Bookcases & Bookshelves
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There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. But, when you’re not reading, it’s important to have a place to store them. That’s where bookcases come in. Of all the furniture pieces, bookshelves might be some of the most useful. A bookshelf or a shelving set adds surface space for storing books, binders, papers and miscellaneous items that don't fit anywhere else. Their utility is seemingly endless, so let’s dive into some of the finer details about bookcases so you can find the best one for your space.
Why Should I Use a Bookshelf?
Even though the name suggests that you can only use them for books, bookcases can be used to store any item that needs a place to live. That way your possessions will stay protected and organized in your office or home. Bookcases generally have at least three levels, and they are built to hold a lot of weight, so along with your books, you can store things like binders and decor. You can even keep office equipment like printers and copiers on them without the shelves bowing or breaking.
Additionally, you can intuitively organize your belongings in terms of importance and how often you use specific items. For example, things that you use more often will naturally go in the middle because they are much easier to reach. If you have children or pets, more expensive or fragile objects will go to the top (but don’t forget to secure the entire bookcase unit to the wall so it won’t tip over!) Lastly, heavier items, like storage bins and totes or textbooks, go on the bottom shelves so if they ever did fall, they wouldn’t fall far.
What Features Should I Look for In a Bookshelf?
When choosing a bookshelf, there are many features to consider to determine which shelf best fits you and your space.
Materials
Staples has bookshelves in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, laminate, particle board and laminated wood. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to think about where your bookcase is going to be and who is going to be using it. For example, if you’re using a bookcase in a classroom, it’s better to get a particle board or laminated wood bookcase and bookshelf because they are generally a little softer than wood or metal, but they can withstand a lot of activity.
Colors and Designs
Bookcases also come in a variety of colors that will fit in any space and environment. Some of the neutral colors include black, brown, white and gray, but you can also get them in more vibrant colors like red, blue and yellow.
Number of Shelves
Bookcases generally have at least two levels and can feature up to 6. You can even customize your bookshelves with alternative shelving options, like cube and half shelves, so you can have the best solution for your needs.