Lara Beck
Whether you're an avid reader or just like to keep a few books around, a bookcase in the bedroom can be a great addition. Not only do they provide a practical way to store your favourite reads, but they can also add a stylish touch to your space. From floor-to-ceiling bookcases that act as a room focal point to subtle, space-saving solutions, there are plenty of options to choose from.
But with limited space in most bedrooms, is a bookcase really a good idea?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | In a corner, above a radiator, over a sofa, in a nook, by a window or doorway, in a guest room, in an attic room, in a child's room, in a reading nook, by the bed, in a hallway, in a home library |
| Size | Small, tall, low, narrow, floor-to-ceiling, slimline, modular, compact, space-saving, corner, ladder, wall-mounted, floating, horizontal, vertical, custom-built, freestanding, low-level, half-height, full-height, adjustable |
| Style | Built-in, bespoke, custom-built, modular, floating, floor-standing, free-standing, open, enclosed, headboard, decorative, industrial, modern, retro, dark wood, light wood, colourful, neutral, painted, glass, acrylic, plexiglass, metal, wooden, solid hardwood, wall-mounted |
| Features | Adjustable shelving, fixed shelving, pull-out sofa bed, lighting, cable management, doors, handles, stackable, portable, low-maintenance, matching set, matching furniture, matching decor |
| Cost | $24-8500 |
| Reviews | Easy to assemble, sturdy, good value, space-saving, attractive, versatile, good for small spaces, good for large books, good for small books, good for plants, good for ornaments, good for vinyl, good for children, good for guest rooms, good for attic rooms, good for alcoves, good for corners, good for displaying items |
What You'll Learn
Bookcases as a bedroom focal point
Bookcases can be a stylish and functional addition to a bedroom, offering both storage and display options for books and other decorative items. Here are some tips to make bookcases a focal point of the bedroom:
Location, Location, Location
The placement of a bookcase is crucial in making it a focal point. Consider placing the bookcase behind or beside the bed, utilising it as a headboard of sorts. This not only makes books easily accessible but also creates a cosy reading nook. Another idea is to make use of awkward alcoves or corners by installing built-in bookcases, which can help to maximise space and create a seamless look.
Design and Customisation
Bookcases can be customised to suit your style and space. For a more affordable option, opt for freestanding bookcases that can be easily moved and rearranged. Built-in bookcases, on the other hand, can add great value to the room and the home. Consider incorporating features like floating shelves, floor-to-ceiling bookcases, or a combination of open and enclosed shelves to create visual interest.
Styling and Display
When styling a bookcase, treat it as an opportunity for personal expression. Apart from books, display decorative items, souvenirs, photographs, and artwork. Play with the arrangement by stacking books horizontally and vertically, leaving some space for ornaments and accessories. You can also group books by colour or size to create a stylish and cohesive look.
Lighting
Enhance the bookcase as a focal point by incorporating lighting. Adjustable wall-mounted lights or floor lamps placed beside the bookcase can illuminate the space and create a cosy atmosphere for reading. Just ensure that the lighting fixtures are installed safely and do not pose a fire hazard.
Colour and Contrast
Adding a pop of colour to your bookcase can make it stand out. Consider painting the bookcase itself or the wall behind it with a contrasting colour to make the bookcase a bold statement piece. Alternatively, for a more relaxed and cohesive look, match the bookcase colour to the walls, curtains, and soft furnishings in the room.
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Built-in bookcases
- Utilize Awkward Spaces: Make the most of awkward alcoves or narrow wall spaces by installing built-in bookcases. This can help to create a sense of flow in the bedroom and free up floor space. For example, you could position the bed centrally with built-in bookcases in the alcoves on either side, providing easy access to books from the bed.
- Save Space with Sleek Designs: Opt for sleek, made-to-measure built-in bookcases that blend seamlessly with the walls, curtains, and soft furnishings. This helps to create a calm and cohesive look in the bedroom, ensuring it doesn't feel overcrowded or chaotic.
- Incorporate Easy-Access Storage: Consider building bookcases around the headboard of the bed, providing convenient access to books while creating a cosy and unique ambiance in the room. Bespoke joinery can accommodate cabling for discreet bedside lighting, enhancing the sleek and functional design.
- Utilize Spare Rooms: If you have a spare room or guest bedroom, consider transforming it into a mini-library or reading nook. You can swap a full-sized bed for a pull-out sofa bed, freeing up space for floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases.
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Pair your built-in bookcases with a comfortable reading spot. Custom bookcases can be designed to include a built-in bench or seating area, creating an inviting space to curl up with a good book.
- Express Your Personality: A bedroom bookshelf is more than just storage; it's a way to express yourself. Pair your favourite books with framed photographs, decorative accents, and keepsakes to make the space your own.
- Consider Lighting: Built-in bookcases provide an opportunity to incorporate thoughtful lighting. Adjustable wall-mounted lights or hanging pendants can free up bedside table space while providing the perfect illumination for night-time reading.
- Work with the Architecture: If you have an attic bedroom or unique architectural features, design built-in bookcases that follow the angle of the ceiling or fit into alcoves. This maximizes space and creates a seamless, tailored look.
- Adjustable Shelving: For added flexibility, consider adjustable shelving. This allows you to customize the height of the shelves to accommodate different sized books, from paperbacks to oversized art volumes.
- Colour and Styling: Play with colour to make your built-in bookcases pop. Consider painting them a contrasting colour to the walls or using poplar wood, which takes paint well. When styling your bookcase, leave some space for displaying decorative items alongside your books. You can group books in odd-numbered piles and incorporate ornaments or plants to create a balanced and stylish look.
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Space-saving bookcases
Bookcases can be a stylish and functional addition to a bedroom, offering a dedicated space for books and other decorative items. When it comes to space-saving bookcases, there are several options to choose from:
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are an excellent option for those short on floor space. These shelves are attached directly to the wall, creating the illusion of floating in mid-air. They can be placed in corners, above doorways, or in any unused areas, maximising storage without taking up valuable floor real estate.
Corner Bookcases
Corner bookcases are designed to fit snugly into corners, making use of often-overlooked spaces. They can be tall and narrow, with multiple shelves to display books and ornaments. Some corner bookcases feature a ladder design, adding a stylish touch to the room.
Built-in Bookcases
Built-in bookcases are a great way to utilise wall space efficiently. These can be designed to fit into narrow sections of wall next to windows or in alcoves, without encroaching on the room's floor plan. Built-in bookcases can be customised to match the wall colour, curtains, or soft furnishings, creating a cohesive and relaxed atmosphere in the bedroom.
Freestanding Compact Bookcases
For a more affordable and flexible option, freestanding compact bookcases are ideal. These can be placed in various locations around the bedroom, such as next to the bed, in a reading nook, or even under windows. Look for narrow, low-height, or half-height designs that won't overwhelm the space.
Headboard Bookcases
Another innovative space-saving idea is to incorporate shelving into the headboard of the bed. This keeps books within arm's reach and ensures they are neatly stored in one location.
Multi-functional Bookcases
Multi-functional bookcases serve more than one purpose, making them ideal for small spaces. For example, a convertible shelf that transforms into a dining table, or a barn door that doubles as a bookshelf, can be both space-saving and versatile.
When choosing a bookcase for the bedroom, consider the available space, the number of books you need to store, and the overall style you wish to achieve. With careful planning and selection, you can create a calming and orderly space that showcases your books and enhances your bedroom's decor.
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Bookcases as room dividers
Bookcases can be a great way to divide a room, creating a clear delineation of space without the permanence of a wall. They can be particularly useful in small spaces, such as studios or apartments, where an open layout can make a space feel undefined and chaotic.
A bookcase room divider can provide a physical and visual separation of spaces, creating a cosy nook or private area. They also provide additional storage and display surfaces for books and decor. For example, a bookcase can be used to create a separate sleeping area in a studio, or to divide a large bedroom into a sleeping and reading area.
Bookcases with open backs can be used to allow light to pass through, keeping the space bright and airy, while those with drawers or doors provide hidden storage.
When using a bookcase as a room divider, it is important to consider the size and layout of the space, as well as the amount of storage required. A large, floor-to-ceiling bookcase can provide a dramatic effect and ample storage, but may not be suitable for a small bedroom. Alternatively, a low-level, half-height bookcase or modular shelving unit can provide a more subtle room divider while still offering display space.
Bookcases can also be customised to suit your style and space. For a cohesive look, match the colour of the bookcase to the walls, curtains and soft furnishings. For a more natural look, consider turning the books around so that the spines are not visible. To add a pop of colour, display books with bright or colourful spines, or add decorative items such as vases and ornaments.
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Styling a bookcase
Bookcases can be a stylish and functional addition to a bedroom. Here are some tips for styling a bookcase:
Location and Placement
The location and placement of your bookcase can be crucial. Consider placing the bookcase near your bed so that books are within easy reach. Built-in headboard shelving or alcove shelving on either side of the bed are good options. You can also try setting up two identical bookcases side by side to mimic the look of built-ins, or placing them on both sides of a TV or fireplace to create a unified look.
Space and Design
When designing a bookcase, it is important to assess the available space and the number of books you need to accommodate. If space is limited, opt for space-saving solutions such as discreet shelving or built-in shelves that utilise wall space efficiently. You can also incorporate shelving into your headboard or use low-level bookcases for a cosy reading nook.
Colour Scheme
Consider the colour scheme of your bookcase to complement the overall aesthetic of the room. You can group books by colour or opt for a neutral palette. Removing colourful jackets from books can help achieve a cohesive look. Additionally, painting the back of the bookcase a darker colour can make your book collection stand out.
Display Techniques
When displaying books, vary the heights and depths to create a visually appealing arrangement. Place larger books at the bottom and smaller ones on top. Mix horizontal and vertical stacks, and leave some spaces empty to avoid clutter. You can also display books imaginatively by leaning them against each other or placing ornaments on top of horizontal stacks.
Accessories and Personalisation
Enhance your bookcase by incorporating accessories and personal items. Add trailing houseplants, succulents, statement bookends, and decorative objects. Display framed photographs, mementos, and collectibles to make the bookcase reflect your personality. You can also showcase vinyl records or colourful ornaments that complement your colour scheme.
Editing and Curating
Remember that less is more when it comes to styling a bookcase. Avoid overfilling the shelves and leave some white space. Edit and curate your book collection, displaying only the books you truly love. Stand back and assess the balance of the bookcase, making adjustments to ensure both sides look harmonious.
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Frequently asked questions
Bookcases can be a great addition to a bedroom, providing a personal expression of your design style and giving you easy access to your favourite books. They can also help keep your space organised and calm, which is ideal for a restful night's sleep.
Bookcases offer convenient storage for books and other items, helping to reduce clutter in your bedroom. They can also be a decorative feature, showcasing your books, accessories andsection breaknd souvenirs. Additionally, bookcases can provide a functional space for a reading nook or home library.
There are several ways to style your bedroom bookcase:
- Arrange books by colour or size to create a visually appealing display.
- Leave some space between piles of books and accessories to create a deliberate and neat look.
- Incorporate trailing house plants or smaller succulents to add a natural touch.
- Use freestanding bookcases to divide your bedroom space or create a cosy reading nook.
- Paint your bookcase or usesection breaknd decorative shelving to make it a focal point in the room.
If you have limited space in your bedroom, consider these options:
- Utilise awkward alcoves or corners by installing floating shelves or narrow bookcases.
- Opt for built-in shelving or a book-filled headboard to maximise storage without taking up floor space.
- Look for slimline or modular bookcases that can fit in tight spaces.
- Make use of walls by installing wall-mounted or floating shelves.
- Consider a revolving bookcase to save space while providing easy access to your books.
When selecting a bookcase for your bedroom, think about the available space and the number of books you need to store. Also, consider the material and durability of the bookcase. Wood veneer and compressed wood layers are affordable options, but they may not be as sturdy as solid hardwood or metal. Additionally, factor in the design and style of the bookcase to ensure it complements your bedroom decor.
