Library Furniture Design Trends
August 29, 2024
Public libraries are no longer filled with dusty bookshelves and ‘Please be quiet’ signage. The modern library is a more inspiring place to cater for 21st century needs and demands.
Library interior design planning requires careful thought in order to transform these reading and learning environments into attractive, multipurpose spaces. Whether you’re designing libraries for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges or universities, these modern library furniture design ideas will inform your decision-making.
What are the trends in libraries in 2024?
Contemporary library spaces are no longer just designed for book collection. As trends in technology and architecture evolve, so must our libraries. These are the most significant library design trends for 2024.
Light and airy spaces
Lighting is a paramount design consideration. An abundance of natural light makes a huge difference. Environments feel healthier and more appealing when they invite in more natural light. Maximising views to the outside also makes the space feel airier and lighter.
Whilst adding or expanding windows is the ideal option, there are other design solutions. Reducing the height of library shelving and limiting interior walls will maximise natural light in the library space.
Flexible design
To evolve with changing user needs, flexibility is key in the contemporary library space. Static, fixed design and furniture restricts the ways the space can be used. Today’s libraries need to be more dynamic and innovative. Modular furniture styles allow for more versatile arrangements.
Stackable chairs can be utilised for specific events and meetings, but stored away when not required. Unlike built-in counters and units, freestanding furniture like partitions or mobile bookshelves can be moved or reconfigured whenever you wish. Using bookcases as dividers provides functional storage for books and resources, but also creates a natural separation between spaces as required.
Collaborative study areas
Library study is no longer about individual learning, but working together in groups. Libraries are now used in parallel to the classroom. Today, educational establishments prioritise collaboration and active learning. Group study and project work is the norm, and library design needs to support this. The set up needs to incorporate breakout areas rather than rows of individual workstations.
Student seating on castors allow flexibility of moving dynamically between groups. They’re also very well suited to computer work too. Digital devices are integral to study, so plenty of power outlets are essential for today’s students.
Varied library furniture designs
Time spent in libraries will vary between computer work, collaborative group discussions, reading and research. As such, your library furniture design needs to accommodate all of those needs and more.
Like modern office furniture, library furniture should support flexible postures and a variety of seating and standing positions. We’re more aware that prolonged time spent seated has a detrimental impact on our health. Adjustable, movable chairs work well as they can be altered to suit the individual. You may need task stools for higher height work stations or task chairs that align with computer desks and stackable chairs for events and meetings. The varied styles can all be in the same design to ensure consistency and aesthetic appeal in the library.
Zones of interest
You don’t have to use fixed walls to identify different areas within a library. Colour and pattern can highlight a particular zone. You may have a welcoming ‘entrance zone’ with a library counter or a ‘quiet study zone’ that promotes individual, focused learning.
In a children’s area, you can use bold colours, fun graphics and playful furniture to create a fun and exciting environment. You want a children’s library or zone to inspire little ones and encourage them to keep coming back. You may want to create a cosy reading nook or reading corner with a comfy seating area. Movable shelving units are ideal for this.
Community offering
Public libraries are community spaces too. During the recent cost of living crisis, many public libraries opened their doors to local residents to provide them with warmth and shelter. Libraries can offer a comfort and respite that people may not be able to afford for their own living rooms. This applies as much to higher education students as anyone else.
Public libraries are changing the way they operate to meet their community’s needs. Consequently, the furniture within them needs to be varied to suit its many roles.
Sustainability
Sustainability may not be an entirely new trend, but it’s an ever present one. Finding ways to integrate natural elements into interior design can promote better health and wellbeing as well as productivity.
Biophilic library design is a popular trend which taps into our innate connection with nature. Research shows that exposure to natural elements and materials can reduce stress, improve mood, promote a sense of calm and increase cognitive function. You may increase the number of plants in the space, amplify the amount of natural light or add designs that resemble nature for example. Adding greenery to your environment helps to clean the air too.
Eco-friendly and recycled materials are being used in innovative ways to make stylish, elegant furniture. You no longer have to choose between style and environmental responsibility.
Discover KI Europe’s furniture solutions for today’s modern libraries
Today’s libraries cater for diverse needs, be that a community space, a children’s play and learning zone or a collaborative learning environment. Consequently, library design needs to be flexible and adaptable. Mobility is key so that spaces can be transformed easily to meet the requirements of its users.
Style and aesthetics mustn’t be forgotten though. Light, airy and inviting spaces will encourage people to use the space more and will benefit them in multiple ways.
Find out why the team at Bristol Central Library chose KI’s Grafton seating collection for its refurbished entrepreneurial zone.
