A bookcase is, first and foremost, a way to organize and store books, magazines, or even all kinds of objects. But it’s also a way to decorate and enhance a room, which is why it’s important to choose the right bookcase. When making this choice, many factors come into play, such as size and color.
However, it seems that choosing the right material is just as important, because while the furniture needs to be sturdy and durable, it must also blend in with the room’s decor to create harmony. Among the best materials for building a bookcase, solid wood is a safe bet, but you could also choose metal—or why not a combination of the two? Here’s a guide to help you make your choice.
Tips for Setting Up a Library in a Living Room
A bookcase is an essential piece of furniture in a living room. While it was once used solely for storing books, today it holds many other items. These can include decorative items, picture frames, DVDs, CDs, or even televisions. Before choosing a material, it’s essential to determine your needs. Will it be a wall-mounted bookcase or a custom-made one? Answering these questions naturally helps you make that choice, since some materials are notably easier to work with than others.
In a living room, the bookcase is on full display and serves as a focal point of the decor. It is therefore essential that the bookcase’s color and style complement the living room’s existing decor. It’s a good idea to start by defining the style of your living room, which could be:
- industrial;
- rustic;
- modern;
- bohemian.
Once you've decided on the style of your living room, choosing the right material will be much easier. Whether you're looking for a bookcase made of wood, metal, or glass, here are our tips.
A wooden bookshelf for a touch of nature
With a wooden bookcase, it's hard to go wrong. The wide variety of wood types means you can find one that matches the decor and style of your living room.
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Solid wood
Solid wood is the traditional material used for furniture such as bookcases. It is easy to work with and makes it particularly simple to build custom bookcases. Solid wood is exceptionally sturdy, so it can support relatively heavy objects.
It is elegant and timeless, and fits perfectly into a room with a natural feel. If you want to give a room a Haussmann-style look, adding a wooden bookcase will do the trick perfectly. Solid wood bookcases have the advantage of blending seamlessly with a wide variety of colors and materials. They can easily be incorporated into many different interior design styles. When paired with other metal objects and furniture, a wooden bookcase blends very well with industrial-style rooms.
However, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of wood in order to choose the one that best suits the decor in question. For example, some woods are darker than others. Thus:
- Oak is recommended for a rustic decor;
- Pine is a light-colored wood that is perfectly suited to minimalist, Scandinavian decor, as well as industrial style;
- Walnut is known for its warm character and blends very well with contemporary and designer decor;
- Cherry wood lends a very refined, classic style;
- Ebony is a dark wood that adds a touch of elegance to any room;
- etc.
While wood is indeed more expensive than other materials used in the construction of a library, it is nonetheless a safe bet when it comes to quality and durability.
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MDF panels
MDF—or medium-density fiberboard —is a material widely used in furniture. It has many advantages, from its strength to its ease of handling:
- MDF is a good alternative to solid wood, especially because it is less expensive;
- MDF is easier to work with, so it's a good option if you want to build your own bookcase;
- MDF is not prone to cracking or warping.
It is important to note that MDF panels also have drawbacks. In addition to its sensitivity to water, one of the most significant drawbacks relates to its composition. Although MDF is made from wood fibers, it undergoes processing, and certain chemicals may be used. When it is cut, the dust produced can be harmful to health.
A metal bookshelf for industrial-style living rooms
Metal is another material widely used in library construction, for several reasons:
- Metal shelves are durable and sturdy and can support a heavy load. Of course, it is always advisable to check with the manufacturer regarding the maximum weight capacity;
- Metal bookcases come in a wide variety of colors;
- they have a long service life;
- Metal is a material that is easy to recycle.
This metal bookcase is ideal for living rooms with an industrial style. It pairs perfectly with wood for a modern look.
A glass bookcase for a contemporary interior
Glass bookcases may seem a bit surprising, but they’re becoming increasingly common in homes. They create a minimalist look and add a contemporary touch to living rooms. Plus, glass lets light through, keeping the living room bright all day long.
Glass bookcases are very trendy and appeal to people looking for an elegant storage solution. Glass shelves are very popular because they complement most room styles and existing decor, while also being very easy to clean. However, they are very fragile, so be careful not to place objects that are too heavy on them, or they may break.
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