Category Archives: Cabinet Books

Although many people use them to keep collectables and other display items, bookcase cabinets are normally used for neatly storing books in open cabinets with adjustable shelves. And if you’re a book lover you know how nice it can be to have storage for your books that are the proper size and have adjustable features to allow you to store and display your books as you want. The bookcase cabinet is an important item of furniture in any office or home.

Traditionally, furniture makers of the past used solid wood to build their bookcases. These days there are a number of additional different materials including plywood, particle board, melamine and steel with different type of decorative finishes that give the bookcase cabinet a very attractive look.

What to Look For in a Bookcase Cabinet:

Size – The size of a bookcase cabinet is directly dependent on the type of usage it is going to be put to. Consider the size and number of books you need to store. Make sure that the depth of the cabinet will allow for your largest books. Adjustable shelves are a nearly universal feature but make sure that the unit you are looking at includes this option so you can make the best use of the available space. If you need a lot of storage room, consider cabinets that are designed to sit side by side. This allows you to add and number of units that you need and they will look as if they were made for your space.

Type – Consider the uses you plan on using the cabinet for. Open bookcase cabinets are the typical choice for books and display of other items. But you may also want to look at a unit that is open in the upper section and has doors or drawers at the bottom for out of sight storage. These types of units can be fit in with other fully open bookcases to make a great looking wall unit if you are thinking of getting more than one section. Also, you may want to consider cabinets that are totally enclosed either with solid or glass doors. And if you add locking doors you can keep your books and property secure.

Quality – Balance the cost and type of construction material with your need for a quality and long lasting product. A fully loaded shelf of books is very heavy so you will want to make sure that the shelves are thick enough to support their weight without sagging and that the shelf supports are sturdy. The quality of the finish the look that you want is also important. Higher priced and higher quality bookcases made of solid natural hardwoods with a good professionally applied finish become and very nice furniture piece that will last for years and years. If, however, your need is more for storage only, there are a number of affordable options made from wood products that are of less cost or from steel that are available.

Design – There are many pre-made bookcase cabinets available both online and through local home furnishing and office supply stores that offer a multitude of types, styles, colors and options. Whether your choice is for utilitarian and affordable storage or for a unit that matches your home or office decor with a higher end ‘furniture’ look, you will have a large selection to choose from. And if your needs are such that you cannot find the best option in a manufactured bookcase cabinet, you can have one custom built. This is the ultimate option where you can get a unit made that will exactly fit the room you have available and you may find that there are local cabinet makers that you can work with to get a perfect bookcase unit built.

Remember that when you add a new bookcase cabinet you have the opportunity to solve not only your book storage needs, but at the same time may be able to use it to handle other items. And by taking a little time to check out the various types and options you can assure yourself of getting exactly the item you need and want. Continue reading →