Book Accessories & Home Libraries

Library ownership has been always inseparable from writing, whether this activity was limited to personal notes and correspondences or rose to the heights of literary accomplishments that were destined to outlive their authors. Pens and quills always went alongside with books. In our digital age, unfortunately, superb writing instruments became almost obsolete. They can, however, be successfully used as decorative accessories in a personal library or study. These slick metal objects look great on any desk, especially in a pen holder or a special pen display box. Vintage pens …

This 1816 etching by John Britton represents a typical home library during Regency. The library is located at Cassiobury Park and it was used similarly to many other home libraries of the time — it was essentially the most important room of the house and could be easily referred to as a family sitting room.

Not all book accessories are meant for use in traditional book-friendly environments. This ingenious, although potentially dangerous contraption allows one to read in a bathtub, only occasionally touching the book to turn pages. You can probably even place some snacks and a glass of wine on the same caddy. I know people who would love this book stand, despite all.

Geographical globes should and can be considered a sort of book accessory! Envision a distinguished gentleman who is reading in his study. Every once in a while he looks at a large globe, just to get a better idea of distances between remote parts of the British Empire, described in the book. And so on. These days, the gentleman would probably use Google Earth. But you still cannot beat the look of an old globe. It creates a visual departure from the rectangles dominating your home library or office. Another good …

Modern book lights are highly evolved and specialized, despite the fact that numerous sources of light are available in any contemporary home. As one would expect, prior to the era of electricity, sources of light were adapted to specific uses. It means that among book accessories that are not necessarily useful, but nevertheless of great decorative value are candlesticks for reading. You can also use the traditional candle holder designs in modern light fixtures. So, what specifically makes a candlestick suitable for reading? Two things are most important in my …