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Bookshelves
Bookshelves for Every Wall, Desk and Reading Nook
Bookshelves
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About Bookshelves
Bookshelves for Every Wall, Desk and Reading Nook
Books make a room feel lived in, but only if they have somewhere better to live than the floor. The right bookshelf depends on how many you own and where you read. A reader with a handful of favorites needs a very different setup from a family with a wall of picture books and cookbooks. Our range includes a tall six tier wood bookcase, solid wood and kids' floating bookshelves, wall mounted book display ledges, a metal picture ledge, an acrylic magazine rack, a scalloped corner shelf set and desktop options like bamboo, grid and clamp on desk shelves, an expandable bookstand, clear acrylic risers and an iron record rack.
Choosing a Bookshelf
- Depth: Paperbacks fit on shelves about 8 inches deep. Hardcovers, art books and records need 10 to 12 inches.
- Load and safety: A full shelf of books is heavy. Anchor any tall bookcase to the wall with a tip restraint, and fix wall shelves into studs.
- Spine out or face out: Spines save space, while face out ledges show covers. Face out shelves are a favorite in kids' rooms because children choose books by the picture.
- Desktop helpers: A clamp on shelf or desktop rack keeps reference books and notebooks within reach and lifts clutter off the work surface.
Styling tip: On a tall bookcase, mix upright rows with horizontal stacks, add a few objects and a small plant, and leave some gaps. Put the heaviest books on the lowest shelves for stability. Rotate a few titles to face out each month so forgotten books get noticed again.
For collectibles and records, see our display racks, or float a few books on the wall with floating shelves.
Common Questions About Bookshelves
About 8 inches works for paperbacks and most novels. Choose 10 to 12 inches for hardcovers, coffee table books and vinyl records so nothing hangs over the edge.
Yes, for any tall freestanding bookcase, especially in homes with children or pets. A wall anchor or tip restraint keeps it from tipping if someone climbs or pulls on a shelf.
Group by size or color, mix upright rows with a few stacks laid flat and use some shelf space for objects. A little open space on each shelf keeps the bookcase from looking crammed.
It can, though leaving an inch or two of air gap behind it helps. A shelf pressed flat against a cold exterior wall can trap damp air, which is not good for books or for wood. Keep it away from radiators and direct sun for the same reason.
