Beautiful things for your study
A study should be a quiet retreat for reading and reflection – we suggest some furniture pieces to create the right ambience.


A study should be a quiet place for reflection and contemplation, for concentration and respite from the world. They are traditionally masculine spaces but of course in this day and age there's no reason why a girl can't have her own study - lots of us work from home these days.
Below are a few pieces which would go well in a traditional space - some good, solid pieces of furniture are important, as are the useful log holder and magazine rack and some high quality lighting.
Helena armchair in Folk-Cappuccino, £910, Arlo & Jacob (0333 122 5391; www.arloandjacob.com)
Viceroy Grand Victorian fountain pen, £675, Yard- O-Led (www. yard-o-led.co.uk)
Garrat eight-drawer bookcase in chestnut, £1,450, Laura Ashley (03332 008009; www.lauraashley.com)
Mahogany crossbanded writing desk, £1,840, Brights of Nettlebed (01491 641115; www.brightsofnettlebed. co.uk)
Tram carpet, £136.80 per square metre, Tim Page Carpets (www.timpagecarpets.com; 020–7259 7282)
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Magazine holder in embossed green mock- croc leather, £425, Linley London (www.davidlinley.com; 020– 7824 7223)
Somerset log holder in brushed steel, £305 excluding VAT, Chesney’s (020–7627 1410; www.chesneys.co.uk
Original 1227 fixed floor lamp, £135, Anglepoise (02392 224450; www.anglepoise.com)
** See more from our interiors section, including how to get the look for individual rooms
Country Life is unlike any other magazine: the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine that has been guest-edited by HRH The King not once, but twice. It is a celebration of modern rural life and all its diverse joys and pleasures — that was first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. Our eclectic mixture of witty and informative content — from the most up-to-date property news and commentary and a coveted glimpse inside some of the UK's best houses and gardens, to gardening, the arts and interior design, written by experts in their field — still cannot be found in print or online, anywhere else.
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West Sussex
Although the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Stylish hallway furniture
Make a lasting first impression with our choice of the best pieces for your hallway.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Drawing room ideas
A look into how an interior designer achieves a certain look or atmosphere. This week: the drawing room.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Library design ideas
A look into how an interior designer achieves a certain look or atmosphere. This week: Nicky Haslam's library.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Morning room ideas
A look into how an interior designer achieves a certain look or atmosphere. This week: the morning room with Janine Stone.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
How to light your art collection
With careful investment, the effects of modern lighting on your home spaces can be dramatic.
By Arabella Youens Published