I need help turning a playroom into a library!?

Question

I asked this question before, and didn't get much, so i am asking again. I am turning 13 now, and i want to turn my old "playroom" into a library for my ever-growing book collection. The room has a futon that takes up a lot of space (i have to keep it for when guests come). I am not sure if i want a bright, sunny little library, something old-fashioned, or what. Can you help me out? I don't think i want something too modern, but i am open to any suggestions.

Answer 1

Cool idea.  I'm sitting in an extra bedroom I turned into a library/office.  The shelves are the standard and bracket type, I wonder if your parents would allow that.  Three of the four walls have these shelves but they are set high enough that I can put my desk, drawing table and a work table underneath. I painted the shelves to match the walls since the books provide all the color I need. When the shelves come down some day there are going to be a bunch of holes that need repairing!  That's another day.  The windows have simple horizontal blinds, but at one time I had a valence over the top......that grew tiresome.  

Your parents might be more agreeable with your plan if you use stand alone book shelves.  If you get the unpainted type, you are free to finish them they way you want, with wood stain or paint.  Someday when you move out, perhaps you can take the book stands with you. the problem is the taller ones are really rather expensive.  If you are looking for high shelf library, you'd best talk your parents into the standards and brackets type book shelves.  

If you chose to paint, you can paint the back of the stands...the back that you see behind the books...a similar color to your walls....like darker or lighter.  The futon is a good idea, this way you can snuggle up to read or have that extra bed.  You'll also need a desk or work surface for spreading out reading projects or doing your homework.  Keep the window treatment simple, maybe bamboo rollups.  Light of course.....several lamps.  

I'm curious what you call old fashion?  With the futon I'd stay contemporary unless the futon is more traditional looking...try to match or at least don't try to ignore the futon's style.  Remember guests may use the room, so no funky color schemes.  I'd go sophisticated contemporary.  If you look around for color and decorating websites, you may come up with an idea.  www.bhg.com for www.hgtv.com for ideas.  They won't say "library" but just look at the various rooms and colors.  

I'm impressed at 13 you are looking at more stylish decore.  Maybe you've found a profession?