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Step 1
Find a room or a corner of your house that would be perfect for your personal library and reading space. It should be able to fit several bookshelves, a comfortable chair (or couch), a window if possible and a good reading lamp with an adjustable arm.
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Step 2
If you're on a tight budget, scan used furniture stores and thrift shops. You're sure to find several decent bookshelves there.
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Step 3
If you're looking for something new, try an Ikea or popular furniture store. You'd be surprised how inexpensive a few plain bookshelves made of pine wood will run you. In some cases, these will be cheaper than used stuff at the thrift stores.
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Step 4
While a bookshelf is made to withstand hundred of pounds, it's still a good idea to acquire lots of supports to reinforce the freestanding shelving unit. Metal braces work best because of their functionality and attractive appearance, which can also enhance the appearance of your book collection.
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Step 5
Ensure that the metal braces are aligned so that the shelving remains stable. Books can become remarkably heavy in quantity and an unstable arrangement could be disastrous.
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Step 6
Consider staining and varnishing the shelving unit in order to give your home library that regal appearance on the cheap, making it like you spent far more in its construction than you actually did.
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Step 7
Remember to leave ample space between shelves so that your books can be easily taken out and browsed. Cramped shelves can cause damage to valuable books.
