If you are attracted to intellect and feel that inner fulfillment comes from knowledge and wisdom, the academic aesthetic will make your interior speak to your personality!
Academia decor incorporates elements revolving around literature and poetry into your space. The aesthetic is categorized into dark and light, with the former revolving around dark stories, gothic references, and negative themes. Light academia, on the other hand, is more lighthearted and bright and focuses on more positive themes.
With the living room being the space you relax and spend a major part of your day in, it’s essential to align this part of your home with what makes you happy. Keep reading to learn our top 5 tips for a light academia living room — being there will make you feel like you’re reading Emma by Jane Austen in a lush park!
Tip #01: Make Room For A Roomy Bookshelf
Light academia is all about love for books and learning, so a bookshelf is a must to incorporate. Doing so offers a functional way to utilize wall space and keeps your favorite books easy to reach while showcasing your passion for literature.
To serve the purpose, you may purchase a bookcase (Amazon is a good option) and lean it against a vacant wall. If you’re in for a good DIY, you can also build a bookshelf yourself. Once the shelving is in place, fill it with your favorite books. You can also incorporate other decor pieces and plants to create visual interest.
If you’re short on space, consider utilizing any recessed shelving you may have to store books. There are several other ideas on how to squeeze a bookshelf into constricted spaces, too — no matter how challenging it may seem, it will be worth it!
Tip #02: Opt For Soft Wood Tones
Light academia interiors are meant to look scholarly and stately but in a soft and lighthearted manner. As such, the color palette should be cozy yet light.
Soft wood tones take the prize in light academia living rooms. Think beige and tan with white accents. Beiges and tans, along with other calming shades of brown, are perfect for spaces where you can relax and recuperate (read: the living room). They make the ambiance feel inviting and cozy and keep the space understated, all while adding the sophisticated touch associated with literature and poetry.
Tip: If you like to create bold statements with colors, you may want to consider the dark academia aesthetic instead.
Tip #03: Create A Cozy Reading Nook
Nothing beats the feeling of curling up and getting lost in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott in a little sanctuary of your own — and adding a reading nook to your living room will serve the purpose.
Incorporate a comfortable reading chair paired with a mini coffee table. Top the table with a scented candle, faux flowers, and a mini clock. You can opt for a vintage wall-mounted clock, too — the idea is to keep track of time without keeping a cell phone nearby. Also, place a floor lamp nearby. This serves the purpose of task lighting, that is, illuminating the space for a specific task (reading). A table lamp will suffice, too.
Bonus points if you create this nook near a window offering beautiful vistas of the great outdoors. Who doesn’t love reading under natural light — even when indoors?
Tip #04: Incorporate An Ornate Mirror
There’s no better way to adorn empty walls in the light academia aesthetic than by incorporating an ornate mirror. Mount a large mirror with an antique, intricately decorated frame — preferably gold in color — onto an empty wall of your living space.
If you have a small or dimly-lit space, place the mirror near a window (or light source). This allows light to bounce off the mirror and be reflected into the entire room, making it feel brighter and creating the illusion of more space.
Tip #05: Consider 3D Art
3D art creates a stunning visual effect — and plenty of pieces contribute to a light academia living room. So, in addition to stunning art prints that look like they’re from a European art museum, go for art forms that create a solid statement of their own.
In that regard, placing a globe on the central coffee table can do the job. Additionally, a sculpture (such as a bust) adds a classical and artistic touch to your space. A fancy candelabra is also a stunning addition, providing your candles a cozy home to sit atop.
Final Words
Decorating the space we dwell and dream in has a great say in who we are — and who we’re becoming. If you’re ready for an airy, optimistic, and classical interior that focuses on all things literary, a light academia living room is just what you need. Follow the five tips in this blog post to create this space in your home.
One quick tip before we wind up this blog post: the aim is to create a vintage interior that reflects your love for books and knowledge, all while contributing to the aesthetics and decor of your space! Remember, moldings, marble, and intricate designs are always the answer.
