How do I Choose the Best Corner Bookshelf?

Choosing the best corner bookshelf can be a fun project, and to get the right unit for your home, you will first need to take accurate measurements of the space in which you intend to place the shelf. Getting accurate measurements will help you narrow down your search for a corner bookshelf by eliminating models that are too large or too small. Consider, too, what you will store on the shelves; some people put books on the shelves, while others prefer to put picture frames or other items on it. Consider how much weight will be placed on display and how large the objects are to help you determine what size shelf you need.

Decide if you want a standalone unit or if you want a hanging corner bookshelf. The hanging shelf can be an attractive way to get a bookshelf into a corner where a standalone unit won't fit, and this style of shelf is likely to be less expensive. The hanging shelf will not be able to hold as many books as a standalone unit, so if you have a fair amount of books to store, this may not be the best choice. A standalone unit will take up more space, but the storage capacity is greater and in many cases, the aesthetic appearance options are far greater.

Consider the materials used to make the corner bookshelf. Wood is by far the most common material, since many woods are very attractive and easy to fashion into different shapes and designs. Metal shelves are also available, and some are quite attractive as well. Lighter metals are likely to be less expensive than hardwoods, though it is important to note the construction of each shelf before determining its quality. Wooden shelves should be built in such a way that the unit does not wobble, especially when loaded down, so it will be important to check all the joints of the corner bookshelf unit.

Some corner shelves are open-back designs, while others are enclosed. Be sure to consider both options: open-back shelves are lighter in weight, which means they will be easier to move should you decide to relocate the shelf. Closed-back shelves will keep the books in place more easily. Some shelves also feature cabinets at the bottom of the shelf for storage of other items. Consider this design if you will be storing other items besides books that you will not want on display.