inject a little colour
The book niche above the sink is an unexpected design element in this contemporary kitchen. It also makes it very easy to grab some culinary help from Jamie or Nigella.
The book niche above the sink is an unexpected design element in this contemporary kitchen. It also makes it very easy to grab some culinary help from Jamie or Nigella.
Add personality
The wall in this kitchen is very yin and yang. The cabinets on the right provide an expanse of warm wood, while the blue cabinets and shelves full of books on the left show off a cheerfully colourful personal collection.
The wall in this kitchen is very yin and yang. The cabinets on the right provide an expanse of warm wood, while the blue cabinets and shelves full of books on the left show off a cheerfully colourful personal collection.
Keep the kids busy
Book railings along an island make it easy for young children to choose a title and grab it themselves. A parent preparing dinner can keep a close eye on them and help with unfamiliar words while they read.
See more creative ways to display your books
Book railings along an island make it easy for young children to choose a title and grab it themselves. A parent preparing dinner can keep a close eye on them and help with unfamiliar words while they read.
See more creative ways to display your books
Let coffee table tomes entertain guests
Big books full of beautiful photographs and artwork aren’t merely accessories for the coffee table – they’re meant to be pored over and enjoyed. Placing them next to breakfast bar seating means they can entertain your guests and spark conversation while you’re cooking.
Big books full of beautiful photographs and artwork aren’t merely accessories for the coffee table – they’re meant to be pored over and enjoyed. Placing them next to breakfast bar seating means they can entertain your guests and spark conversation while you’re cooking.
Do you display books in your kitchen – and are they just cookery books or a range of titles? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments section.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Kitchen Inspiration
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Ideas for Kitchen Extension Layouts in Victorian Homes
By Kate Burt
Embarking on a rear extension project? Need layout ideas? Look no further...
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
16 Kitchens With Vertically Stacked Tiles
Looking for kitchen tiling inspiration? Browse this gallery of beautiful designs
Full Story
Renovating
Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
By Kate Burt
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
Full Story
Bedrooms
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which of These Kitchen Renovation Trends Would You Choose?
By Kate Burt
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Report is out. Dive into the highlights to see what’s topping your choices
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
24 Beautiful Bare Wood Kitchens
By Kate Burt
From pale and pared back to warm and textured, unpainted cabinets are suddenly everywhere. Which look do you like best?
Full Story
Kitchen Planning
How to Design a Multigenerational Kitchen
A space that successfully meets the needs of all those who use it is not only inclusive, it’s futureproof
Full Story
We added shelving as a feature wall beside the table. Approximately 8 linear feet hold my cook book collection. Another 8 feet holds books on entertaining and gardening, handy reference books (first aid, bird ID, dictionaries etc, and also the stacks of magazines etc. that are waiting to be read in this house of readers. In between these 2 bays of books is a set of shelves dedicated to pottery, etc, and a small drop leaf desk to hide the clutter of pens and stamps etc that are handy to have nearby. Absolutely every room in our house has some reading material except, for some reason, the dining room.
Here’s another one I love:
https://www.houzz.com/photo/45007789-carmel-ct-kitchen-portland