Bookcases

Choosing the right bookcase

Start with the space, then the contents. A tall narrow bookcase uses height rather than floor area, perfect for an alcove or the gap beside a door. A low wide bookcase works under a window or as a room divider, and its top doubles as a display shelf. Measure the width and the ceiling height, and remember skirting boards can push a bookcase a centimetre or two away from the wall.

Shelves and what fits on them

Paperbacks are usually around 18 to 20cm tall and most hardbacks 24 to 30cm, so check the gap between shelves on the product page if you have large art books or files. As a quick guide:

• 2 shelves: low bookcases for under windows and children's rooms, such as the Basic and Essential low bookcases.
• 4 to 5 shelves: the standard tall bookcase, such as Alice Springs, Wally, Prima and Seaford.
• 6 shelves: taller or asymmetrical designs like the Ludza and Newcastle six-shelf bookcases.

Open or closed storage

Open bookcases are easy to browse but show every untidy shelf. Bookcases with doors and drawers, such as Prima, Shetland, Fribo and the Basic combination models, hide the mess below and display the good stuff above. Leaning and ladder bookcases, such as the Oslo leaning bookcase and Seaford ladder bookcase, give a lighter look. Glass-fronted cabinets are in display cabinets.

Finishes

You will find oak and vintage oak effect, white, black, grey, concrete effect and black metal frames with oak or black shelves. The Alice Springs tall narrow bookcase comes in eight colours. Check the product page for exact materials.

Whatever you choose, fix any tall bookcase to the wall, and load the heaviest books on the lowest shelves. It is a small job that matters a great deal in a home with climbing children.

Looking for wall shelves too? See cabinets and shelving. Bookcases pair well with our desks in a study, and many match TV units in the same range.