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What to Look for in a Bookshelf

A Guide for Book Lovers and Design Enthusiasts

Are you a book lover who wants to display your collection in style? Or are you a design enthusiast who wants to add some personality and flair to your space? If so, you might be looking for a bookshelf that suits your needs and preferences.

Bookshelves are not only a practical piece of furniture that can store and organize your books, but also a decorative element that can enhance the look and feel of your room. A bookcase can create a cozy reading nook, a focal point, or a statement piece, depending on how you choose and style it.

However, choosing a bookshelf can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as size, shape, material, color, and design. You want it so that it fits your space, matches your style, and showcases your books.

That’s why we have created this guide to help you find the perfect bookshelf for your home. We will discuss how to choose the right size and shape, how to select the best material and color, and how to style your bookshelf like a pro. We will also introduce you to Taitlin Studio, a custom solid wood table and furniture maker that can help you create the bookshelf of your dreams.

Key Takeaways

What to Look for in a Bookshelf
Choose the right size and shape for your bookshelf based on the number and size of books you have, the available space in your room, and the layout and flow of your furniture.
Select the best material and color for your bookshelf based on durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics. Wood is a popular choice for its quality and beauty.
Style your bookcase like a pro by arranging and decorating your books and other items in creative ways. Use vertical and horizontal stacks, bookends, accessories, plants, lighting, wallpaper, or art to add interest and variety.
Contact Taitlin Studio for a free consultation and quote on your custom solid wood bookshelf project. They can customize your bookshelf’s size, shape, stain, and design to fit your needs and preferences.
Bookshelf - Modern Rustic

How to Choose the Right Size and Shape for Your Bookshelf

One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a bookcase is the size and shape. You want one that can accommodate all your books without being too big or too small for your room.

The size and shape can depend on several factors, such as:

  • The number and size of books you have. If you have a large or diverse collection of books, you might need a bigger or more flexible shelf that can hold different types of books, such as hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines, or comics. You can also use a tape measure or ruler to measure the height, width, and depth of your books to get an idea of how much space they will take up on the shelves.
  • The available space in your room. You need to measure the area where you want to place your bookshelf to make sure it will fit comfortably without blocking any windows, doors, outlets, or vents. You also need to leave some clearance around for easy access and movement. A general rule of thumb is to leave at least 30 cm (12 inches) of space between the bookshelf and the wall or ceiling, and at least 90 cm (36 inches) of space between the bookshelf and any other furniture or objects.
  • The layout and flow of your furniture. You need to consider how your bookcase will affect the overall look and feel of your room. You can use some painter’s tape or cardboard boxes to mark the area where you want to place your bookshelf and see how it will look from different angles. You can also use some online tools or apps to create a virtual floor plan of your room and experiment with different bookshelf placements.
Bookshelf - Living Room

Here are some tips and examples on how to choose the right size and shape:

  • If you have a small or narrow room, you might want to choose a tall or vertical bookshelf that can make use of the vertical space without taking up too much floor space. A tall bookshelf can also create an illusion of height and make your room look bigger. For example, you can choose a ladder shelf that leans against the wall, a corner bookshelf that fits into any corner, or a wall-mounted shelf that hangs from the wall.
  • If you have a large or spacious room, you might want to choose a wide or horizontal bookshelf that can fill up the empty space without looking too sparse. A wide bookshelf can also create a sense of balance and proportion in your room. For example, you can choose a floating bookshelf that attaches to the wall without any visible brackets, a low bookshelf that sits on the floor, or a modular bookshelf that consists of multiple units that can be arranged in different ways.
  • If you have an irregular or awkward room, you might want to choose a custom or unique bookshelf that can adapt to the shape and size of your space. A custom bookshelf can also create a personal and original touch in your room. For example, you can choose a rotating bookshelf that spins around, a tree bookshelf that resembles a tree, or a bookshelf with doors that can hide or reveal your books.
Bookshelf - Traditional

Design your Handmade Bookshelf

One of the advantages of choosing a custom bookcase is that you can customize it to fit your exact needs and preferences. You can decide the size, shape, stain, and design to make it as unique as you are.

That’s where Taitlin Studio comes in. Taitlin Studio is a custom solid wood table and furniture maker that can help you create the perfect piece for your home. They use various wood types like walnut, ash, maple, cherry, reclaimed timbers, or white oak to craft high-quality and beautiful handmade pieces. They can also customize the stain colour to highlight the wood’s natural grain and texture.

Whether you want a simple or complex, traditional or modern, small or large bookshelf, Taitlin Studio can make it happen. All you need to do is contact them for a free consultation and quote, and they will work with you to design and build your dream bookshelf.

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