Why have a bookshelf in the living room?
Why has a bookshelf become indispensable in a home? It’s definitely one of the first pieces of furniture purchased by avid readers, but we see it more and more often in all apartments because it’s a great compromise between functional furniture and a design element. And it’s the design of a bookshelf that defines its function, not just its aesthetic.
Most traditional bookshelves are made of wood; they are composed of various shelves, but can also feature drawers or integrated compartments. Some people who had a classic cabinet with shelves and display cases have chosen to turn it into a bookshelf with a retro aesthetic. Then there are bookshelves that resemble more of shelves themselves, like those made of steel, iron, or metal in general. To date, these are probably the most popular, as they are highly versatile and easy to match in various environments, not just the living room.
Having a bookshelf, regardless of the chosen design, means investing in a multifunctional, long-lasting piece of furniture that will never go out of style. Of course, trends also change with the types of bookshelves being purchased. This year, there is a strong preference for metal bookshelves and colored bookshelves.
Colored Bookshelves: 4 Eccentric Bookshelves
Why buy a colored bookshelf? The wooden bookshelf is undoubtedly the most charming of all the options because it represents the classic bookshelf of traditional living rooms. Over the years, the models have changed, and bookshelves have adapted more and more to the spatial and functional needs of living spaces. They have become more compact, easier to customize, and we now find various modular solutions that allow us to configure the bookshelf as we like, integrating it with the rest of the furniture.
Today, it’s easier to choose a new bookshelf to place among already existing furniture, as there is more freedom in defining the space. This is why we can buy a colored bookshelf without creating a strong contrast with the existing décor, as long as we respect the chosen style and available space. Certainly, we cannot place a slim, pop-colored bookshelf—like a bright orange one—in a traditional living room.
So let’s take a look at some models to inspire us and give a more interesting aesthetic to the living area of our home.
Castle Bookshelf by Tonin Casa: The Ultimate in Design
Libreria a parete Castle di Tonin Casa - Arredametno Pari
Let’s start with a bookshelf with an original design that can be customized thanks to the various finishes available in the catalog. This is the Castle wall-mounted bookshelf by Tonin Casa, a bookshelf with a metal structure and wooden shelves. It features a light and essential structure, whose strength lies in the open spaces and triangular light patterns that invade the presence of metal and wood, almost as if it were a house of cards.
Castle is a truly unique bookshelf because it fills up with colors and the light effects that each of its finishes can create. It can be shaped as desired, whether positioned vertically or horizontally. It is configurable in three finishes:
01 White
83 Bronze Stone
68 Agate Pink
If you’re looking for a colorful and truly distinctive bookshelf, the recommendation is to go for Agate Pink, a light, luminous color similar to antique rose.
The Castle bookshelf can be integrated into a modern living room, a contemporary living space—perfect for pink as the color of the bookshelf—or even in a loft or industrial-style living room. If you’ve chosen an urban décor, it’s better to opt for the Bronze Stone color. And if your living room is designed in a minimal style, white would be the ideal choice for this bookshelf.
Siena Bookshelf in Wood and Metal or Glass Shelves by Midj
Libreria Siena di Midj - Arredamento Pari
The Siena bookshelf by Midj is truly beautiful. At first glance, it may seem very simple, and indeed its design is linear and essential. Its uniqueness lies in the many possible configurations that can be created, allowing you to customize modules to fill and furnish the space you need, whether you’re looking to fill a large wall or just a small section. The modular Siena bookshelf has a wooden structure, and the shelves can be made from glass or, if preferred, metal.
You can place the bookshelf against the wall or leave it freestanding. The freestanding option works beautifully in an open space or a loft. As for colors, there are many possibilities. In addition to the classic neutral colors with a natural effect, the bookshelf’s structure is made of ash, and you can choose from black, white, dark brown, walnut, oak, red, cherry red, blue, gray, and graphite gray. The color choice depends on how you want to decorate with the bookshelf—whether to create a contrast between colors or to play with a palette of similar tones.
Lexington Bookshelf by Bontempi with Shelves
The Lexington bookshelf by Bontempi certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, but it defines spaces with its unique design. It features a modular lacquered steel structure with a base for a freestanding setup and shelves in lacquered steel, lacquered steel combined with SuperCeramic, SuperMarble, steel coated in leather, veneered wood, or glass.
It is highly customizable, and in fact, you’ll find all possible configurations in the catalog, both for the structure of the bookshelf and for the shelves.
When choosing the metallic finish, the colors to keep an eye on, besides the classic neutrals, are rose gold, gold, and antique brass. A metal and gold bookshelf is very trendy this year. Veneered/lacquered wood solutions are also worth considering, especially if you want to create continuity with existing wooden furniture.
Naviglio Bookshelf by Tonin Casa: Perfect for Any Environment
Perfect for an industrial-style living room, here is the Naviglio bookshelf by Tonin Casa. The bookshelf is made with an interweaving of painted metal wires that support shelves made of either glass or wood. Naviglio is a combination of geometric and precise lines, sharp and regular, forming a unique mosaic of interrupted spaces. The painted metal blends seamlessly with the glass or wood shelves, achieving a perfect balance of space and form.
This furniture piece is also customizable, both in terms of the shelves and the complete structure of the bookshelf.
Gold and Black Bookshelf
However, if you're looking for a bookshelf that adds a luxury touch to your living room, then opt for a gold and black bookshelf. Elegant and refined, choose a solution that will enhance your walls and blend beautifully with the rest of your décor. We propose two solutions: the first is a small and compact bookshelf that can be fixed to the wall, and the second is a model with a base.
The Tweet bookshelf by Tonin Casa is made of metal with solid wood shelves and a marble base. Tweet creates a new way to observe your books and decorative objects: within defined curves, geometry is freed from preconceived forms; resting on marble, solid wood, and precious metals, beauty can be displayed in the best possible way.
Once again, there are various configurations available, both for the structure and the shelves and marble base. The combination of a black marble base and chrome metal structure is a favorite choice among designers for its sophisticated look that seamlessly integrates with different styles of décor.
Gray Bookshelf for a Modern Living Room
In addition to a minimalist beige bookshelf, a gray bookshelf is also perfect for furnishing a modern living room. With the industrial style becoming increasingly popular, we’ve become accustomed to an essential aesthetic dominated by neutral colors and bold accents.
If you’re looking for a truly unique solution, a cement gray bookshelf might be just what you need, especially if you’re thinking of furnishing a loft or an industrial living room. In fact, being a neutral color, gray works well in modern and minimalistic spaces too.
Discover the Buying Guide for Bookshelves or Wall Units for a Unique Design Living Room
Suite Bookshelf in Wood and Metal Shelves by Midj
Essential and modern, the 80 and 120 bookshelf is made of anthracite metal. This bookshelf features 10 mm thick metal with recessed shelves mounted without visible fixing systems. Its anthracite epoxy paint gives it a refined, minimalistic look, characterized by clean lines and modern design.
Which of these modern design bookshelves do you like the most?