After the advent of the printing press, when average people began to be literate and own books, there were no such things as bookcases. People simply put their books in cupboards, sometimes taking the doors off for easy access. Eventually woodworkers started making freestanding bookcases like the ones we see today.

Wood is still by far the most common material used to make bookcases. It's sturdy, handsome and traditional. Libraries often use metal shelves, but these lack the aesthetic appeal that most people want for their homes. Bookcases made of granite, marble or other materials are on the market, but their expense prevents them from being widely used.

Bookcase design is fairly simple, and most consumers still prefer the standard "look" for both form and function. People who have hundreds of books in their possession usually want something sturdy and simple, elegant perhaps, but mostly focused on the basic task of holding the books.

Some innovations have been made, however. A fairly recent shift in bookcase design has the shelves at the bottom much deeper than the ones at the top, tapering up as they go. This design, aside from being visually appealing, is great for homes with small children because it makes it virtually impossible for the bookcase to be tipped over.

Other bookcases are shaped in a modern, stylish fashion, with shelves of different sizes and lengths. These are often more useful as decor than as bookcases, as they don't actually hold very many books. But if you don't have many books (or knickknacks, picture frames, etc.) to display, one of these modern designs may complement your home nicely.

Many bookcases that require assembly come with adjustable shelves, allowing the owner to accommodate books of unusually large or small heights. These bookcases are not generally of the highest quality, however, and may not be as visually pleasing as some of the more expensive ones. They are usually perfectly functional, though.