A bookcase is usually not considered a piece of furniture every home needs, but it can be utilized in just about every room of the house. Bookcases add style and function to any space you incorporate them, and how you style them is just as important as the physical design.
To decide what kind of bookcase you want, you’ll first have to determine the size you need. Take plenty of measurements as you don’t want a bookcase that overwhelms the room. It will be a main focal point in your design, so be sure it’s proportionate to the space. A tall bookcase should have enough space separating it from the ceiling to avoid an overcrowded feel. Shorter bookcases look great with a painting or wall art hanging just above the piece.
Width is another aspect to consider. You’ll want to keep as much floor space open as possible for smaller rooms, so corner bookcases are perfect. If you have a medium-sized book collection but limited space, think about getting two corner bookcases to conserve floor space.
Depending on what you plan to store on the shelves, the depth should be a concern. Large volume books will need more shelf depth than a standard book or magazine. Vases and globes also require more shelf depth, so keep that in mind as you search for the right bookcase.
The bookcase will add function to any space in the home. How you set up the bookcase can enhance the design as well. Stack the books horizontally on every other shelf to give the piece some personality. Place a jewelry box or other decorative piece on the shelf instead of traditional bookends. Photos of exotic locations or places you’ve traveled will also add character to the bookshelf and let others grab a glimpse of your favorite locations.
You can purchase a bookcase as wide as your walls permit when space isn’t an issue. Large libraries benefit from that kind of storage. Use cloth or wicker baskets to break up the monotony of the books. They’ll also allow you to store files and other paperwork you may want to keep organized.
If you’re using the bookcase as more of a display for decorations, you have so many ways you can dress up the shelves. A small colorful blanket that adheres to the room’s color scheme gently draped across a shelf can really make the piece stand out. Shiny ornate picture frames for family photos are another way to upgrade the design.
The material for the bookcase should be durable as you want the piece to last and hold up to normal wear and tear. Wooden bookshelves come in the widest variety of colors and shapes. You can also find them in several finishes that would work with a rustic or industrial design. Bookcases with open designs are perfect for open floor plans. They won’t obstruct your line of sight and can serve as a room divider for areas you want to distinguish as separate.
