Cover These beautiful interiors are perfect for your Instagram feed (Photo: MVRDV)
These beautiful interiors are perfect for your Instagram feed (Photo: MVRDV)
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While the most important part of any bookstore or library is the stories inside, beautiful architecture and interior design serve to enhance any reading experience
Despite the rise of e-books and short-form media, there is still much value to be found in reading and owning a physical book whose pages you can hold between your fingers. On top of the joy of purchasing a hard copy, it is also a lovely excuse to visit beautiful bookstores and libraries with eccentric designs.
Read more: 10 beautiful libraries and book cafes in the Klang Valley
These wonderful interiors are not only perfect for your Instagram feed, but they provide a picturesque space to browse or curl up with a good book. Whether local or international, there are plenty of exquisitely decorated literary spaces, and here are a few of our favourites.
Book Xcess Sunsuria Forum, Malaysia
Having opened in 2019, Book Xcess’ eighth bookstore has a ‘book tunnel’ concept that houses nearly 500,00 books, so you are sure to find something that piques your interest. Spanning 16,000 sq ft, this store will surely draw you down a rabbit hole. Book Xcess outlets at Gurney Paragon in Penang and RexKL are also imaginatively designed, with several perfect backdrops for exquisite pictures. If the stunning interior design wasn’t enough, Book Xcess is also known for its frequent sales and competitive prices, so you can leave with 10 new books without worrying about your wallet.
SB-1, Sunsuria Forum, No.1, Jalan Setia Dagang AL U13/AL, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, 40170. Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Tianjin Binhai Library, China
Featuring a central spherical auditorium and five levels of cascading bookshelves, the Tianjin Binhai Library functions not only as an academic centre but as a social and cultural space. Nicknamed ‘the Eye’, this futuristic library contains diverse educational facilities which can be accessed via the main atrium. While the first and second floors consist primarily of reading rooms, books and lounge areas, the upper floors include meeting rooms, offices, rooftop patios, and more. It is one of the five central attractions of Binhai Cultural Centre.
2R2V+687, Fudong Middle Rd, Binhai County, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China, 224500
See also: 10 books all foodies should read
The Cube, Malaysia
Above The Cube is the result of a collaboration between ISETAN and Kinokuniya (Photo: Bach)
The Cube is the result of a collaboration between ISETAN and Kinokuniya (Photo: Bach)
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With over 10,000 books curated by book director Yoshitaka Haba of book curation service Bach, this sleek bookstore is the result of a collaboration between ISETAN and Kinokuniya. This modern haven is designed to bring Japanese culture to Malaysian consumers. Grab a drink, flip through coffee table tomes covering a range of topics, and browse a range of riveting literature.
Lot 10 Shopping Center, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Rampur Raza Library & Museum, India
Above Rampur Raza Library is built in the Indo-Saracenic style (Photo: Trip.com)
Rampur Raza Library is built in the Indo-Saracenic style (Photo: Trip.com)
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This treasure trove of Indo-Islamic learning and arts not only houses works relating to a range of traditions and religions, but its 18th-century design stands as a testament to South Asian architecture. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, it also draws inspiration from Hindu, Gothic, and Islamic traditions. Within its walls are over 17,000 manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Pashto, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi and Turkish languages, a collection of 60,000 books in various languages, and a large collection of paintings and palm leaves.
R26F+P6V, Hamid Manzil, behind Jama Masjid, Quilla, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh 244901, India
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Wuguan Books, Taiwan
Founded by award-winning architecture and space designer Chu Chih-kang, this experimental bookstore offers an experience close to reading under the covers after bedtime as a child. Visitors make their way through the store in complete darkness, except for the spotlight on each book and desk. “This is designed so that people can focus on every book. In an environment where you can’t see, your other senses will be heightened,” said store manager Su Yu-shan. While it doesn’t have the biggest selection of reads, it focuses on creating a unique experience for readers.
C7-6 Warehouse, 2-1 Dayi Street, Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung City
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