If you’re a Potterhead with a growing collection of books, merchandise, and memorabilia, it would only make sense to give these precious items a home. And what better way to house these magical collectibles than to build your own Harry Potter-themed home library?
Why a library you may ask?
Libraries and reading rooms are among the most iconic settings in Harry Potter. So much so that we can’t count the many times Hermione Granger had aha moments while chatting with Harry and Ron in the library or poring over a colossal book on witchcraft and wizardry. You can even go as far as saying that the Hogwarts library is the true hero of the Harry Potter book series as it has helped the trio solve many of their quests.
So if you’re looking for ideas for a Potter-themed room to store your collectibles or hang out, then a library is a great place to start. Check out these decor tips to ensure you get the look just right.
Start with a Rustic Look
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Use distressed wallpaper – to recreate that centuries-old look, you can install distressed wallpaper in shades of beige, light brown, or vintage yellow. This will serve as a blank canvas to decorate around.
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Go for an earthy palette – for an authentic HP-themed library, you should stick to earthy palettes like varying shades of brown and gray, moss or forest green, brick red, and weathered blue.
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Hang candle chandeliers – if you’ve got a rustic barnwood beam lying around, attach that to the ceiling to create a rustic vibe. Then complete the look with a candle chandelier and install candelabra on the walls. If you want a safer alternative, you can get the ones with LED bulbs.
Shop for Antique Bookcases and Shelves
Your Harry Potter collectibles deserve an authentic home. With antique bookcases and shelves, your first edition hardbound boxed set, wands, Triwizard cup, mugs, and other merchandise will be kept safe and intact. The best places to look for on-theme items are garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. Online marketplaces like Etsy and Ebay could also have these hidden gems if you look hard enough. Or you can make one of your old shelves or bookcases look distressed by sanding down their original coat of paint then giving them a fresh coat of dark varnish.
Hang Maps, Robes, & Paintings of Historical Figures
Your house robes and scarves should be displayed proudly on the walls. Hang them nicely by drilling discrete hooks on the wall. But for more delicate items like your Marauder’s map replica and personalized Hogwarts acceptance letter should be framed. You can also print out pictures of HP historical figures like Giffard Abbott, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, and Ignotus Peverell.
Build a Fireplace with a Rustic Mantle
Your Harry Potter-themed library could be your own personal reading nook. And reading by a fireplace with that warm light and crackling sound in the background is enough to transport you to the realm of witches and wizards. All you’ll need is a tall mug of homemade butterbeer, a nice fuzzy blanket, and a Harry Potter book. To make your fireplace a focal point of the room, you can decorate the mantle with your favorite HP-themed items like Hogwarts ornaments and Tom Riddle’s diary.
Set Up a Reading Area
A true Hogwarts library won’t be complete without a long reading table with those heavy library chairs. Look for a set with that rustic, old-world charm, or make one of your old tables look distressed by sanding off the coating. Then, decorate the table with an owl sculpture, some scrolls, and a quill pen and ink set. This area can be your personal office or studying nook, and you can even use it to entertain fellow Potterheads.
Fill the Room with Books
A library isn’t a library without books, so don’t forget that important detail. If you already have a collection of hardbound books, you’ll need to fill your shelves and bookcases with them. But if you’re still building your collection, make a trip to your local secondhand bookstores or browse through online marketplaces and get a hold of rare and collectible books in their original covers. Not only are they precious, but they will also blend right into your HP-themed library, giving you all the more reasons to stay there for hours devouring ancient wisdom.
If you have a spare room in your house and you’re a passionate Potterhead with an expansive Harry Potter collection, creating your personal Hogwarts library is an exciting project that will definitely be worth every penny.
