Choosing the Right Bookcase

Three shelves or five, straight or corner, fixed or folding. A bookcase is simple furniture, but the right one depends on the wall it stands against.

Start with height

A three-shelf unit sits below a window or doubles as a console behind a sofa. Four and five shelves suit a blank wall and hold a real library. Check the ceiling height and any sloping walls before choosing the tall option.

Use the corners

Corner and ladder bookcases turn an awkward spot into storage. They work especially well in bedrooms and bathrooms where every straight wall is already taken.

Folding and stackable designs

Folding bookcases need no assembly and move easily, which makes them a good choice for renters and students. Stackable units let you start small and add a level later.

Match the finish

Pick a finish that already appears somewhere in the room, such as the floor, a table or a picture frame, and the bookcase will look as if it has always been there.