"A home without books is a body without a soul." So said Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero back in the second century B.C, and who are we to argue? To celebrate National Read a Book Day, we take a look at some of our favourite bookish homes and cosy reading nooks spotted in properties around London.
Colourful Language
This beautiful four-bedroom house in Notting Hill offers spacious accommodation and period features across five stylish floors. Fully-stocked bookshelves blend perfectly with the mismatched vintage furniture and yellow colour-pop on the walls of this spectacular reception room.
Fine Specimen
Specimen jars line the shelves on one side and books fill the opposite wall of this literary lounge in Hackney. Danish fir flooring and plenty of outdoor terrace and garden space add to the appeal of this distinctive four-bedroom home.
Lofty Thoughts
This dramatic loft space in Shoreditch would make the perfect reading nook. Tucked away under the eaves with a seating area, desk and some quirky design details, it's the ideal space for work, study or just escaping with a good book.
Quick on the Drawer
Gorgeous apothecary drawers add vintage charm to this reception room and library in Hampton. Built-in bookshelves boost storage and create a feature around book, CD and DVD collections.
Light of Learning
This bookish seating area leads off from the main reception room in this unique two-bedroom maisonette in Notting Hill. Benefitting from the glazed roof and views out onto the garden, the rows of books and artworks add cosy charm to this bright space.
Escape Room
For when you really need to get away from it all! This garden room library and study in New Malden is a great option for parents of young children or those who work from home, creating a secluded extra room and boosting the value of the property.
Tread the Boards
Stained bare boards add drama to this spacious study with fitted bookshelves. Plenty of lamps add soft accents of light, while the floor-level window provides the perfect spot for a reading corner with a comfy chair.
Fantasy Fiction
Don't have the books but like the look? Fake it! This bookshelf-printed wallpaper is an unusual focal point in the sleek, modern reception area in this exceptional two-bedroom flat in Perivale.
Teak That
Any self-respecting nine-bedroom apartment in Regents Park needs a serious library. This stunning property boasts four reception rooms, views across the park and this spectacular wood-panelled study and reading space.
Shelf Life
These two full-length parallel shelves and books work perfectly in this modern interior. Multi-coloured design accents around the room help to tie in the various colours of the book spines.
Wall of Words
Here, cool grey textiles and pure white surfaces are perfectly complimented by the bookshelves built into one entire wall. This creates a deliberate feature and retains the chic, minimal style of the reception room in this highly desirable four-bedroom house in Brondesbury.
Above it All
Bright, uncluttered and beautifully styled, this top-floor study offers the perfect spot for a quiet read. A smaller second bedroom or utility room can make the perfect compact space for a reading nook or working space.
Head to our Home Inspiration section for more stunning interiors searchable by room, style, colour and feature.
