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Bookcase Buyer's Guide
Whether you are moving into a new condo, house or apartment, or just remodeling your place to get a new look, bookshelves provide both storage space and decorative flair. The bookcase you choose tells the world all about your personal style.
Bookcases are shelves specifically designed to store and display books. Shelves may be open or enclosed by wood or glass. Bookcases may be constructed of materials like hardwood,glass, plastic, or metal. Materials such as wood composites like hardwood veneers or plywood, are usually a less expensive alternative.
Bookcases are an excellent way to display not only your book collection, but your pictures and figurines as well. Bookshelves can complement any décor and add style to any room. If your décor is contemporary, choose solid colors or brushed metal for a sleek, modern look. Another good choice for contemporary décor is a glass bookcase. They also work well in a casual room. Cases constructed of dark wood are best suited for traditional homes. Lighter colored woods, such as pine or oak, complement homes with country décor. Painted woods also work well to create a charming country ambience. Choosing shelves with ornate molding and rich dark wood will work with leather bound books to enhance an air of Victorian charm.
Before you purchase your bookcase there are some things you need to think about:
1. Decide where your bookcase will be situated.
The first step in determining what the right piece for your home will be is to choose a spot for your bookcase. This will also help you decide what type of case will best suit your room. Make sure you measure not only for height and width, but also measure the maximum depth you have to work with. You do not want your bookcase to block the flow of traffic in your room. We have a wide variety of bookcases to fit your space:
- Standard Bookcases – Available in a variety of heights and widths, standard bookcases sit flat against the wall and usually have adjustable shelves deep enough to hold standard-depth books. They are also easier to move than other types of bookshelves. In addition to being put flat against a wall, these units may also be used as room dividers, or put back to back.
- Corner Bookcases – Corner units are a great way to save space in a room. They are usually triangular in structure with rounded shelves, but may also look like two rectangular units joined in the corner. While they may not hold as many books as a regular shelf, they are perfect for presenting your books, mementos and knick-knacks all together in your room.
- Wall Systems – Wall units create the look of a built-in library and provide a large storage space for not only your books, but pictures, multimedia gear, and collectibles as well. While these units may have components that can also stand alone, a large area will be needed to put together the entire unit. Wall units will give a custom, built-in look and a library-like feel to your room.
- Barrister Bookcases – Originating in Great Britain, the barrister bookcase is a traditional shelving unit that is distinguished by clear glass doors that easily flip up and slide back out of sight when access is needed. The barrister system is modular, and several units may be stacked to create wall units, cabinets or sofa tables. The wood, glass, and hardware options can give your barrister bookcase a simple or ornate appearance, depending on your preference.
- Children's Bookcases – Made of rugged materials and built to accommodate a child’s shorter height, these bookcases are designed for nurseries and playrooms. Most feature bright finishes and designs to captivate your child’s imagination. Child-sized bookshelves are constructed to allow easy access to any book your child may want, and encourage a lifelong love of reading. They also work well in a waiting room environment by helping to reduce clutter.
- Headboard Bookcases – Becoming an increasingly popular to save space in the bedroom, headboard bookcases can provide an elegant solution to your storage problems. These bookshelves are intended to sit flush against the wall. Many of these headboards feature sliding doors and compartments to stow your books, reading lights, and other necessities when you are relaxing in bed.
2. Decide what features you need.
Deciding on which design features you need will help narrow down the bookcase search. Figure out what you will be storing, and look for the features you need:
Modularor stackable bookcases create a custom feel and are a great way to add storage as needed.
- • Adjustable doors and shelves help maximize storage options.
- • The materials the bookcase is made of will help the piece integrate with, and/or anchor the room.
- • The finish will help to create an atmosphere and should compliment your furniture.
3. Decide what décor style you need.
We offer bookcases in a wide variety of designs and materials which you can mix and match to fit your home or office's unique décor. Don't make the mistake of assuming that bookcases won't work for you because they are all traditional - we can help you match up your personal tastes to a number of styles:
Contemporary/Modern - Influenced by industrial design, contemporary bookcases feature clean lines, minimalist design, or open forms.- Traditional – Elegant accents, dark wood finishes, carved details, or crown molding, define the traditional bookcase.
- Casual - Featuring the same rich finishes and woods of the traditional bookcase, but with simpler design details that span the gulf between traditional and contemporary décor.
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Country - Distressed, washed finishes and dainty details bring the unhurried charm of the country life to your home. - Iron, Rustic, Lodge – These bookcases are associated with the rustic life. They may have an outdoors feel, or use raw-iron, and be rough in finish and nature with sturdy, thicker construction.
- Craftsman, Mission - Has its roots in the early Spanish missions of the southwestern U.S., and the Arts & Crafts movement These bookcases are characterized by a straight, linear look and feel with horizontal and vertical elements.
- Office/Industrial - Designed to be durable and efficient, office bookshelves usually have large and deep shelves. Heavyweight materials and welded joints make these bookshelves perfect for the heavy use of most offices
- Kid’s Room - Featuring bright color, finishes, or fun shapes, child-sized bookshelves are constructed to allow easy access to any book your child may want.
4. You are now ready to order your new bookcase.
If you'd like a little more help from our expert staff, or have specific questions that were not addressed here, feel free to give us a call at (800) 390-3309, or use our Live Chat feature. The friendly staff at ATG Stores is always happy to help!
