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Bookshelf Essentials

by Laura Leiva

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Ladder style bookshelf in a living room

Whether you want a place to store books or simply display collectibles, bookshelves are a versatile type of furniture that goes with any room or decor style. Aside from using these shelves for books, use the space for storage by placing baskets for magazines, games or videos in the living room. Place bookshelves in the bathroom to store extra towels and bath items. Below, you'll find a list of bookshelf essentials.

Essentials in Bookshelves:

  1. Styles: Bookshelves come in plenty of styles, so it's easy to find one that will fit with your current decor. If you have a lot of books or collectibles, a sturdy wall-mounted style will keep your belongings secure. Tower shelves are ideal for elevated ceilings. For small spaces, a corner shelf will offer storage without taking up much floor space. Traditional styles feature three to five shelves in a simple rectangular-shaped unit.

  2. Sizes: Size is an important factor when you're searching for the right bookshelves. Once you decide where the shelves are going to sit, measure the exact space to get an idea of what size you are looking for. A narrow bookshelf that features three to four shelves is ideal for a bathroom but may be too small for a living room or office. If you are using the shelves to store books, keep in mind the types of books you have. Small paperbacks require less space than hardbacks or large coffee-table books. Check the product description to ensure you are able to adjust placement of the shelves to accommodate whatever you will place upon them.

  3. Materials: Bookshelves come in many materials, from inexpensive medium-density fiberboard (commonly abbreviated as MDF) to more expensive glass or solid wood materials. Solid wood materials come in hardwood or softwood. Hardwood benefits include scratch-resistance and heavier weight, while softwoods are more delicate. One of the most affordable bookshelf material options is particle board, which is comprised of glued wooden chips. MDF is made up of fibers and wooden chips, as well, to create heavy but natural-looking shelves.

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