A Guide to Choosing the Right Bookcase
Although some readers now use e-readers, others still prefer the print format. But when your reading pile grows, it becomes difficult to find a place for all those books, andbuying a bookcase then becomes essential.
More than just a very useful piece of storage furniture, a bookcase blends seamlessly into the interior decor of a living room, office, hallway, or even a bedroom. For book collectors, a bookcase can even become a room in its own right.
However, there is a wide variety of bookcases available in different styles and sizes. The purpose of this buying guide is to outline all the factors you should consider when choosing the right bookcase.
What kind of bookcase should you choose?
First of all, it’s important to know that there are different types of bookcases designed to meet various needs. While the classic bookcase with multiple shelves remains the most common type, you can also choose from:
- a wall-mounted bookshelf, which is therefore hung on a wall;
- a period bookcase, often made of dark wood;
- A modular bookshelf with various cubic compartments.
The main advantage of a wall-mounted bookshelf is that it maximizes space by using the walls to add storage to a room. This frees up floor space for other furniture. A wall-mounted bookshelf can therefore be very useful in a studio apartment or a small bedroom. It’s also very popular in interior design for adding a simple, stylish touch to a wall and bringing it to life.
An antique bookcase, for its part, adds a unique charm and authenticity to a room. This piece of furniture—often a solid, dark-wood cabinet—is frequently adorned with rounded edges or carved designs. An antique bookcase is the perfect way to showcase old books. For storing literary classics in an office or a room dedicated to reading, a wooden bookcase is ideal.
Finally, you can also opt for a modular bookshelf, which is ideal for those who like to rearrange their furniture and adapt their interior decor to suit their moods or the seasons. Made up of separate cubic storage units, a modular bookshelf adds an original decorative touch to your living room or bedroom while optimizing space, since this simple design takes up minimal room. For a successful decor scheme with a modular bookshelf, it’s recommended to choose cubes in different colors or sizes.
Choosing the Right Library: The Importance of Identifying Your Needs
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of bookcases before making a purchase so you can choose the model that best suits your needs. At the same time, you need to identify your needs and ask yourself the right questions about how you plan to use your bookcase.
Choose a bookcase based on the items you plan to store in it
While a bookcase is primarily intended to hold books, it can also serve as a storage and decorative piece where knickknacks, picture frames, or even plants can be displayed. So, the first step is to ask yourself what the future bookcase will be used for and what items will be stored in it. It’s important to define your needs before considering other factors related to the bookcase’s size or specific features.
- Should the library have large bookshelves to hold comic books or large photo books?
- Will the library be used to store items, and should it have closets?
- Will the bookcase serve as a display case for figurines, and does it need to have a glass-fronted cabinet?
All of these questions will then help you choose the most suitable bookcase. Finally, the color of the decorative items you plan to place on and around the bookcase can also influence the color you choose for it.
Choosing a Library Based on Its Location
It is also essential to determine the future location of the bookcase in order to choose the right one. You’ll need to decide which room the bookcase will go in and its exact spot within that room. Not only does the location help you determine the ideal dimensions for the bookcase, but depending on the room, one model may be a better fit than another.
In the living room, a traditional bookcase can be placed against an empty wall. Above the sofa, you’ll want to opt for a wall-mounted bookcase. Under the window, a low bookcase is ideal. A bookcase in the living room often holds more than just books (candles, sculptures, photo frames, plants, etc.).
In a hallway, you need to pay special attention to the depth of the bookcase, just as you would in a bedroom, where you need to keep an eye on the dimensions so as not to clutter up a room that already contains at least a bed and possibly a desk and a closet. A wall-mounted bookcase may therefore be the better choice for a bedroom to save floor space.
Finally, to create a room entirely dedicated to reading, it might be a good idea to choose bookshelves that reach all the way to the ceiling. Installing a ladder to reach the books on the highest shelves is a great way to really enhance the room’s decor.
What are the ideal dimensions for a bookcase?
So, what size should you choose for your bookcase? As we've just seen, the ideal size for your bookcase is determined primarily by its intended use and location.
It is important to take into account various factors, such as depth, width, and height, as well as the minimum spacing required for other items near the bookcase.
Finally, you should pay attention to the spacing between each shelf, depending on the height of the books you plan to place on the bookcase. While a paperback rarely exceeds 20 cm, comic books can measure more than 30 cm. If you want to display several types of books on the same bookcase, it may also be a good idea to choose one that allows you to adjust the position of the shelves.
What material should you choose for your bookcase?
Finally, the last factor to consider when making a purchase is the material you should choose for your bookcase. This factor depends on various elements, such as:
- interior design;
- durability;
- lightness.
You should choose a material that will blend harmoniously with the room’s decor, but you should also consider other needs. To hold a large number of books, you’ll need to choose a material that can withstand the weight. To be able to move the bookcase easily, it’s best to opt for a lightweight material.
As such, some metal bookcases will blend easily into a modern decor. While durable, metal bookcases are generally heavy. For a welcoming and timeless atmosphere, a wooden bookcase remains a safe bet—especially since it’s an eco-friendly piece of furniture.
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