Bookshelf Runoff

how to choose a bookshelf
Which bookcase should we put here?

Between the expansive blank wall and the stacks of books in our living room, it’s pretty obvious we need a bookshelf. Now the question is . . . which one? Á la our Rug Runoff, I’ve selected a handful of my favorite bookshelves and I’m hoping you can help me pick the one that will work best for our space!

Things to Keep in Mind
Positioned directly across from the front door, this bookcase will essentially be the first thing guests see when they walk into our home (no pressure). That said, it should blend with the room’s decor but make a statement on its own. Plus, it’s got to comfortably fill out this 70”w x 108”h wall with ample breathing room on the sides and enough height to draw the eye up.

The  Contenders
bookshelf from jayson home and garden
Rockwell Bookcase
Without being matchy-matchy, I love that this crisscross-piece from Jayson Home and Garden has a similar look and feel as our bricklayer’s coffee table. At 36.5”w x 84”h, the reclaimed wood and metal unit is one of the taller and narrower options in this group, leaving a good amount of the wall exposed on the sides (not sure if that’s good or bad but it’s something to consider).

metal-frame bookshelvesLeft Bank Bookcase
This option from Vivaterra is Mike’s favorite for its straightforward-industrial look and for me, the exposed rivets and gray-washed wood shelves have a raw Parisian charm that could win me over.

contemporary bookshelf from wisteriaNaturally Beautiful Bookcase
From Wisteria, this 53” wide casegood would practically fill the whole wall but a bookshelf that feels more like a built-in could be a nice effect. . . . With pretty wood spindles and an X-back, it would play on the updated-traditional elements in the room like the sofa and fireplace.

bookshelf design from fakturaScala Bookcase
This white and black metal bookshelf may seem too modern for my home but imagine it with bamboo shelves and a silver frame . . . it could work perfectly. Faktura Design makes this piece in a variety of finishes and materials and can even make the 70”h good taller for a couple hundred. I love that these cantilevered shelves act like bookends in the center and have a look like nothing else on the market.

Which bookcase is your favorite for our home? Please cast your vote in the comments below!

17 Comments

  1. Robin said:

    Love the simplicity of the left bank and scala bookshelves. The Scala would be fab in bamboo and silver… contemporary with the warmth of bamboo.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  2. 123aaron456 said:

    Check out this amazing contemporary chair! I purchased it for working at the computer in my living room. I didn’t want something that looked like a generic office chair – and it sure does look unique! But on top of that, I’ve been able to work at the computer for hours without the back pain I’d become resigned to.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  3. Rachel Smith said:

    We have a ton of bookcases, so I'm going about this the most pragmatic way I can think of. The one from Wisteria seems the sturdiest to me. It's a bonus that it's beautiful, too. Win Win.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  4. Tifany Ness said:

    I'm going to go with Mike on this one. I vote for the Vivaterra. The shelves are really what pop for me.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  5. booth said:

    I suggest picking up several milk crates. Practical, re-using, and gives more character. Or at least something from a yardsale. Becasue next thing you know, you'll go visit your friends aparmtent and they will have the same book case you just picked out.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  6. Mike Howard said:

    Left bank Vivaterra for me. I love the reclaimed wood planks on each shelf. From that photo you can only really see it on the bottom shelf but its all over.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  7. i vote for the left bank/vivaterra one… love the reclaimed wood (esp for you guys) and the width is the thing that tips the scales for me. it seems the best proportioned for the space you mentioned.

    May 27, 2010
    Reply
  8. Jess said:

    Left Bank Bookcase all the way. It has a certain Je ne sais quoi.

    May 28, 2010
    Reply
  9. Ryan Howard said:

    Naturally beautiful for me. Once you put the classics on that baby, it will look very cool indeed. Hope to see it in your home soon!

    May 28, 2010
    Reply
  10. Amy Kaissar said:

    I finally figured it out! I vote for the Scala. Definitely the most interesting.

    May 28, 2010
    Reply
  11. Left Blank for sure… though I like the milk crate idea… if you did that you should spray paint them white so they go with your trim 🙂

    June 1, 2010
    Reply
  12. Scott Kopcho said:

    left bank…love it. I was just looking at a similar hole in our condo today, and a stack of books on the floor! The curved metal corners are great!

    July 13, 2010
    Reply
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    September 5, 2011
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