Create a wall composition as tall as you'd like. Stagger the shelves and alternate the lengths for a punchy, graphic effect. With basic wall shelves from West Elm, you can choose from 2-, 3- or 4-foot lengths.
-WEST ELM/Universal Press Syndicate
THEY LEAN, like ladders propped against a wall. They float, with no visible hardware to show support. They seem to vanish, making objects on them appear suspended. They stand in the middle of the room, not at all where we're accustomed to seeing them.
The new look of shelves for books and objects of your affection adds a potent design element and versatility that stretches their use throughout the home. That's good news for those who don't have room for dedicated libraries or enough wall space for shelves to line a room.
That these bookshelves are more adaptable is evidenced in several dynamic features. Some are modular, a delightful trend that allows you to configure them to your needs. Although we've seen this for 25 years in the most simplistic form -- cubes that can be stacked one on the other -- the most recent designs are more sophisticated, both in materials and assemblage. When the elements are put together, they don't always look like stacked cubes.
CUBITEC SHELVING
The Cubitec shelving from Design Within Reach, for example, offers several looks, depending upon how modules are stepped. Crafted from a non-toxic polypropylene, the bookcase has a unique translucent look in white.
Another company's modular shelving system has flattened the cubes -- that is, rounded the edges. The Hive H2 shelving, manufactured by Cinal, has an undulating effect when it's silhouetted on a wall. Designed for staggering, the shelves don't line up horizontally in the conventional sense. Four vertical cubes connect with one shelf that connects to three cubes and two shelves, and on and on.
Other new-style bookshelves roll where you need them, as they sit on casters that allow mobility. And as far as shapes are concerned, the profiles may be less than conventional.
SAPIEN BOOKCASE
One unique solution for a healthy book collection is the Sapien bookcase available through Design Within Reach. Designed in two heights (83 inches and 60 inches), the all-metal piece is spare in form with a square pedestal base and back support for shelves that virtually disappear when books are stacked on them. It's an engaging concept, especially viewed in multiples.
Sarreid Ltd., a North Carolina-based furniture manufacturer, has introduced a couple of revolving bookcases. One 360-degree model is elevated from the floor on a metal tripod base, and its two-tiered top has a painted finish with gilt detailing. The company offers a similar library table in a honey finish, and also what it calls a revolving book table. It has more of a table shape but provides book storage in a cage that seems to float between the surface and floor.
While both Sarreid bookcases are as traditional as it gets, the Visions bookcase produced by Creative Elegance is a compelling blend of traditional materials with modernity. Constructed of a flat piece of chocolate-stained wood, it features a pair of chunky vertical supports for frosted-glass shelves that bisect them. The design is as much architecture as furniture.
Another architectural look is from Pottery Barn's fall catalogue. The Lucas collection has Asian overtones, and at first glance, the low-rise bookcase may look same-old. But there's something fresh about it. It's backless, reflecting a trend toward openness that has made new shelves look lighter in a room, yet its thick partitions make it look as substantial
as a built-in.
Also, the console doesn't have closed ends, which give the framing shelves a floating appearance. The solid-oak piece, which is finished with a hand-applied espresso-coloured stain, can be stacked vertically or placed side by side to make the most of space beneath windows.
CLASSIC OPEN-SHELF TOWER
The backless look is reminiscent of the etagere, the classic open-shelf tower that is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. A particularly fetching one was introduced by Interlude Home Inc. earlier this year at the spring furniture market in High Point, N.C. It's an elegant version with a Far Eastern accent, consisting of seven graduated black cubes edged in gilt.
For some time, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel have championed the use of ladder shelving, similar to open shelving found
in libraries. This bookcase
alternative allows the best conversion of books into still life. Simply mix artwork, sculpture, framed photos, candles and favourite trinkets that inspire you.
There is also a 'closed' version of the leaning shelf, one with a back. Both, of course, don't
simply lean. They have hardware that mounts invisibly to the
wall to keep them secure.
FLOATING SHELVES
Floating shelves have been part of the design landscape for at least a couple of years, but they continue to amaze with new looks and ideas. West Elm, which offers several options, shows how to use them maximally in a minimal environment.
Long shelves can be positioned one above the other, alternating long with shorter. Small shelves can be hung close together in a line, like a staccato dot-dash-dot. The shelves create a bold, graphic statement, and when objects are added, they bring warmth and personality.
Even bookcases in a more classic form have been shaken up. Asymmetry infuses shelves with new life.
In addition to freestanding shelving, some manufacturers are incorporating bookshelves into other furniture. The Italian company Flou, for example, puts shelves where there's a real need -- under the bed. The Salina bed displays books and other treasures in an open ebony platform that supports a tailored white upholstered headboard, and the bed flips up to reveal more storage beneath the mattress.
Such clever ideas don't appear to be waning. The future for bookshelf design is bright -- so don't close the book on it just yet.
SOURCES:
Creative Elegance: (626) 442-6900 or www.creativeelegance. com. Design Within Reach: (800) 944-2233 or www.dwr.com.
Interlude Home Inc.: (888) 525-6199 or www.interludehome.com.
Pottery Barn: (800) 922-5507 or www.potterybarn.com.
Sarreid Ltd.: (252) 291-1414 or www.sarreid.com.
West Elm: (866) WESTELM or www.westelm.com.
