15 Budget-Friendly Home Library Setup Tips To Build A Cozy Book Nook Without Overspending

I come from a slightly upper-middle-class family, and because of that, I grew up with a certain mentality. 

While we never went hungry or lacked the basics, we definitely had to learn to be very frugal. 

Being frugal, contrary to public opinion, doesn’t always mean you’re broke. It just means you understand that, even if you have money at the moment, the wise thing to do as an adult is to save whenever possible and find ways to cut costs if it makes life easier for you.

When I decided to start building my home library, I had to remind myself of this mindset. 

Yes, I was in a position where I could realistically shoulder the expenses, but I didn’t have to. So, I took my time and really pushed myself to be creative about saving money.

I think this is so important because if you’re someone who loves paperback books, chances are you’re already spending money buying them. 

I can’t speak for other countries, but here in Nigeria, paperbacks aren’t cheap. So, it just wouldn’t make sense for me to spend a small fortune filling up my shelves and then spend even more money building the library itself at the same time.

That’s why I squeezed out every bit of creativity I had and did a lot of research to figure out where I could cut costs and save money in the long run. 

If you’re planning to build your own home library, I really recommend thinking about how to reduce your expenses. 

Maybe you’ve already spoken to someone, and when they sent you an estimate, you were shocked by how pricey everything was. 

Honestly, the economy is tough right now, and everyone’s just trying to survive. 

You might want to handle some things yourself and figure out cheaper ways to make it work.

This article is filled with tips and ideas I’ve actually used myself, and I can confidently tell you they worked for me and helped me save a lot of money in the long run.

1. Start with Thrifted or DIY Shelves

When I first wanted a home library, the biggest hurdle was, unsurprisingly, the shelves. 

Custom-built shelves or stylish store-bought ones? Way out of my budget.

Here’s what I did instead:

a) Thrift Store and Facebook Marketplace Hunting

I started searching local thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, and even community WhatsApp groups (you’d be surprised how many people sell or give away shelves when moving). 

I once got a solid wooden shelf for literally a quarter of what I would’ve paid in stores. 

The key is patience. You should check weekly, not daily.

b) DIY Cinder Block Shelves

When I was extra tight on money, I made cinder block shelves. 

I bought 8 cinder blocks and 4 sturdy wooden planks (cut to size), stacked the blocks to form legs, and laid the planks across them. 

It wasn’t fancy, but it held my books well and had a rustic vibe.

What You’ll Need (For DIY Cinder Block Shelves):

1. 8-12 cinder blocks (depending on shelf height)

2. 4 wooden planks (smoothened and cut to your preferred length)

3. Sandpaper (to smooth plank edges)

4. Paint (optional, if you want to paint the planks)

This DIY project cost me under $30, and it was so satisfying to build.

2. Create Cozy Reading Corners with What You Have

You don’t need a fancy reading chair or a designer lamp to have a cozy reading space.

I learned this when I converted a small corner of my room using what I already had.

Steps to Create Your Cozy Reading Spot:

1. Pick a Quiet Corner: Find a low-traffic spot in your home. For me, it was next to a window, which felt extra cozy with natural light.

2. Use Floor Cushions or Old Chairs: I used a thick old throw blanket folded as a cushion and added a few pillows for back support. Later, I upgraded to a second-hand armchair.

3. Add Lighting: If you don’t have a reading lamp, no worries! A simple desk lamp works. Position it behind or beside you for proper light.

4. Bring in Personal Touches: I added an old rug, a small table to hold my tea mug, and a framed photo of my sisters.

Even now, this remains my favorite reading spot because it’s filled with personal touches, not expensive buys.

3. Use Baskets and Storage Boxes to Organize Books

When your shelves start overflowing (it happens fast), you don’t need to buy more shelves immediately. 

I started storing my extra books in baskets and boxes, which doubled as décor.

My Favorite Ideas:

1. Wicker baskets stacked in a corner with paperbacks inside.

2. Decorative storage boxes that I placed under tables or beside my chair.

3. Repurposed old crates stacked horizontally to act as mini-shelves.

This method helped me avoid clutter and gave my space a lived-in, rustic vibe.

What You Can Use:

1. Wicker baskets (check second-hand shops)

2. Old wooden crates

3. Gift boxes or decorative storage boxes

4. Plastic bins hidden under the bed (for less-used books)

4. Decorate Using Bookish DIY Projects

This tip saved me money and added personal charm to my library. 

Instead of buying expensive decorations, I made my own.

Ideas You Can Try:

1. Framed Book Quotes: I printed my favorite book quotes on fancy paper and framed them. It made my walls feel literary without spending much.

2. Book Page Art: Using old, damaged books, I tore out interesting pages and turned them into wall art.

3. DIY Bookmarks Display: I hung a simple string on my wall and clipped my collection of bookmarks as a display piece.

Items You Might Need:

1. Blank frames (from thrift shops)

2. Printer and good paper

3. Scissors and glue

4. Old books you’re okay repurposing

5. String and clothespins (for hanging bookmarks)

5. Plan Your Book Buying Wisely (So You Don’t Overcrowd)

This might not sound like a setup tip, but planning your purchases can help maintain your space and budget.

Here’s what I do:

a) Stick to a Monthly Book Budget:

I now set a small monthly limit (even $20 sometimes) to avoid impulse buying. It forces me to really think about which books I want most.

b) Use a Read Before Buy Rule:

Before buying new books, I make myself read at least two books from my existing shelves. This keeps my collection from growing uncontrollably and ensures my shelves stay organized.

c) Swap Books with Friends:

When I was a student, I swapped books with friends to get new reads without spending anything. If you have fellow book lovers nearby, try setting up informal swaps.

This tip helped me avoid turning my home library into a cluttered mess, which would’ve ruined the cozy vibe I worked so hard for.

6. Repurpose Existing Furniture for Shelving

When I first started setting up my reading space, I didn’t have the money to buy new shelves. 

But then I decided to simply repurpose the furniture I already had. 

How I Did This:

1. I turned an old TV stand into a low bookshelf. It fit perfectly under my window and held about 40 books.

2. I repurposed a small kitchen rack I wasn’t using anymore. I cleaned it up, added a decorative cloth over it, and placed books inside.

3. Once, I used a sturdy shoe rack to stack my lighter paperbacks.

4. This approach saved me money and helped reduce clutter elsewhere in my home.

Simple Steps:

1. Look around your home for unused or under-used furniture.

2. Clean and inspect for sturdiness.

3. If needed, repaint or cover with cloth to give it a fresh look.

4. Stack your books and enjoy your new shelf.

What You Can Repurpose:

1. Shoe racks

2. TV stands

3. Small ladders (leaned against a wall)

4. Coffee tables

5. Old side tables

7. Use Wall-Mounted Ledges for Small Spaces

When I ran out of floor space, I got creative with my walls. 

Wall-mounted picture ledges work beautifully for displaying books facing outward (especially pretty covers).

I bought simple wooden ledges, painted them white, and mounted them on an empty wall. 

Now, I rotate which books I display, depending on my mood or the season.

Materials Needed:

1. Picture ledges (I got mine from a budget store)

2. Wall screws and drill

3. Paint (optional)

If you’re not handy with drills, adhesive wall shelves work for lightweight paperbacks (though I still prefer screws for safety).

8. Set Up a Seasonal Book Display Table

This is something I started doing recently and I love how it makes my reading space feel intentional and fresh.

What I Do:

1. I clear a small table or top of a cabinet.

2. Then, I pick 5-10 books based on the season or my mood (like cozy mysteries for autumn, or romance for February).

3. I add simple decorations: maybe a candle, a small plant, or a seasonal ornament.

4. That table becomes my to-be-read focus area.

This rotating display keeps my reading exciting and stops me from feeling overwhelmed by my huge TBR pile.

It’s budget-friendly because you’re using books you already own, you’re decorating with small, inexpensive items like candles or plants, and there’s no need to buy fancy furniture since a small stool or crate works just fine.

9. Organize Books by Color or Theme for Visual Appeal

Once, I felt my shelves looked too cluttered. 

Then, I tried organizing my books by color and it instantly changed the vibe of my space.

Methods I’ve Used:

1. Rainbow Sorting: I arranged books spine-out in color order (red, orange, yellow, etc.). It created a bright, cheerful wall.

2. Monochrome Shelves: Once, I focused on blues and greens for a calm, cozy feel.

3. Thematic Displays: Around Halloween, I grouped dark thrillers and gothic novels together, adding a small pumpkin beside them.

This literally costs nothing and it will turn your shelves into a statement piece.

Play around with arrangements until something feels right. 

Sometimes, just switching things up can make your space feel brand new without spending a dime.

10. Make a Book Borrowing Log to Protect Your Collection

This might sound a bit extreme, but if you’re like me and people love borrowing your books, they sometimes don’t return them. 

Losing books hurts not just your heart but also your wallet if you’re forced to replace favorites.

So, I started a simple Book Borrowing Log. It’s nothing fancy. Honestly, it’s just a notebook where I jot down:

1. Who borrowed the book.

2. Title of the book.

3. Date borrowed.

4. (Optional) When I expect it back.

This helped me keep track of my collection without awkwardly nagging friends months later.

Now, I use a simple spreadsheet on my phone to track loans. Free apps like Notion or Google Sheets work great for this too.

---

Being a reader is definitely an expensive hobby, especially if you love paperbacks, hardcovers, or anything that isn’t digital. 

You really have to be smart about it so that your love for reading doesn’t end up taking over your entire budget – unless that’s the plan, of course.

Let me know which of these tips you’re planning to try and which ones you think will work best for you. 

I really hope you’re able to set up your home library and save as much money as possible along the way.