Bookcase buying guide

Standard bookcases 

When people think of bookcases, they tend to think of the traditional kind, a standard tall bookcase with 5 or 6 shelves. These can be perfect for a lot of different spaces: lining the wall of a dining area, or adding dimension to a kitchen or living space. A playroom or children’s room can always benefit from the added storage of a bookcase too, perfect for displaying artwork and trinkets, as well as books. 

Traditional bookcases tend to take up the least floor space in comparison to overall storage space when compared with more unconventionally shaped bookcases. They are often the most affordable option, as well as being easy to build. This has made them a popular choice for all kinds of homes, and they certainly won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

Modern bookcases

Bookcases these days come in all shapes and sizes. They can be used to add a splash of colour or some interest to a room, as well as much-needed storage space. 

Bookcases can also be used to set up a work or study area, or even a craft room. Many people get creative and use their bookcases as a way to adjust the layout of a room. Modern bookcases tend to work best when used in this way, as traditional tall bookcases often have solid backing that would obscure light and disrupt the space. The ideal room divider in an open-plan space, bookcases shield a busy cooking area from a calm living space, or add privacy by dividing a dressing area or office space into two or more segments. 

From cube-shaped stacks to bookcases shaped like ladders or even houses, there’s bound to be a bookcase out there to suit your space. Many bookcases come with adjustable shelves as standard; this gives you even more choice when it comes to creating a custom look, tailored to your needs. 

Don’t forget children’s bookcases, from clouds to colourful floral designs, many parents opt for front-facing children’s bookcases, so their little ones can easily pick out their favourite titles at a glance. 

Built-in bookcases

Of course, if you are struggling to find the perfect bookcase for your space, another option is to design your own built-in bookcase. If you have the skills you can do this yourself.

With built-in bookcases, the possibilities are truly endless. Over the head of your bed, above a doorway, some people even choose to transform their cloakroom toilet into a miniature library. 

You can also decide whether you want your built-in bookcases to be freestanding or directly attached to the wall. It’s important to make sure your shelves are highly secure as they will be supporting a lot of weight. The larger your bookcase, the more complicated this becomes. You’ll need to make sure your wall is suitable for drilling into, checking for any pipes or cables beneath the surface.

Bookcases with doors

Large, wall-to-wall bookcases can transform a space, bringing a touch of grandeur to a home. Due to their scale, larger bookcases can sometimes end up looking messy or cluttered. In this case, some people like to add doors to their bookcases, in order to create a sleek and elegant look. This will also help protect their contents, which can be useful for particularly valuable book collections such as antiques, rare or signed books, or first editions. 

Remember, bookcases can be used for more than just books, this extra storage can completely transform your space, from the kitchen to your office. Consider purchasing a similar piece of furniture from the same range for a cohesive look throughout the room. Dot picture frames around your room including on your bookcase to pull the look together. Add in a few accent pieces in the same colour or material as your bookcases to create a balanced look. 

Many people dream of having their own library one day. Now you’ve seen all of the different types of bookcases on offer, use our guide to create the library of your dreams.