Bookcases and Bookshelves for Storage and Display
A bookcase uses vertical space to organise books while creating room for photographs, plants, baskets and decorative pieces. The best design should fit the available wall area, provide suitable shelf depth and support the way you plan to store or display items. Open shelving creates an airy arrangement, while doors and drawers can conceal smaller belongings and reduce visible clutter.
DeLiving’s collection includes wooden bookcases and freestanding bookshelves in tall, narrow, large and open designs. Current products feature mango wood, solid wood, acacia, sheesham and industrial metal elements. There are bookcases with doors, drawers and mixed open-and-enclosed storage, as well as display-led statement pieces. Materials, shelf spacing and construction differ, so confirm every feature on the individual product page.
Bookcase, Bookshelf or Shelving Unit?
In everyday UK searches, “bookcase” and “bookshelf” often overlap. A bookcase usually means a complete freestanding unit with several shelves. “Bookshelf” can describe the full unit or an individual shelf, while “shelving unit” is broader and may include cube storage, utility shelving or wall-mounted systems. This collection is focused on freestanding furniture designed for books, storage and display.
- Choose a bookcase when you want a framed freestanding furniture piece.
- Choose open bookshelves for easy access and an airy decorative display.
- Choose a design with doors when some items should remain out of sight.
- Choose drawers for documents, cables and smaller belongings.
- Choose a narrow bookcase when floor width is limited.
- Choose a tall bookcase when you want to use more vertical wall space.
How to Measure for a Bookcase
- Measure the available wall width at the narrowest point.
- Measure from the floor to the ceiling and note coving or sloped areas.
- Check the skirting board depth because it can prevent furniture sitting flush to the wall.
- Note nearby doors, windows, radiators, switches and sockets.
- Measure the depth and height of the largest books, baskets or objects you intend to store.
- Allow clearance for doors and drawers to open fully.
- Check the route through entrances, stairs and hallways before delivery.
- Plan a suitable method of securing tall furniture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use removable tape to mark the planned width and height on the wall. This makes it easier to judge whether a large bookcase will dominate the room or whether a narrow design will leave too much unused space. Always compare the marked area with the product’s exact dimensions.
Choosing the Right Shape and Size
Tall bookcases
Tall bookcases maximise vertical storage and can be efficient in smaller rooms where floor width is limited. They also create a strong visual feature. Check ceiling clearance, access for assembly and the manufacturer’s fixing guidance. Heavier books are generally better positioned on lower shelves to help maintain a stable arrangement.
Narrow and slim bookcases
A narrow bookcase can fit beside a doorway, chimney breast or wider cabinet where a standard unit would be too broad. It is useful for small collections or decorative displays. Measure carefully because skirting boards and nearby switches can reduce the usable wall width.
Large and wide bookcases
A large bookcase offers generous storage and can anchor an empty wall. Before ordering, plan how the shelves will be divided between books and display objects. A very wide unit may look heavy if every shelf is filled edge to edge, so leaving some open space can improve the overall balance.
Open bookcases
Open bookcases make items easy to see and reach. They work well for mixed displays and can feel lighter than fully enclosed storage. Because contents remain visible, use repeated colours, grouped book stacks and a limited number of decorative pieces to keep the shelves coherent.
Doors, Drawers or Open Shelves?
Bookcases with doors
Doors help hide visual clutter and can protect less frequently used items from everyday dust. Some designs combine an open upper section with cupboards below, giving you display space and concealed storage in one piece. Check whether the doors require extra clearance in front of the unit.
Bookcases with drawers
Drawers are practical for documents, chargers, stationery and other smaller belongings that do not sit neatly on a shelf. Confirm the internal dimensions where available and avoid overloading them. A drawer base is not designed for the same type of load as a fixed shelf.
Mixed storage
A combination of open shelves, doors and drawers is useful when the bookcase needs to support several functions. Keep everyday books and display objects accessible, while storing paperwork or less decorative items in the enclosed sections.
Materials and Finishes
Mango wood bookcases
Mango wood has visible grain and natural tonal variation, bringing warmth and character to a room. DeLiving’s collection includes several mango wood bookcases, including carved, slatted, light and dark designs. Natural variation means individual items may not have completely identical grain patterns.
Solid wood, acacia and sheesham
The collection also includes products described as solid wood, acacia wood and sheesham wood. These materials create a furniture-led appearance and can coordinate with wooden TV units, sideboards and tables. Use each product specification to confirm the exact construction, colour and care requirements.
Industrial and metal bookcases
Industrial bookcases use metal frames or accents, often with open shelving. The visible structure can create contrast without making the unit feel fully enclosed. They work well with darker lighting, metal accessories and other industrial-style furniture.
How to Arrange Books and Decorative Objects
- Place heavier and larger books on lower shelves where practical.
- Mix upright books with small horizontal stacks to vary the rhythm.
- Use bookends where rows do not fill the full shelf.
- Repeat a small number of colours or materials across different shelves.
- Group smaller objects rather than scattering them individually.
- Leave some clear space so the arrangement does not feel overcrowded.
- Use baskets or enclosed sections for items that create visual clutter.
- Keep frequently used books within comfortable reach.
Avoid placing fragile or valuable objects where they can be knocked easily. Do not cover radiators, vents or electrical equipment with the bookcase or its contents. If a shelf has a stated load limit, distribute weight evenly and stay within the product guidance.
Bookcase Placement and Safety Checklist
- Position the bookcase on a level, suitable floor.
- Check that it does not obstruct doors, windows, switches or walkways.
- Follow the supplied assembly instructions in the correct sequence.
- Use the recommended wall-fixing or anti-tip method, especially for tall furniture.
- Select fixings suitable for the wall construction and seek professional advice when unsure.
- Do not allow children to climb on shelves, doors or drawers.
- Avoid pulling several loaded drawers open at the same time.
- Recheck fittings after moving the furniture or changing the load.
Coordinating Storage Furniture
For glass-fronted or more enclosed display storage, browse our display cabinets. For broader cupboards, shelving and storage options, explore the storage furniture collection. You can also return to the living room collection to compare bookcases with complementary furniture.
Bookcase FAQs
What is the difference between a bookcase and a bookshelf?
A bookcase usually describes a complete freestanding unit with several shelves. A bookshelf can mean the same furniture or a single shelf. This collection focuses on freestanding bookcases and bookshelf units rather than individual wall-mounted shelves.
How do I choose the right bookcase size?
Measure the wall width, ceiling height, skirting depth and nearby obstacles. Then compare the product dimensions with the books, baskets and objects you plan to store. Also check access through doors, hallways and stairs.
Are tall bookcases suitable for smaller rooms?
Yes, because they use vertical space and can offer substantial storage without taking up a wide footprint. They must fit the ceiling and access route, and should be secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When is a narrow bookcase useful?
A narrow bookcase is useful beside a doorway, chimney breast or larger furniture item, or anywhere a standard-width unit will not fit. Check skirting boards, sockets and switches because they can reduce the practical space.
Should I choose open shelves or a bookcase with doors?
Choose open shelves for easy access and display. Choose doors when you want to hide clutter or store less decorative items. A mixed design can combine open upper shelves with enclosed storage below.
Are bookcases with drawers useful for mixed storage?
Yes. Drawers can hold stationery, cables, documents and other small items, leaving shelves free for books and display objects. Check internal dimensions and do not exceed the product’s load guidance.
Which materials are available for bookcases?
The current DeLiving range includes mango wood, products described as solid wood, acacia, sheesham and industrial designs with metal elements. Confirm the precise material and finish on each product page because the collection contains varied construction.
How should a tall bookcase be positioned and secured?
Place it on a level floor, keep it clear of obstructions and follow the supplied wall-fixing or anti-tip instructions. The correct fixing depends on the wall type, so seek qualified advice when the construction or suitable hardware is uncertain.
