It’s a hard knock life for book lovers living in apartments. For them, books are more than a leisure activity: they’re cherished possessions, and to part with a favourite novel can feel like throwing out a part of your own self. Unfortunately, books take up more space than other basic essentials like a bed, couch, or a writing table.

If your home is tiny for your book collection and it doesn’t feel like home without it, don’t despair. Here are five creative book storage hacks for apartments that enable you to squeeze in a space dedicated for your favourite books.

1. Hallway Library

Hallways are usually designed for the single purpose of going from one point of the house to another. We tend to overlook the fact that these are very much a part of our living space. So it makes plenty of sense to turn them into something more functional than a mere passageway. Put that space to work by adding some shelves to the walls. Almost all of the best properties in Mumbai have apartments with hallway that can be customised creatively for individual needs and requirements of its residents.

2. Bookshelf Room Divider

A bookshelf set perpendicular to the wall is a great way to make use of a large-sized or multi-purpose room. Instead of using a curtain or screen to work as a divider, why not utilise the space to develop a small library that displays your prized personal literary collection. It will be a classy addition that will work splendidly as a space divider too. There are a quite a few flats for sale in Mumbai where you can use this idea to make your own space amid the space-crunched bustling city.

3. Loft Bed Library

Building a wooden book cabinet under a customised loft bed is one of many smart book storage hacks that creates spaces that are as beautiful as functional. The cubbyhole library is the best part, giving a true lover of books just what they want, a private space to store and read them. Whether storing books in the stairs or in shelves you build into a loft bed’s frame, space-saving beds can indeed be a great book storage solution.

4. Closet Library

If you’ve learned to live without a closet, then it’s time to turn your unused hallway closet into a mini home library. You can install wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling wooden book shelves with a rug in the centre, a handy library ladder-cum-stool and add a glass door to display this charming corner. It’s possibly one of the most creative book storage hacks for bibliophiles.

5. Bookshelves In Nooks

Almost every apartment in the world comes with some unusable space. Whether it’s a nook in the wall or an out-of-the-way corner where nothing else would fit, a bookshelf could use the space well. The beauty of bookshelves is how they come in all shapes and sizes, and fit in almost any type of space. Take a discerning walk through your apartment and pay attention to the areas where you don’t walk or store anything already. Chances are, you will spot a place where you can carve a library yourself if you’re feeling handy and creative one weekend.