Beautiful NYC homes with built-in shelving + 8 Big Apple-themed book recommendations

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Today, February 27, 2026

Dream NYC homes for bibliophiles

After years of ebooks and minimalism, hard copies of books seem to be making something of a comeback. Special edition books with limited edition covers and sprayed edges are popular gifts. While many experts consider the rainbow bookshelf trend to be over, colorful bookshelves may still be seen in many homes, and people remain eager to learn how to style their bookshelves. Additionally, as The World of Interiors observes, "[Books] are proof usually of roots, of time spent building a home and mind."

For all that, there remains the question of where to keep a book collection in a New York City apartment. Bulky bookshelves have an unfortunate tendency to eat into precious square footage and disrupt the flow of the open-plan layout popular in many new developments. However, built-in bookshelves were a popular feature in prewar apartments, and they remain popular with today's buyers for their eye-catching design and additional storage access.

10 Sullivan Street, #TH
$15,750,000 (-12.3%)

SoHo | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 5,900 ft²

10 Sullivan Street, #TH (R New York)

From the Listing: Welcome to 30 Sullivan Street, a one-of-a-kind, 25-foot wide SoHo townhouse, reimagined by internationally acclaimed AD100 designer Giancarlo Valle and prominently featured in Architectural Digest. Spanning nearly 6,000 square feet of interior space and over 1,500 square feet of private outdoor living, this triple-mint residence is more than a home—it’s a fully curated design journey, where architecture, art, and interiors come together with museum-quality craftsmanship. See floor plan and full details here.

One Beekman, #7/8A
$7,995,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,000 ft²

One Beekman, #7/8A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Over 7,500 square feet, this stunning duplex in excellent condition provides unparalleled East River views from three exposures, soaring ceiling heights, majestic entertaining rooms, beautiful prewar details, three fireplaces and a flexible floorplan with up to 4-5 bedrooms, along with an additional guest suite and 6.5 bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends
Published by Assouline
Released in November 2024

(Assouline)

From the cover copy: With a unique blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, this delightful volume offers a captivating exploration of Fifth Avenue’s 200-year journey and transformation from its humble beginnings as a quiet residential street to its current status as a global icon of culture, wealth, and style.

Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends celebrates the vibrant history and ever- evolving charm of one of the world’s most iconic streets. The visually stunning edition presents a breathtaking collection of images that bridge the past and present, showcasing a captivating journey through history. Get a copy here.

58 Walker Street, #PH
$5,250,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,115 ft²

58 Walker Street, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The full-floor triplex penthouse condominium loft at 58 Walker Street features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room across approximately 2,115 square feet, set atop a restored 1869 cast-iron building. A high-quality renovation balances authentic loft character with thoughtfully curated finishes. Generous scale, abundant light, and refined materials create a home that is both highly functional and visually striking, highlighted by distinctive architectural elements throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

16 West 77th Street, #5E
$4,350,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,983 ft²

16 West 77th Street, #5E (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Perfectly situated on one of the most coveted blocks on the Upper West Side, just moments from Central Park, this elegant three-bedroom prewar residence offers open northern views overlooking American Museum of Natural History. A gracious entrance gallery opens to a generously proportioned living room and formal dining room, offering seamless flow for effortless entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

The Architect of New York: A Novel
By Javier Moro; translated by Peter J. Hearn
Published by Counterpoint
Released in January 2026

(Counterpoint)

From the cover copy: Iconoclast. Genius. Womanizer. Architect Rafael Guastavino’s signature vaulted tile ceilings revolutionized Gilded Age New York City. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central, the Prospect Park Boathouse, and the iconic Old City Hall subway station number among his masterpieces. But while his works continue to imbue the city with the glamour of a bygone era, the man himself has been largely forgotten. Get a copy here.

The Trafalgar House, #17CD
$4,100,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,400 ft²

The Trafalgar House, #17CD (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Located on one of the most beautiful blocks on the Upper East Side, this 2,353-square-foot modern renovated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condominium with 9 foot ceilings, 14 large picture windows with East, North, and West city and street line views, den and home office offers many possibilities for a new owner. The generous open layout designed by noted architect Carlos Otero invites you into a gracious living room, dining room and kitchen area. See floor plan and full details here.

38 Seventh Avenue, #4
$3,500,000

Park Slope | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

38 Seventh Avenue, #4 (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Discover an extraordinary blend of classic charm and modern luxury at 38 Seventh Avenue, a meticulously reimagined duplex in the heart of Park Slope. This 2024 renovation seamlessly integrates pre-war elegance with contemporary sophistication, offering a residence designed for both comfort and style. Upon entering the expansive living and dining area, you'll be greeted by refinished wood floors, custom white oak bookcases, and restored original window frames. See floor plan and full details here.

Quietest Places in New York City: Finding Calm & Peace in Urban Chaos
By Nicole Kelner
Published by Rizzoli Universe
Released in February 2026

(Rizzoli)

From the cover copy: This charming guide invites readers to experience places of quiet magic and mindfulness hidden within the city. Featuring beautiful watercolors and hand-drawn maps created for this book, this is a useful reference to finding serenity for residents and visitors alike. The author reveals a number of hidden gems, including waterfall parks, off-the-beaten-path cemeteries, cozy cafés, and many other tranquil spaces for contemplation. There are also personalized recommendations and mindfulness rituals to help readers unplug from digital noise, reconnect with themselves, and see the city through new eyes. Get a copy here.

377 West 11th Street, #1D
$3,095,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

377 West 11th Street, #1D (Compass)

From the Listing: Designed by Paik Architecture, the residence offers nearly 2,200 square feet of open, light-filled living space. Beamed ceilings soar to 15 feet, complemented by hardwood floors, exposed columns, slatted wood accents, and large south-facing windows. The main level features an expansive great room where a cast-iron wood-burning fireplace anchors the space, framed by 8-foot-tall, partially frosted windows that balance light and privacy. See floor plan and full details here.

The Woodbury, #2W
$2,795,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Woodbury, #2W (Simple Real Estate)

From the Listing: Impeccably renovated and thoughtfully reconfigured, this three-bedroom, two-bath prewar Carnegie Hill home blends classic New York elegance with the most coveted modern upgrades including an oversized spa-inspired primary bathroom and a full-size washer and dryer. The residence immediately captivates with 9'7" ceilings, oversized solid mahogany doors, original hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light from its south-facing windows. See floor plan and full details here.

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
By Patrick Bringley
Published by Simon and Schuster
Released in October 2024

All the beauty in the world, Metropolitan Museum guard's memoir

(Simon & Schuster)

From the cover copy: Millions of people climb the grand marble staircase to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art every year. But only a select few have unrestricted access to every nook and cranny. They’re the guards who roam unobtrusively in dark blue suits, keeping a watchful eye on the two million square foot treasure house. Caught up in his glamourous fledgling career at The New Yorker, Patrick Bringley never thought that he’d be one of them. Then his older brother was diagnosed with fatal cancer and he found himself needing to escape the mundane clamor of daily life. So he quit The New Yorker and sought solace in the most beautiful place he knew. Get a copy here.

720 Greenwich Street, #MAISONETTE
$2,750,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

720 Greenwich Street, #MAISONETTE (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Perfectly positioned at the intersection of Charles and Greenwich Streets, this home blends authentic loft character with thoughtful modern design. Nearly 13-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings and nine oversized south- and east-facing windows flood the space with beautiful natural light throughout the day, creating an airy, uplifting feel from the moment you enter. See floor plan and full details here.

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95 Greene Street, #2B
$2,395,000

SoHo | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,200 ft²

95 Greene Street, #2B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Set in the heart of historic SoHo, this timeless loft offers authentic downtown living with exceptional scale and character. Soaring 12'10" ceilings, hardwood floors, and oversized 9'4" double-hung windows create a dramatic interior. The expansive great room is ideal for entertaining, complemented by a partially opened kitchen with marble countertops, premium appliances, and a wine refrigerator. Custom floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make a striking design statement. See floor plan and full details here.

214 East 9th Street, #PH4D
$2,050,000

East Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

214 East 9th Street, #PH4D (Compass)

From the Listing: This is a penthouse loft that actually feels like a house. It offers three levels of silence and light in the heart of the Village. It starts with the drama of the entry. You walk into a living and dining area defined by 17.5 foot ceilings that change the way a home feels. Huge windows deliver sunlight throughout the day, hitting the custom built in bookshelves and creating an atmosphere that breathes. See floor plan and full details here.

450 West 23rd Street, #E
$1,995,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

450 West 23rd Street, #E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: On a storybook stretch of West Chelsea, where the Fitzroy townhouses rise in dignified rhythm along 23rd Streets, there is a penthouse duplex that feels less like an apartment and more like a secret kept above the city. Hosting your very own private roof deck along with a cozy wood-burning fireplace, all your must haves are here! See floor plan and full details here.

Anita de Monte Laughs Last
By Xochitl Gonzalez
Published by Flatiron Books
Released in March 2025

(Flatiron Books)

From the cover copy: 1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten—certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. Get a copy here.

25 East 86th Street, #9G
$1,895,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,500 ft²

25 East 86th Street, #9G (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: From the moment you enter the building’s grand lobby, there is an immediate sense of scale, privacy, and quiet elegance that carries throughout the experience of arriving home. Upon entering Residence 9G, a gracious foyer welcomes you with beautiful natural light, setting a warm and inviting tone. The apartment unfolds with a layout that feels both expansive and thoughtfully designed, offering a sense of separation between living and private spaces that enhances both comfort and functionality. See floor plan and full details here.

Greene, #20C
$1,888,000

Long Island City | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 947 ft²

Greene, #20C (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Nestled in the most desirable pocket of Long Island City, this brand new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment exemplifies modern refinement and craftsmanship. Designed by Lemay + Escobar, the home is an interplay of elegant stone surfaces with soothing wood accents. Colors are subtle and refined, creating a clean palette for residents to add personal flair. See floor plan and full details here.

311 East 83rd Street, #B
$1,870,000 (-3.9%)

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 1,824 ft²

311 East 83rd Street, #B (Garg Real Estate)

From the Listing: This south-facing multi-level 3+ bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers gracious and efficiently proportioned space. Upon entering the main floor, one experiences a warm, stylish environment created with details like exposed brick wall with a wood-burning fireplace, separate dining area, ebony bamboo floors, large windows complete with flower boxes. A renovated kitchen features marble counter tops, stainless steel double door refrigerator, dishwasher and custom Cabinetry with pull out pantry and a full bath. See floor plan and full details here.

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names
By Rebecca Bratspies
Published by History Press
Released in January 2023

Naming Gotham, New York City history book

(History Press)

From the cover copy: The Kosciuszko Bridge honors Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish American Revolutionary War hero and fervent abolitionist. The Outerbridge Crossing, named after the Port Authority's first chairman, Eugenius Outerbridge, is called a crossing because Outerbridge Bridge sounded absurd. Shirley Chisholm State Park celebrates the first Black woman elected to Congress, the larger-than-life Shirley Chisholm. Clifford Holland originally designed his tunnel under the Hudson River to accommodate horse carts. These place names embody the rich history of the city that never sleeps, yet few know their true stories. Get a copy here.

8 Union Square South, #2B
$1,788,000

Greenwich Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 844 ft²

8 Union Square South, #2B (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Introducing the only one-bedroom residence at 8 Union Square South—an exquisitely refined, move-in ready condominium offering unmatched value in one of downtown’s most coveted locations on Union Square. This impeccably upgraded home features a large open concept chef’s kitchen alongside a custom island designed for both daily living and stylish entertaining. The voluminous living room is bathed in sunlight and features custom built-ins and ample space to entertain. Available fully furnished. See floor plan and full details here.

21 East 22nd Street, #2K
$1,495,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

21 East 22nd Street, #2K (Compass)

From the Listing: This expansive and well-designed one-bedroom apartment is a rare find, offering both style and functionality in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Upon entering, your eyes will take you to the soaring 12-foot ceilings and oversized south-facing windows, which bathe the space in natural southern light and create an airy, open feel. See floor plan and full details here.

Only Friends
By Lydia San Andres
Published by Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Released in February 2026

(Atria)

From the cover copy: After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change. Get a copy here.

Turtle Bay Towers, #22U
$1,250,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condop | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 940 ft²

Turtle Bay Towers, #22U (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this elegantly renovated, oversized one bedroom perfectly perched on a high floor in the heart of Turtle Bay. You will be wowed by the south-facing, open skyline views, including those of the iconic Chrysler Building, One Vanderbilt, Tudor City and a peek of the East River. All this through a wall of gorgeous arched greenhouse windows with custom electric solar shades. See floor plan and full details here.

189 Park Place, #3
$1,195,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

189 Park Place, #3 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Experience the perfect marriage of 19th-century soul and 21st-century craftsmanship at residence 3, located on the second floor of a classic brownstone at 189 Park Place in Prospect Heights. This meticulously renovated one-bedroom plus home office home is enhanced by soaring ceilings, decorative fireplaces and a massive private deck overlooking the backyard. The living room is anchored by a stately marble fireplace and framed by built in shelves while wooden floors run throughout, lending a sense of timeless elegance to every room. See floor plan and full details here.

300 East 64th Street, #6H
$1,100,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 857 ft²

300 East 64th Street, #6H (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 6H, a spacious 857-square-foot, thoughtfully upgraded one-bedroom home with bright northern exposures and exceptional custom storage throughout. Oversized windows fill the apartment with natural light. The expansive living room and separate dining area strikes the perfect balance of sophistication and functionality, anchored by a striking custom walnut wall unit. See floor plan and full details here.

EAT NYC: The Iconic Recipes That Feed the City
By Yasmin Newman; photographs by Alan Benson
Published by Smith Street Books
Released in October 2024

(Smith Street Books)

From the cover copy: New York City is a place of never-ending discovery and unapologetic authenticity, a bustling metropolis and a mosaic of character-filled communities. One of the best ways to experience any city is through its food, and this book shares some of NYC’s most iconic dishes enjoyed morning, noon, and night. Get a copy here.

PS90, #3K
$899,000 (-4.9%)

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,231 ft²

PS90, #3K (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Step into this expansive flex-loft space (convertible two-bed) at the PS90 Condominium, where historic architecture meets modern comfort. At over 1,230 square feet, this residence currently functions as a one-bed + a massive den/loft bed area (or convertible two-bed), offering soaring 12+ ft ceilings, corner exposures, and an open, flexible layout ideal for entertaining, working, or relaxing. A lofted nook provides a cozy sleeping or lounge area, while built-ins add smart functionality. See floor plan and full details here.

14 Sutton Place South, #8G
$835,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

14 Sutton Place South, #8G (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Renowned architect Rosario Candela made his mark with his graceful, spacious designs with the perfect flow for fine living and entertainment, and this beautiful apartment is certainly no exception. The feeling of tranquility continues when you proceed into the oversized corner living room with gorgeous herringbone oak floors, a wood burning fireplace flanked by useful built-ins and beautiful open city views, the perfect backdrop to relax and unwind. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

10 Sullivan Street, #TH
$15,750,000 (-12.3%)

One Beekman, #7/8A
$7,995,000

Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends
Published by Assouline
Released in November 2024

58 Walker Street, #PH
$5,250,000

16 West 77th Street, #5E
$4,350,000

The Architect of New York: A Novel
By Javier Moro; translated by Peter J. Hearn
Published by Counterpoint
Released in January 2026

The Trafalgar House, #17CD
$4,100,000

38 Seventh Avenue, #4
$3,500,000

Quietest Places in New York City: Finding Calm & Peace in Urban Chaos
By Nicole Kelner
Published by Rizzoli Universe
Released in February 2026

377 West 11th Street, #1D
$3,095,000

The Woodbury, #2W
$2,795,000

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
By Patrick Bringley
Published by Simon and Schuster
Released in October 2024

720 Greenwich Street, #MAISONETTE
$2,750,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

95 Greene Street, #2B
$2,395,000

214 East 9th Street, #PH4D
$2,050,000

450 West 23rd Street, #E
$1,995,000

Anita de Monte Laughs Last
By Xochitl Gonzalez
Published by Flatiron Books
Released in March 2025

25 East 86th Street, #9G
$1,895,000

Greene, #20C
$1,888,000

311 East 83rd Street, #B
$1,870,000 (-3.9%)

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names
By Rebecca Bratspies
Published by History Press
Released in January 2023

8 Union Square South, #2B
$1,788,000

21 East 22nd Street, #2K
$1,495,000

Only Friends
By Lydia San Andres
Published by Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Released in February 2026

Turtle Bay Towers, #22U
$1,250,000

189 Park Place, #3
$1,195,000

300 East 64th Street, #6H
$1,100,000

EAT NYC: The Iconic Recipes That Feed the City
By Yasmin Newman; photographs by Alan Benson
Published by Smith Street Books
Released in October 2024

PS90, #3K
$899,000 (-4.9%)

14 Sutton Place South, #8G
$835,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends Published by AssoulineReleased in November 2024

The Architect of New York: A Novel By Javier Moro; translated by Peter J. HearnPublished by CounterpointReleased in January 2026

Quietest Places in New York City: Finding Calm & Peace in Urban Chaos By Nicole Kelner Published by Rizzoli UniverseReleased in February 2026

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me By Patrick Bringley Published by Simon and SchusterReleased in October 2024

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Anita de Monte Laughs Last By Xochitl Gonzalez Published by Flatiron BooksReleased in March 2025

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names By Rebecca Bratspies Published by History PressReleased in January 2023

Only Friends By Lydia San Andres Published by Atria/Primero Sueno PressReleased in February 2026

EAT NYC: The Iconic Recipes That Feed the City By Yasmin Newman; photographs by Alan BensonPublished by Smith Street BooksReleased in October 2024

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends
Published by Assouline
Released in November 2024

The Architect of New York: A Novel
By Javier Moro; translated by Peter J. Hearn
Published by Counterpoint
Released in January 2026

Quietest Places in New York City: Finding Calm & Peace in Urban Chaos
By Nicole Kelner
Published by Rizzoli Universe
Released in February 2026

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
By Patrick Bringley
Published by Simon and Schuster
Released in October 2024

Anita de Monte Laughs Last
By Xochitl Gonzalez
Published by Flatiron Books
Released in March 2025

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names
By Rebecca Bratspies
Published by History Press
Released in January 2023

Only Friends
By Lydia San Andres
Published by Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Released in February 2026

EAT NYC: The Iconic Recipes That Feed the City
By Yasmin Newman; photographs by Alan Benson
Published by Smith Street Books
Released in October 2024