A cube bookcase is a style of shelving unit on which books are generally stored, though other items can be kept in the bookcase as well. The characteristic style of the cube bookcase is indicated by its difference from traditional bookcases, which feature wide shelves that are usually enclosed or semi-enclosed. Instead of wide shelves, cube bookcases feature square cubes, or cubbies, for storage of books. The bookcase may be several cubes wide, or it may simply be one cube stacked upon the other. Some of these bookcases are modular, allowing a user to change the configuration of the cubes for a different aesthetic.
The materials used to make a cube bookcase can vary. Wood, metal, and plastic can all be used to make a cube bookcase, and each material will create a different aesthetic as well as a different level of stability. Wood bookcases are perhaps the most popular, and the type of wood used can vary. Some types of wood are less expensive and less durable; particleboard, for example, tends to be brittle and it can break very easily.
Hardwoods will be more expensive, but also sturdier and more attractive. The cube bookcase can be made from individual wood cubes that are stacked and secured upon each other, or the bookcase may be one solid unit that features several cubes built into the fixed frame. The style, shape, and size of the unit can vary by manufacturer as well as the consumer's needs.
Metal cube bookcase models are less common, though they do exist. These cubes are often just as strong, if not stronger, than wood bookcases, depending on what type of metal is used. Many people choose metal over wood primarily for aesthetic reasons, though in garage spaces or workshops, a metal shelf may be a better choice for added durability.
Plastic bookcases are usually reserved for light-duty applications. They can be seen in dorm rooms or bedrooms in which only a limited amount of books or other items will be stored. A plastic cube bookcase is inexpensive and reasonably attractive, though it is not as strong as wood or metal and will generally not last as long as these other materials. They are great for temporary storage purposes or for storing lightweight objects and fewer books.