Indispensable pour tous les férus de lecture, la bibliothèque sert également à exposer ses plus beaux objets de décoration. Here are all our tips for choosing a piece that fits your living room and pulling off a stylish setup.
What questions should you ask before buying?
The first thing to consider is where the unit will go. This will give you a clearer sense of its dimensions. Most often, a bookcase sits against a long stretch of wall, or under a window if it’s a low-profile piece. It can also be placed behind the sofa. In any case, make sure its size is appropriate for the space you’ve reserved. To do this, don’t hesitate to measure the space (width, height, and depth) and verify that traffic remains smooth once your bookcase is assembled. Also make sure it harmonizes with the other furniture in your living room, such as the sideboard.
If your living room is small, consider using an corner of the room, a dormer side, or the space under the stairs. The solution may also lie in buying a narrow but tall model or wall-mounted shelves that you install above the sofa.
The material is another important criterion. Most models are made of wood or MDF and come in a wide range of colors and finishes. They’re perfect for interiors styled in chic country, Nordic, or vintage looks. You’ll also find pieces that pair metal uprights with wooden or plexiglass shelves, which blend beautifully with modern or industrial atmospheres.
What are the different types of bookshelves?
You’ll have a choice among several furniture styles:
- Furniture consisting of compartments (sometimes with doors) and shelves.
- Furniture consisting only of shelves.
- Products that can be mounted on the wall or placed on the floor.
- Models that integrate display cabinets, cupboards, or lockers…
Your choice will depend on your taste as well as the items you want to store inside. So assess how much you need to store, display, or hide, and whether you want to accommodate a television or not.
What are the different options for arranging a bookshelf?
Once you’ve found the bookcase that matches your requirements perfectly, it would be a shame not to showcase it. There are several ways to highlight it:
- Attach clip-on lighting to make your books stand out.
- Choose a backless bookshelf and place it against a wall covered with stylish wallpaper. This way, the pattern will peek through in places.
- Invest in designer bookends.
- Carefully select decorative items and travel souvenirs to place on your bookcase, in addition to books.
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