I first fell in love with mid-century design when I was living in London: I bought Hans Wegner plank chairs for our first apartment. It appealed to the engineer in me – the timeless quality, the craftsmanship, the quiet confidence of objects built to last. But it was more than aesthetics. Every piece carried a story, a sense of character, that mass-made design rarely holds.
That spirit became the ethos of karakter, our mid-century furniture and design store in Newmarket, which we opened in 2012.
karakter books is a natural next chapter – a home for pre-loved art, design, photography, stories and the human experiences captured within them. We believe beauty should be tangible. A book passed through other hands carries intimacy, history and a spark of connection. In a world overflowing with the digital and the AI-generated, a physical book is an anchor.
We opened in November 2025, and it has been a joy watching people wander in, curious, then linger to browse – rediscovering old favourites or finding unexpected inspiration.
karakter books boasts:
- A living catalogue of over 10,000 titles, updated and expanding weekly, for delivery or in-store pickup. Designed for ease and discovery.
- Reading for every mood and moment: while our focus is on art, design and photography, we offer stories of imagination, expertise and humour across more than 10,000 books. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for, just ask.
- A light-filled, modern space that invites you to pause, explore and reconnect. Bring a friend, bring your book club. Stay a while.
karakter books is about real books, and the enduring power of the printed page.
So come join us. We’d love your feedback and your company.
Browse the website here
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