Everything you need to know about choosing a bookcase
- Define your needs first: location, decorative or practical purpose, types of books, decorative objects to display.
- Measure the available height, depth and width, and assess the flow of movement around the furniture.
- Reference dimensions: a book (paperback, comic book, standard book) measures between 15 and 30 centimetres in height, with a depth of up to 15 centimetres.
- Consider the weight of your objects too: the total weight influences the choice of material, whether solid wood, metal or concrete.
- Fragile or valuable objects: choose a piece of furniture with glass sections. To conceal objects, opt for drawers or solid doors.
- Expandable bookcase: adding a similar piece of furniture allows the unit to grow as your collection expands.
Choosing a bookcase starts by defining your needs: the intended location, its decorative or practical purpose, the type of books to store and the decorative objects to display. These answers then determine the size, number of shelves, material and style of the furniture.
Bookcases have always been part of our interiors. Their original purpose was to store and organise books so they could be found more easily. But with the arrival of new trends, they have evolved and now contain more and more miscellaneous and decorative objects. Today, they adorn every room in our homes and come in many different forms.
An iconic piece of furniture reflecting a particular approach to furnishing and decoration, choosing the right bookcase and its location is essential for creating a harmonious, practical arrangement suited to your needs. So how do you choose your bookcase? With our guide and a wide selection of models, Maison Pavane has the bookcase of your dreams.
What questions should you ask yourself before choosing a bookcase?
Four questions help define your needs: do you already have a suitable location, will the bookcase be decorative or practical, what types of books do you want to store, and what decorative items will you place on the shelves? The answers determine the style, size, sturdiness and number of shelves.
To begin your search for the ideal bookcase, it is very important to define your needs. Here are a few questions to help you do so:
- Do you already have a place for the bookcase? It is important to define a location so you can choose the style, size and sturdiness of the furniture.
- Will its purpose be decorative or more practical?
- What types of books do you want to store (paperbacks, comics or art books), and is your collection likely to grow?
- What decorative items will be placed on the bookcase shelves?
Decorative or functional bookcase: what will it be used for?
Both purposes are possible, and the choice determines the furniture. Will it simply be a decorative element, or will it provide storage? If the bookcase is the only one in the apartment, clearly decide between a decorative and an organisational purpose.
If you own several, you can easily define different objectives for each one. In this case, choose a decorative and designer bookcase for shared areas, and a simple, practical bookcase for bedrooms and other rooms.
What types of books and objects do you want to store?
This determines the number of shelves. It is important to decide what you want to store before choosing the furniture. Paperbacks, comic books, art books and old collector's books do not take up the same amount of space or weigh the same, and your collection may continue to grow.
Decorative objects matter just as much as books. Their height determines the spacing between shelves, while their weight determines the required sturdiness of the furniture.
Open, glass-fronted or closed bookcase: which should you choose?
The type of closure depends on what you want to display. A bookcase with glass sections protects fragile or valuable objects while keeping them visible. Drawers or solid doors, on the other hand, conceal anything you do not wish to show. An open bookcase is suitable for everything else and creates a lighter visual effect.
Should you choose a fixed or expandable bookcase?
An expandable bookcase can be extended over time. As your collection of books or ornaments grows, you can add a similar piece of furniture and expand the bookcase in the blink of an eye. This is an option to consider when buying if your collection is likely to grow.
What size bookcase should you choose and where should you place it?
Measure the available space in terms of height, depth and width, then measure the books and objects to be stored: this second step determines the spacing between each shelf. A book measures between 15 and 30 centimetres in height, with a depth of up to 15 centimetres. Finally, allow for circulation around the furniture.
What dimensions should you allow for a bookcase?
You should carefully assess the location where you will install your bookcase beforehand, as its size may vary depending on the room and your needs. Whether large or small, it is important to consider the height, depth and width, as well as the possible flow of movement around the bookcase.
Remember to leave enough space to access the entire piece of furniture. A perfectly sized bookcase is of little use if there is no room to stand in front of it.
What dimensions should you allow for books, and how much space should there be between shelves?
A book (paperback, comic book or standard book) can measure between 15 and 30 centimetres in height, with a depth of up to 15 centimetres. Old collector's books are often heavier and larger. Measure the books and decorative objects you wish to store: this step determines the space to leave between each shelf.
| Type of book | Height | Depth | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback, comic book, standard book | 15 to 30 cm | Up to 15 cm | Determines the spacing between shelves |
| Old collector's book | Often larger | Often larger | Heavier weight; check the sturdiness of the furniture |
How many bookcases should you have, and where should you place them?
Will your bookcase be the only one in the apartment? If so, decide whether its purpose will be exclusively decorative or purely organisational. If you own several, you can assign a different purpose to each one.
The choice of location for this practical and decorative piece of furniture is therefore important. Here are a few places where your bookcase will fit perfectly.
Where should you place your bookcase according to the room?
Each room calls for different furniture: practical and accessible in a bedroom, displayed and coordinated in a living room, sized according to the volume of documents in an office, or narrow and clear of the walkway in a hallway.
Which bookcase should you choose for a bedroom?
In a child's bedroom, you will generally find a practical, narrow, not-too-tall storage bookcase that is accessible to young children. Montessori-style bookcases are very popular today, allowing children to take out a book and put it away independently.
The same applies to bedroom bookcases in general: they are for avid readers who fall asleep with a book and pile them up on their bedside tables. Choose practical, simple bookcases that are not too imposing.
Which bookcase should you choose for a living room?
A different strategy is needed for the living room. Much more visible, the bookcase will form an integral part of your room's décor. You can opt for a tall and imposing piece of furniture. If possible, adapt and coordinate the bookcase with the other living room furniture. For a lighter look, a backless unit is recommended.
Feel free to play with versatility and style, enjoy yourself and add real character to your room. Consider adding lighting to highlight the books and displayed objects.
Which bookcase should you choose for an office?
The office is a room where a bookcase is essential. It is a dedicated space where storage and organisation are vital for working efficiently and in good conditions. Whether imposing or more compact, the choice will depend on the volume of books and documents to store and the size of your office.
Can you place a bookcase in a hallway?
Yes, provided it does not obstruct movement. As a passageway, a hallway is well suited to a bookcase filled with books or decorative objects, but the available width is the main consideration if the hallway is narrow.
Let your imagination take over and decorate as you wish. You can opt for an industrial style, a cosy look or a modern design: just remember to keep a few pieces of furniture in the same style nearby to maintain a certain harmony.
Which bookcase should you choose for a small living room?
In a small living room, first measure the available space in terms of height, depth and width: an imposing bookcase may not be suitable. A backless unit creates a lighter visual effect, while placing heavy and bulky objects at the bottom of the bookcase gives the whole arrangement an open, almost airy feel.
Also check the available circulation space around the furniture and leave enough room to access all the shelves. In a small room, this is often what rules out a model, more than its floor footprint.
Then coordinate the bookcase with the other living room furniture, as it will be highly visible. White is often recommended to reduce the impression of bulk, and an expandable bookcase will allow you to add to the arrangement later if you move to a larger home.
Which materials should you choose for a bookcase?
Solid wood, metal and concrete are all suitable. Wood remains a safe choice, metal offers comparable sturdiness, and combining the two creates an industrial style. In addition to measuring your books and objects, weigh them: the total weight determines which material to choose.
Depending on your previously defined objectives—ambience, organisation or a little of both—as well as the decorative style and sturdiness you want for this piece of furniture, certain materials should be prioritised. From solid wood to concrete, via metal, anything is possible.
But wood remains timeless and a safe choice. A beautiful wooden bookcase is very much part of the image associated with this piece of furniture.
Metal, which is just as strong and sturdy as wood, is also an ideal material for a shelf or bookcase. Wood and metal are often combined on this type of furniture: together, they give your room character and provide an attractive industrial style.
Which colour should you choose for your bookcase?
The colour should be chosen to match the style and design of the room. White is often recommended to reduce the impression of bulk. Wood, whether cedar, mango, acacia or recycled, is suitable for those who love natural colours. The drawers can echo a colour already present in the room.
If you appreciate the raw look of wood and natural colours, a wooden bookcase will perfectly meet your expectations. Sturdy and timeless, wood blends into many interior styles.
You can easily echo one of the colours used in your room with the drawers of your bookcase. Customise your bookcase in this way and add colourful decorative elements to bring a touch of originality to your interior.
How should you organise your bookcase?
Place heavy and bulky objects at the bottom of the bookcase. This allows the furniture to better support the overall weight, while keeping the arrangement open and almost airy rather than overloaded.
Choosing a bookcase has a significant impact on your décor. Remember to combine sturdiness and design while clearly defining your objectives beforehand. The size and location will already narrow down the selection; the intended purpose of the bookcase will then help you make the right choices.
The books and ornaments stored in a bookcase are also objects of escape or reminders of memories: let the bookcase remain an open piece of furniture where our dreams can be stored and our memories kept alive.
FAQ: how to choose the right bookcase
How much space should you leave between the shelves of a bookcase?
The spacing depends on the books to be stored. Measure the books and decorative objects you wish to store: this step determines the space to leave between each shelf. As a guide, a book measures between 15 and 30 centimetres in height.
Which material should you choose for a bookcase?
Solid wood, metal and concrete are all possible choices. Wood remains timeless, metal is also strong and sturdy, and combining the two creates an industrial style. Weigh your books and objects before deciding: the total weight influences the material to choose.
How can you protect valuable objects in a bookcase?
Choose a piece of furniture with glass sections: fragile or valuable objects remain visible while being protected. If, on the other hand, you want to conceal certain objects, opt for a bookcase equipped with drawers or solid doors.
Can a bookcase be expanded later?
Yes, provided you choose an expandable model. As your collection of books or ornaments grows, you can add a similar piece of furniture and expand the bookcase in the blink of an eye. This is an option to consider if your collection is likely to grow.
Which bookcase should you choose for a child's bedroom?
A practical, narrow, not-too-tall storage bookcase that is accessible to young children. The Montessori style meets this need: it allows children to take out a book and put it away independently.
What is the difference between a bookcase and a shelving unit?
A bookcase is a storage unit mainly intended for books and objects, often tall and defining the structure of the room. A shelf refers to a lighter, more open solution, intended as much for displaying as for storing. Both can be found in our bookcases and shelving units collection.
