Lustworthy libraries every bookworm needs to see

Libraries are a romantic notion. Often spectacular in architecture, such as the notorious Trinity College Library, Ireland, and home to scurrying scholars researching century-old scriptures, these museums of literature ooze a secluded, secretive appeal.

It is no wonder that people wanted a portion of these mystical halls in their own homes. Imagine an alcove to hide away in with Chaucer or a reader's retreat where the only sounds come from the crackle of the fire and the turn of a crisp page...

Here are a few of the best personal libraries to swoon over and to inspire you. Whether you have a grand abode or a small snug, here are the most amazing home libraries to stimulate your guilty pleasure...

This simple library, housed in an intimate area of the home, is easy and elegant. Floor to ceiling rows of books are in easy reaching distance and allow you to escape in this sanctuary.

For a modern twist on the library, cram bright spines along simple shelves and place a high tech flat screen in the middle for a mix of modernity and tradition. Add a chic chair for a pop of colour.

Embracing its Tudor characteristics, this library hosts old books in an ancient olive bookcase and creates a centrepiece with an ornate pedestal table piled high with books.

Fresh and white, this library is the epitome of the modern library. Hosting not just books but an array of CDs, DVDs and childhood videos, this is a multi-serving space that can be enjoyed by all.

Utilise your alcoves like this living room and pile books either side of the fireplace to create another statement along this central wall

We love how this bookshelf curls around the window to optimise maximum book storing space. Similarly, we can imagine curling up on this emerald sofa and enjoying some ‘me' time.

High ceilings in this Georgian dining room make for the perfect space to host books. This is a reader's heaven with multiple books rammed in upside down, horizontally and piled on the floor.

Every period manor house should have a library and this one is no different. On whiskey coloured parquet flooring sits a baby grand and soft leather chairs to simultaneously enjoy a music and literature.

Spice up your library with pops of fuchsia pink and fun cushions on a neutral grey palette. Accentuate the colours by including spines in similar shades along the freestanding bookcases.

Utilise the large walls of dining rooms with books. More interesting than wallpaper and more learned than a mounted television, we think books should be displayed everywhere in the home.

A library looks great alongside a thematic room. The pin-stripe sofa, statement chandelier and paint easel look fitting alongside the floor to ceiling library and library ladder.

Store your books, CDs and magazines in a retro library space. This design has pops of fun 1970s mustard yellow, which work well with the simple wooden storage unit and retro bend chair.

Haven't been keeping your favourite classics along the years, but love the drama of a wall of books? Then go for wallpaper. Whether you're a bookworm or not, books add a unique décor appeal - so fake it until you make it.

Wood panelled dens ooze library swank. This reading spot has smothered the walls, floors and furniture in a muted grey to instantly update an old room design with a cool twist.

Looking for a super private reading den? Then sneak away to the attic and surround yourself with piles of antique reads in an old armchair.
Escape until the sun sets and your candle's flicker is all that remains.

Uber cool, lofty studio apartments have lots of airy space, perfect for lots of books! We love the homely feel these spines add to a simple room by creating an imposing wall full of literature and cultural ornaments.

Think old gentlemen's private club with this one. We can just imagine a tense game off chess taking place whilst Dickens and Shakespeare watch on in a cloud of cigar smoke.

Embrace your limited square footage and keep the look really cosy with a wall of books. It is a great way to turn a boring lounge into a fancy library whilst storing away your children's reads too.

Never have a dull doorway again! Create a bookshelf that wraps over and above the door for maximum storage space and the creation of a library, all at once.