12 Reasons Why a Bookshelf in your Dining Room is a Brilliant Idea

The dining room is typically reserved for dining and the library for reading, right? Well, it’s time to challenge that notion. Combining the two spaces and adding a bookshelf in your dining room can actually be a great decision. Not only will it save space, but it will also add a unique touch to your decor. In this article, we will delve into 12 reasons why a bookshelf in your dining room works. By the end, you may find yourself considering this unconventional idea.

Can You Put a Bookshelf in a Dining Room?

Absolutely! Your home is your sanctuary, and you have the freedom to arrange it as you please. However, beyond just giving you permission, there are numerous compelling reasons to have a bookshelf in your dining room.

Even in this digital age, where everything can be accessed through screens, bookshelves and physical books still hold a special appeal. Bookshelves are inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. By placing a bookshelf in your dining room, you are essentially saying, “Make yourself at home. Grab a book and enjoy it while you’re waiting for dinner.” Many other reasons for having a bookshelf in your dining room stem from this idea.

Adding a bookshelf to your dining room is an excellent way to add interest to a space that is often seen as purely utilitarian. Typically, you go to the dining room solely for meals, and even relaxed conversations happen elsewhere. By incorporating a bookshelf into your dining room, you can create a different atmosphere, define or open up space, and make use of available space. In homes with an open floor plan, bookshelves can even influence the physical layout of the dining area. Let’s explore all the reasons why a bookshelf works in a dining room.

1. Make a Statement

For a bookshelf to work in a dining room, it needs to make a statement. It should catch the eyes of people entering the space and convince them that the books are meant to be there. A small, off-the-shelf bookshelf won’t do the trick. To make a statement, consider a bookshelf that covers an entire wall or one that is built-in and permanent. The more noticeable and permanent the bookshelf looks, the better it will work in your dining room.

2. Flip the Script

Dining rooms often come with certain expectations: a table, chairs, maybe a buffet, and a piece of art. By placing a bookshelf in the dining room, you disrupt these expectations and create a different atmosphere. When people’s expectations are challenged, they respond differently to the room. A bookshelf in the dining room can make the space feel more like the rest of the house, bringing a relaxing and enjoyable vibe to the dining experience.

3. Start a Conversation

Having guests over for dinner can sometimes be stressful, especially when you don’t know them well. A bookshelf in your dining room provides an opportunity to create conversation starters. Line the shelves with books you have read or would like to read. This can pique your guests’ interest, leading to conversations about the books or shared reading experiences. You can also tailor the bookshelf to your interests. For example, if you love travel, add your travel books to the dining room bookshelf and spark conversations about your past and future adventures.

4. Create a Multi-Functional Space

If your kids often do their homework on the dining room table, a bookshelf in the dining room can be incredibly useful. You can include reference books, textbooks, and novels in the bookshelf to provide easy access for their studies. Additionally, a kid-friendly bookshelf can contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of the dining room and serve as a conversation starter when you have guests over. You can even store games in the bookshelf for post-dinner entertainment.

5. Decorative Appeal

A bookshelf can be a decorative piece in itself. Even if you don’t plan on reading the books on the shelves, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner can create a visually appealing display. You can stack and organize books by color or design, adding a touch of artistic elegance to your dining room.

6. Define the Border

In homes with open floor plans, it’s sometimes necessary to create a sense of separation between different areas. A bookshelf can serve as a border that doesn’t feel harsh or limiting. By building a bookshelf that extends perpendicular from a wall, you can create a clear border that still allows light to flow through. Alternatively, you can use the bookshelf to create a cozy nook within the dining room itself, giving it a distinct identity.

7. Blend Rooms Together

Conversely, in open floor plan spaces where the living room and dining room are essentially one long room, a bookshelf can be a unifying element. By placing a bookshelf along a shared wall or at the dining room end of the room, you celebrate the continuity between the two spaces. Whether you choose to visually seam the two rooms together or create an inviting entry into the dining room, the bookshelf creates a harmonious connection.

8. Create a Balance

In large open spaces, it’s important to create a sense of balance to avoid a chaotic mishmash. One way to achieve this is by placing bookshelves at opposite ends of the room, allowing for a harmonious flow throughout. Balancing the bookshelf in the dining room with one in the living room can create a sense of equilibrium. You can also balance it on the kitchen side of the wall by incorporating open kitchen cabinets for crockery, bowls, and display pieces. This juxtaposition of bookshelves can emphasize the interdependence of the different areas.

9. Create an Invitation

For formal dining rooms that may feel closed-off or intimidating, a bookshelf can provide a warm and inviting touch. By building it on the wall opposite the entrance, you create an invitation for guests to enter the room. Fill the bookshelf with your hardcover classics to add an extra touch of sophistication. Books have an innate allure, making them the perfect addition to a dining room.

10. Create Another World

For dining rooms that are completely closed off from the rest of the house, a bookshelf offers an opportunity to transform the space into a unique world. Depending on your taste, you can turn your dining room into an old-style gentlemen’s reading lounge, a rococo dining room, or a Tolkien-esque inn. Let your imagination run wild and curate your book collection to match the ambiance you desire.

11. Make the Dining Room a Reading Room

For formal dining rooms that are rarely used, consider turning them into a reading room. Combining the functionality of a library with the elegance of a dining room can create a harmonious and multifunctional space. Bookshelves are essential for such a transformation. A few comfortable chairs can complete the cozy reading nook, which can be enjoyed during quiet moments or after dinner.

12. Economy of Space

If you are running out of space in your home and need somewhere to put your bookshelf, the dining room can serve as a viable option. By utilizing the vertical space, particularly if you have high ceilings, you can build a bookshelf that reaches the top. Alternatively, you can incorporate all the aforementioned reasons to make the most of your dining room. Adapt it to suit your family’s needs, a space for both school and pleasure reading, as well as a conversation starter and a reading room.

In conclusion, a bookshelf in your dining room can be a fantastic addition. It offers not only a practical solution for storing books but also an opportunity to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you want to make a statement, spark conversations, or transform your dining room into a multifunctional space, a bookshelf can meet your needs. Embrace this unconventional idea and discover the various ways a bookshelf can enhance your dining experience. For more inspiration, check out Ambassadeur Hotel.