Key elements of a hidden library in a kitchen alcove include shallow built-in bookshelves with a depth of ten to twelve inches, combining closed lower cabinets and open upper shelves for a streamlined look. A small lounge chair twenty-four to twenty-eight inches wide, paired with a swing-arm sconce set at sixty to sixty-six inches, offers focused lighting for reading. Soft acoustic textures, warm neutral paint tones, and an optional curtain or concealed door styled like cabinetry create a cozy, private retreat. Adding a side ledge or small table with a coaster for drinks completes this intimate nook.