Bookcase, Shelves, Corner Bookcase, Storage

A bookcase is the piece of furniture that defines a cultured and organized interior. Beyond simple storage, it transforms a living room, office, or hallway into a personal space where books, decorative items, and souvenirs are put on display. At Designix, we offer a complete selection of bookcases — from light wood Scandinavian models to industrial black metal designs, from compact small units to custom-made XXL bookcases. All our models are designed to support the real weight of books (reinforced shelves, wall mounting as an option).

Choosing a bookcase starts with defining its use: decorative display, functional storage, room divider, or wall integration. This comprehensive guide helps you find the right size, material, and style for your interior, with a comparison of the main brands (IKEA BILLY, Maisons du Monde, La Redoute, Made.com).

The 6 bookcase styles in 2026

What size bookcase to choose

Count on about 25-30 standard books per linear meter of shelving. For a collection of 500 books, plan for 17-20 linear meters of shelving. A 100×200 cm bookcase with 6 shelves = 6 linear meters. For a heavy reader, choose a large (160 cm) or double bookcase (2 models side-by-side).

Materials: what really matters

• Solid wood (oak, beech): supports 40+ kg per shelf without sagging. Lifespan 50+ years. Budget €400-€1,500.
• Wood-veneered MDF board: acceptable for small bookcases (less than 60 cm between supports). Beyond that, shelves will sag under the weight. Budget €149-€499.
• Particleboard/melamine: IKEA entry-level style. €120-€300. Lifespan 8-15 years with reinforcements.
• Metal: ultra-resistant (50+ kg per shelf). Industrial look. €199-€899.
• Glass: aesthetic but fragile, limited to 15-20 kg per shelf (tempered).

Bookcase calculator

Comparison: Designix bookcase vs IKEA, Maisons du Monde

Corner bookcase: the space-saving solution

The corner bookcase is one of the most requested formats in 2026: it makes use of a wasted corner of the room and frees up straight walls for other uses. Our catalog covers all variants:

• Original corner bookcase — designer models with rounded or diagonal angles, statement pieces. Ideal for living rooms or offices.
• Designer corner bookcase — contemporary creations, clean lines, premium finishes.
• Rounded corner bookcase — softened angles to break up the rigidity of a room's corner.
• Low corner bookcase — compact formats 80-120 cm high, ideal under a window or to complement a sectional sofa.
• Wall-mounted corner bookcase — fixed to the wall, completely clears the floor. Ultra-contemporary look.
• Living room corner bookcase — sized specifically to fit into a living room (with TV space, fireplace).
• White corner bookcase — bright finish for small rooms.
• Wooden corner bookcase — light oak or beech for a Scandinavian ambiance.

Spelling and phrasing variants

Search terms related to the corner bookcase vary widely: corner bookcase (standard spelling), corner book shelf, bookcase for corner, corner unit bookcase. All these queries point to our main bookcase category.

Designer bookcase: variants and materials

Beyond the corner format, our catalog covers a wide range of designer bookcases:

• Designer bookcase — contemporary creations in all wood species.
• Designer wood bookcase — oak, beech, ash, walnut.
• Industrial wood and metal bookcase — industrial alliance of wood + black metal.
• Designer steel bookcase — full metal, New York loft look.
• Designer white bookcase — matte or glossy white lacquer.
• Affordable designer bookcase — entry-level €149-€299, design preserved.
• Designer shelving unit — combinable modular systems.
• Affordable shelving unit — economical modular models.
• Iron bookcase — industrial variants.
• Chic/contemporary bookcase — elegant aesthetics.
• Bookcase furniture — generic terms.
• 3-shelf bookcase — specific formats.
• Designer bookcase planning, buy affordable bookcase — client intent searches.

Video: decorating with a bookcase

Video: 2026 furniture trends

Frequently asked questions about bookcases

How many books can a standard bookcase hold?

About 200-300 books in a 100×200 cm bookcase with 6 shelves. Count on 25-30 books per linear meter of shelf.

Should a bookcase be fixed to the wall?

Yes, mandatory for any unit over 160 cm tall or in a home with children. An anti-tip kit is included with 95% of our bookcases. It protects against tipping over in case of impact or if a child climbs on it.

Particleboard or solid wood bookcase?

Solid wood if the budget allows (€400+): lasts 30-50 years, supports weight without sagging. Particleboard for a tight budget: acceptable if the bookcase is < 100 cm wide (beyond that, shelves will sag).

Can you paint an existing bookcase?

Yes: light sanding + primer + 2 coats of oil-based paint (for durability). Total transformation for €30-€50. Be careful with glossy laminate furniture, which requires a special primer.

Open bookcase or with doors?

Open = maximum decorative effect, dust is visible. Doors = dust protection, books less highlighted. Mixed (doors at the bottom, open at the top) = ideal compromise.

Explore our other furniture collections

Storage furniture: storage units, dressers, sideboards and cabinets, cane wardrobes.

Office / Reading: foldable desks, armchairs, floor reading lamps, office wall sconces. Free shipping from €49, 2-year warranty.