7 Stately Study Essentials
Sink Into a Leather Armchair, Rich Colors, and Lots and Lots of Books
I've always had a desk at home, and have even come this close to having a fully-functioning home office (the difference being a bunch of wayward cords and a filing cabinet, if you're curious). But never have I fooled myself into thinking these spaces were "studies." What's the difference, you say? I consider a study to be a separate room, and a rather stately one at that. It should mean business, but not be devoted solely to work. It should feel warm, but not effusively so, and by no means should it look sloppy. Sound appealing? Then follow these tips to get a stately study worthy of a Brontë character in your own home.
1. A leather armchair. A wingback feels particularly perfect for a study, but feel free to think outside the box...
...For example, an Eames lounge and ottoman work to create a more modern study space, and provide a good spot to kick back with an engrossing tome. Which brings us to:
2. Lots and lots of books. Old ones, new ones, a mix — it all works. Sprinkle in a few reference books. (Yes, those still exist post-Internet.) And if you haven't read all of them, we won't tell.
2. Lots and lots of books. Old ones, new ones, a mix — it all works. Sprinkle in a few reference books. (Yes, those still exist post-Internet.) And if you haven't read all of them, we won't tell.
3. Dark colors. Rich mahoganies, weathered, saddle-hued leather chairs, and accents of black make a study feel like warm embrace when you enter. Think of the space as the first archetype of today's "man cave."
4. A decanter or two. Cognac is best with a snifter within easy reach, but any bottle of top-shelf booze in a decanter will look at home in the study.
5. Wood paneling. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with dark colors, but I'd be remiss not to include it in our list as it is a hallmark of a classic study. If traditional paneling isn't your thing...
6. A desk. Done in all black and positioned front and center makes for a rather imposing "I mean business" kind of look.
If that's not quite your style, tuck one into a corner to pull a chair up to when business or correspondence calls.
7. A fireplace. Whether blazing or unlit, it creates a centerpiece for the room. In colder months, pulled up close in a wingback chair, holding a snifter of cognac, reading a good book... well, it almost makes me wish for winter. Almost.
More studies, libraries and home offices:
Libraries for Everyone
Prepping Your Home Office for Big Business
Consider the Home Office Bar
More studies, libraries and home offices:
Libraries for Everyone
Prepping Your Home Office for Big Business
Consider the Home Office Bar