Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Furniture for Your Library

Choosing furniture for your library can be an exciting task, but it can also be a bit daunting. When making an investment in new furniture, you want to make sure you choose pieces that will meet the needs of your library and its users, and you also want to make sure the pieces are going to stand the test of time, not only for wear and tear, but also for style. To help you make informed decisions about the pieces you choose, we’ve put together our top 5 things to consider when selecting the right furniture for your library.

1. Vision & Goals

First, consider the overall vision and goals for your space. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What do we want the user experience to be?
• What do we want the final character of the space to be?
• What are all the activities we imagine happening here?

Considering these broader questions before choosing your furniture will result in a more cohesive interior space. Once an overall vision has been established, you can then begin selecting furniture based on these additional key categories: Function, Aesthetics, Ergonomics and Durability.

2. Function

How does your library furniture need to function? Does it need to be flexible to accommodate many types of activities? Does it need to create spaces within spaces? Library and furniture functionality is transforming every day.

Many libraries are transitioning to flexible spaces, enabling users to move the furniture as needed. Using furniture with mobility, such as shelving with casters or Kite® Tables, is a great way to accomplish this.

There are also many lounge options available with casters, both exposed and concealed. The Hive Lounge System defines spaces within spaces because of the privacy its high backs provide.

Portable screens are another great way to create smaller zones, such as the Cheesewall Mobile Divider.

There is also a growing demand for power needs in every environment. There are many lounge and table products available with integrated power. Alternatively, there are flexible, free-standing power solutions like the Powerball Charger. Free-standing laptop tables, such as the Dart Side Table, make another great accessory for lounge areas. When elements are free standing there is added opportunity for fluid, adaptable spaces.

For your teens’ or children’s areas, you may also want to consider furniture with a fun factor. Oi Cellular can be quite engaging since it can be pulled apart and rearranged.

Overall, when selecting furniture, it’s important to understand how the space needs to function, as it will help you to determine how the furniture in the space should perform.

3. Aesthetics

How do you want your library to look? What is the aesthetic style?

You may prefer the traditional style for your new furniture. There are many furniture options available today with traditional aesthetics. This style can be maintained by considering furnishings with symmetry, as well as muted, mid-tone color palettes.

There may be a lot of existing wood shelving and furniture in your space, but that doesn’t mean you are stuck with traditional style. Consider a transitional design style, which combines both traditional and modern pieces.

Tailoring the finish selections of your new furniture can help to blend the styles. Try pairing a woodgrain table surface with a more modern painted leg or adding some splashes of color throughout the space.

On the flip side, a contemporary space may have asymmetrical layouts, more curvature, neutral elements and bold colors. When adding new furniture to a space, try to find simple details to tie the pieces into the existing space, such as similar styles or finishes. This will help bring continuity to the overall aesthetic.