"I had always yearned for a double-height library, since books are my life," wrote author Andrew Solomon in our September 2017 story about the restoration of his crumbling New York City townhouse, a project he bravely undertook with designer Robert Couturier. Haven't all of us book lovers had that exact same dream at one point? Of course, many of us can't make such a room a reality (right now, anyway—let's be optimistic), but that's probably why we can't stop staring at this photo on Pinterest. "Spectacular" truly isn't overstating it, but not just because the room is beautifully designed: This library is built with readers in mind. Here's what we mean. . . .

There's seating for every reading situation, of which there are many

Completely and totally immersed in that 600-pager? There's the squishy, silk damask–covered sofa. Only have time to read a few chapters before heading out the door? The deep leather armchair is calling your name. Scanning the day's headlines with a cup of coffee? Hello, regular ol' desk chair.

The bookshelves are actually filled with books

We spot a few sculptures, but the vast majority of the shelves are completely overtaken by books, books, and more books. Libraries are sacred spaces—leave "styling" your bookshelves to other rooms in the house.

That fireplace

We'd take a working fireplace in any room, but in the library? Pure gold. Reading in front of crackling flames on a chilly night is 100 times more fun than reading anywhere else. (Okay, the beach is pretty great, too.)

There are tons of good lighting choices

Reading is a cozy activity that requires an equally cozy ambience—no overly bright recessed bulbs here, thanks. The floor and table lamps scattered around are just what you need to create the right vibe for snuggling up with a new novel.

No views were blocked in the making of this library

A wrought-iron catwalk on the upper tier gives us an unfettered look at even more books, which may have been forgotten otherwise. Phew.