Bookcases, by name, are meant to house books of all shapes and sizes. They come in all sorts of styles, including Barrister, Cubed, Corner and Kids size. They can be black or white or patterned or wood finished. They can be open-face or covered in glass. They are often the centerpiece of a living room, and as such, can act as a central place to exhibit not just books, but their own interesting design.



Funky bookshelves, bordering on the impractical, can keep a room upbeat and interesting. There are ones shaped like [square brackets] and {braces}; others in the shapes of pianos and accordions. Asymmetrical options, made of conjoined cube units, house CDs, DVDs, folders and books all at once. Coming in all sizes, these bookcases can take up the entire height and width of the wall. Want something s little toned down? Separate out the individual cubes to create smaller shelves in different parts of the room. Hexagonal pattern bookcases can house the occasional book, as well as toys and for-fun objects on display, while metal modular racks can create a multi-functional exhibit space for all your precious wares. When space is limited, and if contextually appropriate, a bookcase can be built into the lofted ceiling space above a den or bedroom.

Skateboard shelves can be hip with the kids of the house and help them put away their notebooks, while cases with integrated nooks for reading can give the kids an interesting place to do their homework. You can organize you books by color to create a rainbow affect, though the time it would take to do that could be outside of the realm of possibility. However, on a rainy day, instead of watching TV all afternoon, perhaps color-coding books could be the perfect project to brighten up your time inside. And while you are at it, take advantage of having empty shelves and (finally) dust and clean them.

If you are renting an apartment and can't nick the walls or hang objects, use two tall narrow bookcases on either side of the window to hang a curtain rod in between. In one “unit” you will have shelf space and a window covering! Have household goods that need a little hiding? Fill your shelves with pretty baskets, which can hold items like remote controls, cleats, plastic bags, and so on. And if you have items that you wish to show off, ditch the baskets and give your books a run for their money; pair them with your trophies, photo albums, framed art, or toy trains. Use the tops of arm-level shelves to place your keys, wallet, or purse when you first walk in the door. Having a space where you can always put down your personal belongings will help prevent misplaced items and hopefully keep you from having to crawl around the entryway in search of your keychain.

Though sometimes relegated to book storage and nothing more, bookcases can actually work as central design features for any room in your home, and display a variety of prized possessions. Modern updates leave you with tons of options to choose from, ranging from sleek and module to a traditional open-faced wood-finish. Choose according to your style and don't be afraid to take advantage of every shelf, nook, and cranny.