The Charm of a French Library | Christophe Living

For many people shelves filled with favourite books will always be a sweet reminder of the enjoyment they received from reading them. While for some others, bookshelves may seem like something outdated and not well-fitted for modern homes.

Detail of carving — *The carved posts, turned French hinges and the traditional escutcheons add to the elegance and authenticity of the workmanship.*

French study — *This was designed as a home study, made with traditional French Oak timber, the rich red tapestry and fabrics have been selected to evoke the traditional gentlemen’s study of the nineteen century.*

Bult in bookshelf

Builtin bookshelf and desk — *A touch of gold on the bookshelf and chair matching the desk lifts this small home study into a more formal Louis elegance.*

Here a Louis XVI style bookcase in antique white also provides a home for photos and personal objects. Also inspired by the French style, this small study near the entrance has an elegant sophistication that invites us to have a quiet moment.

I am of the former, I love seeing books on a bookshelf, and a whole room fitted out as a beautiful library is always a sight that gladdens my heart. I always get very excited when I am asked to design a study, a little reading corner or even just a bookcase. There are so many ways to go about it, one can use rich timbers to complement the colours of old books or a painted finish to give the room a larger and lighter feel.

The shelves can be open or enclosed with mesh or glass to protect the books. I often suggest a reading alcove with a comfortable chair, something that invites the eye and the reader to take the time to sit, open a book and read, or just thumb through the pages and enjoy the illustrations.

In an age when we rush about so much, it is important to have somewhere in our homes where we can sit and reflect. We need a place that allows our minds to quietly think and possibly perceive the events in our daily lives with a fresh perspective. After all, who has not – as a child and young person – spent time reading a great book, entering into the magic of another world and not been affected by it. For most of us some books have never really left us. They have been an important part of forming who we are, nurtured who we wanted to become, and inspired us to believe that more was possible. So, it is only natural, that we would want to house these old books – friends of our younger days – as a reminder of all the dreams and aspirations that they have inspired in us.