Bookcase Definition

Bookcases can take many forms.

Bookcases are the most convenient and accessible means of organizing your books and keeping them out of the way while still easily locating them when you need them. A bookcase can take a wide range of forms, ranging from a single shelf in a corner to a built-in unit that fills an entire wall.

Definition

Any multi-level surface that is used to hold books can be defined as a bookcase. The most common bookcases are pieces of furniture that have been built for this purpose, but there are many other types of furniture and objects that can be and are used as bookcases. Bookcases can be used solely for books or to hold other household items, such as decorative bowls or fine art sculpture. Bookcases can be either freestanding and movable or built into the structure of a house.

Variety

Many older houses featured libraries with walls of built-in bookcases made of mahogany, walnut or other fine hardwoods. At the other end of the spectrum, people with more books than money may keep their books on shelves that are built out of bricks and planks. The primary difference between these kinds of shelves is aesthetics since they both hold books equally well. People with few books can get away with a single small shelf that may hold some paperbacks next to the bed. Those who are more prone to bibliophilia might dedicate all four walls of a room in their house to bookcases.

Optimum Conditions

Bookcases should be kept in an area that is dry with low humidity that doesn't get too hot or too cold. For particularly valuable or collectible books, the bookcase should be situated so that it is always in the shade as direct sunlight can lead to fading of the spines and to accelerated deterioration of old leather bindings. In houses with lots of small children or visitors, bookcases with many valuable books in them should be kept in a locked room.

Things to Avoid

Excessive humidity or dampness isn't likely to damage a bookcase but can definitely affect the books that are in it. Books that are kept for too long in high humidity can develop an unpleasant musty odor and may even begin to mildew if the level of dampness is extreme. Whatever type of bookcase you install, ensure that it's big enough for your book collection so that you're not tempted to jam and stack the books in it, leading to damage.

References

• The Free Dictionary: Bookcase
• Modeco Design: Best Bookcases Design for Living Room

Resources

• The Telegraph: 10 of the Best Bookcases