Bookcases

Bookcase

Despite the name, bookcases are for more than just books. You can use them to store a wide range of items, including office supplies, media accessories and souvenirs. Choosing the right shelving for your home means understanding your space, your sense of style and your unique storage needs. To help you furnish your home perfectly, we have an outstanding selection of standard and specialty storage units to choose from. Whether you need a single, stand-out display shelf or a wall full of traditional shelving for a library's worth of books, we've got the best colors and styles available anywhere.

Types of book storage

At its most basic, a bookshelf is simply a plank supported by brackets or standards to hold your belongings and keep them off the floor. Once designers get creative, though, they come up with a wide array of possibilities in all shapes and sizes. Understanding your options will help you choose the perfect shelving for your space.

Standard bookcase

Standard bookcases are freestanding pieces of furniture. Each one is basically a large box with sides, a back and shelves. Though not part of a home’s architecture, some are designed to provide a built−in look.

Etagere

An etagere is like a standard bookcase, but it doesn’t have a back. The sides may be open as well, and the shelves are often made of glass. These are good choices for decorative displays of lightweight objects.

Leaning bookcase

Also known as ladder bookcases, these minimalist shelves are a modern twist on old-fashioned displays. The shelves get narrower near the top and are supported by side pieces that lean against the wall.

Bookcase with doors

Adding solid or glass doors to a standard bookcase adds a touch of formality and allows you to hide items from view for a cleaner look. Some bookcases have partial sets of doors combined with open shelves for versatility.

Cube storage

Standard shelves can be divided with horizontal and vertical pieces to form cubby−like cubes. Some cube storage is modular and allows you to stack individual cubes any way you like for a semi−custom fit.

Choosing the right bookshelf

When choosing shelves, first measure the space to narrow your search. Be sure to consider depth as well as height and width. Next, study your belongings and measure the largest one. Will it fit? Bookcases with adjustable shelves offer more flexibility if you’re planning to display items other than books. Once you have a general sense of the size you want, think about the styles and finishes you like. Matching your new shelving to your existing furniture will create a cohesive look, while choosing an accent color will help create a focal point in your room.