Making a 'Mini Library' For Your Little Ones

So recently I have been feeling a little bit claustrophobic here in Castle Clarke. I feel like I never have the space to do what I want with my home. Sometimes it can feel like the walls are closing in. So I've decided to go on a 'decluttering mission'  around my house and make the most out of every little nook and cranny to make my home feel more spacious and a nicer space to live.

 So for inspiration I went to good old Pinterest. I searched for storage ideas and ideas for childrens room and came across the 'rain gutter bookshelves'. I instantly loved the idea and wanted to try and incorporate them into my home for my little ones books. I also looked up some play area ideas and came across a few pictures of childrens corners in libraries. So that put the idea into my head that I could make a fun library themed corner in my little living room to keep my little ones happy. 

After a rather long trip to B&Q, I am terrible in DIY stores. I literally walk around in circles having no idea where to begin to look. I came across the rain guttering and picked up the 2 metre long white, square version. You can get round rain guttering too but I didn't think the books would sit very well in the rounded guttering. 

Above is the area I decided to put the 'library' in. As you can see it isn't a very big space and was basically used for storing junk in the corner. As you can see the books had no order to them and were basically thrown onto the windowsill once my children were finished with them. It wasn't the best looking space and to be honest it was a wasted space. 

So after measuring 85cm for each shelf my partner took a fine hand saw and cut the guttering to size. We fitted 3 wall plugs for each shelf into the wall (each side and one in the centre). Then we screwed the shelves into the wall. I was a little worried at first that they wouldn't hold the weight of my youngest because he is at an age where he pulls himself up on everything and anything, but they held really well! They're surprisingly flexible and strong! I went online to my local Facebook 'Free and Cheap' group and picked up this road mat for £5.00. It was far too big for the area but I tucked the spare sides under the sofa and chest freezer so that the rug would not slide about while the kids were playing on it. Also I thought no 'library' would be complete without somewhere comfortable to sit. The beanbag chair is from Dunelm Mill, I love that shop! 

So there we have it, the start of making the most out of small spaces! I hope you like the before and after look, I'm very happy with it and my kids love it too. Even the neighbours children come over to sit and read in the 'library'. It just goes to show you don't need to break the bank to make the best of a small space!