Skip the book wallpaper, create your own home library
From book nook to full library, here are 10 supplies you'll need
Writer’s note: This post was originally written on January 8, 2025. Some products have been updated. If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.
During social isolation in 2020 to 2022, there were four sets of people staying at home: guardians who were pulling their hair out trying to help their kids with homework, introverts who worked from home and were perfectly comfortable the whole two years, social butterflies who were bored to tears and counting down the days until the next Verzuz, and homeowners who were living in hardware stores while moonlighting as interior designers and overanalyzing every inch of brick. Slowly, each group returned to a new normal.
For those who didn’t return to an office space, Zoom and DialPad users have still stopped seeing as many fancy backgrounds. The virtual-conference-included backgrounds are go-tos, if not just blurring the background altogether.
Recommended Read: “Got a home library? Beware of silverfish ~ Before you pack up a moving truck or unpack your belongings, here's the reason you should investigate for pests”
But why did the library background have to stop? Colorful as they were, this background served a larger purpose — instigating more education and creating a pleasant corner to escape into sci-fic, romantic, memoir, history or whatever other book genre you enjoyed. Even if you don’t have an empty library room with hot pink walls like Vice President Kamala Harris, you still have a shot at creating your own home library. Skip the fake book wallpaper, and create your own legitimate book nook or library space before your next meeting.
Here are 10 supplies you’ll need to get started.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, after thinking about this thoroughly, I choose to continue promoting intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and (specifically) Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. All five of my Substack publications now include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a Black-owned business. (I have visited the seller’s official site, not just the Amazon Black-owned logo, to verify this.) If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect that decision.
This post will be continuously updated.
LAST UPDATED: July 25, 2025
WHAT’S NEW? Chairs
1. Comfortable, sturdy chair
While your office chair is made for working at a desk, if you’re looking for a space to read, you’re going to need a sturdy and comfortable chair that you can snuggle up in for hours. Skip the chairs with wheels. Find something sturdier where you can stretch out (and swivel around).
2. Bookmarks
No matter what random piece of mail, napkin, paper towel or scratch paper is nearby, there’s something delightful about having decorative bookmarks.
3. Coffee table
It doesn’t have to be a table that’s too complicated or intricate, just something sturdy enough to sit your hot chocolate, eggnog, tea or whatever else you’re drinking on, along with your book(s) and snacks.
4. Bookshelf
You can’t have a library with no books. However, you don’t have to have a massive bookshelf behind you in order to use it for backgrounds. A wall shelf, a floating shelf or a traditional bookcase all work.
5. Pillows and Pillowcases
At some point while reading, you’re going to want to take a nap or lean on a pillow. Whether you make the entire floor a bed of pillows or just lean one against a desk chair or wall is up to you.
6. Vision Board
If you need to reevaluate what’s going on in your life, or just want to have a good time creating a brag book, here’s your chance.
7. Adult Coloring Books
You already have the regular paperbacks, hardcovers and maybe even listen to an audiobook. But have you considered the calmness in adult coloring — with images of women who look like you?
8. Lamp
You’re welcome to use your ceiling lights, but sometimes all it takes for a book nook or library room is a single lamp on the table or mood lighting. Use it as a night light, reading light or enjoy the lofty ambiance.
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9. Dust Rags
No, it’s not the most fun part of having a library, but books collect dust. And if you want your library room or book nook area to be inviting, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the area. This also keeps pests such as silverfish away, a nuisance who loves to eat paper!
10. Drinks
Whether you’re drinking wine, whiskey or water, reading is one of the most thrilling things you can do. And if your drink can match the theme of your book, even better. Skip the plastic cups. Enjoy your drink in the most fun way you can!
Let your imagination take over, and make this home library your very own. Happy reading!
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the now-weekly paid posts each Friday (as of March 16, 2025). Thanks for reading!