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A bookcase has to suit two things: the wall it stands against and what you want to keep on it. Our range includes low, slim, narrow, wide and large bookcases in oak, sage and stone grey finishes, along with open shelving in metal and glass, from ercol, Bontempi, Kartell and more.
Start with what it will hold
Shelf depth matters more than most people expect. Paperbacks and most novels fit a shelf around 20cm deep. Art books and lever arch files need around 30cm, and vinyl records a little more. Some of our designs come in a deeper version, so check the depth on the product page.
Low, slim or wide?
A low bookcase sits under a window or behind a sofa and gives you a top for a lamp or photographs. A slim or narrow bookcase uses an alcove or the space beside a door. A wide or large bookcase gives the most storage and suits a clear stretch of wall. Several of our ranges come in more than one of these shapes, so you can use matching pieces in the same room.
Measure the wall
Measure the width, the height and the depth you can spare. Check for skirting boards, which can stop a bookcase sitting flat against the wall, and for sockets, switches and radiators. Leave room for nearby doors to open.
Shelves and weight
Books are heavy, so put the largest and heaviest on the lowest shelves. The number of shelves is given on each product page, and our range runs from two shelves to 14.
Fix tall bookcases to the wall
A tall bookcase should be fixed to the wall so that it cannot tip, especially in a home with children. Check whether fixings are supplied, and use ones that suit your type of wall.
Open and modular shelving
If the shelves are for display as much as for books, look at the open designs. The Bontempi Charlotte is a modular system in sizes from 90cm to 410cm, and the Kartell Adam Wood by Philippe Starck comes with 5, 10 or 14 shelves. If you need cupboards and drawers as well, see our sideboards and display cabinets.
See them in person
Wood grain and colour are easier to judge in person than on a screen. Lee Longlands has been furnishing homes since 1902, with seven showrooms in Birmingham, Bristol, Peterborough, Abingdon, Cheltenham Spa, Kidderminster and Leamington Spa. Displays vary from showroom to showroom, so call ahead to check what is on show at your nearest. Interest-free credit is available on qualifying orders.
