How to Choose the Right Bookcase for Your Space
Cuota
A bookcase is one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in a home. It stores, displays, and defines a room — but only if you choose the right one. Here's what to consider before you buy.
Measure Your Space First
Before browsing, take three measurements: the width of wall you have available, the ceiling height, and the floor-to-wall depth you can spare.
- Freestanding units need at least 30–35cm of depth and should be secured to the wall if taller than 150cm
- Floor-to-ceiling units make a dramatic statement but require precise measurement and may need professional fitting
- Leave at least 10–15cm of clearance on each side where possible — a bookcase that fills a wall exactly can feel cramped
Tip: Use painter's tape on the wall to mock up the footprint before ordering.
Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets
The choice between open and closed storage shapes both the look and the practicality of your bookcase.
| Open Shelves | Closed Cabinets | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Display, books, décor | Utility, hiding clutter |
| Maintenance | Requires regular styling | Low effort |
| Rooms | Living room, office | Hallway, bedroom |
Combination units — open shelves on top, closed cabinets below — offer the most flexibility and are a strong choice for living rooms.
What Will You Store?
Match the shelf depth and spacing to what you're actually storing:
- Books: Standard depth of 25–30cm; adjustable shelves let you accommodate oversized titles
- Decorative objects and plants: Shallower shelves (20cm) work well and feel lighter visually
- Baskets and boxes: Check internal height — you'll want at least 35cm clearance for standard storage baskets
- AV equipment: Check weight ratings; most flat-pack units are rated 15–25kg per shelf
Material & Finish Guide
- Solid wood: More durable and repairable; better for heirloom pieces or high-traffic rooms
- Engineered wood (MDF/particleboard): Consistent finish, lighter, more affordable — the right choice for most homes
- Finish matching: Warm oak and natural wood tones work across most interiors; white and grey suit contemporary or Scandi-influenced spaces
- Hardware: Minimal or concealed fixings keep the look clean; avoid ornate handles if your room is modern
How to Style Your Bookcase
A well-styled bookcase looks intentional, not cluttered. A few principles:
- Rule of thirds: Divide each shelf into thirds — books, objects, negative space
- Vary heights: Alternate tall and short items to create rhythm
- Layer depth: Place smaller items in front of larger ones
- Edit ruthlessly: Remove anything that doesn't earn its place
For a minimal Nordic look, keep the palette tight — natural wood, white, black, and one accent tone. Use baskets on lower shelves to contain everyday clutter.
Find your perfect fit.
