The popularity of printed books has noticeably declined with the development of electronic ink technology. At the same time, it would be a mistake to assert that printed publications are not in demand now; on the contrary, a personal library is an indicator of the status and erudition of the owner.
Varieties and features of bookcases
Comfortable storage conditions for books ensure a long life of printed publications, avoiding damage, mold and damage to tomes dear to your heart. Having assembled a home library of favorite works, it is extremely important to ensure proper conservation. A big mistake would be to simply place books on shelves, leave them on tables, use bedside tables or other places not intended for this purpose. It is best to store books in a special cabinet, and properly selected furniture will become an organic addition to the interior.
What types of bookcases are there:
- Open type, made in the form of a rack or an independent structure. The interior looks fresh and original, but does not provide the necessary conditions for storing books. The shelves will have to be dusted frequently, and the books themselves may be exposed to moisture or ultraviolet radiation.
- Closed type, which are the best option for ensuring the safety of books. The doors of the structure can be solid, or also have decorative inserts – windows. Cabinets with glass doors visually expand the space, but it is better to place such furniture away from the window. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, book covers can fade and fade.
Main criteria for choosing a bookcase
When buying a convenient bookcase, you should pay attention to the overall design of the model, dimensions, and additional decorative elements. Such furniture should not just be a storage for books, but also fit organically into the overall design of the home.
Helpful tips when choosing a bookcase:
- In a closet or on a shelf, it is advisable to place books in one row so that the publications are well ventilated. This will also help to avoid damage to the pages by fungus, so the tome will last longer.
- The depth of the bookshelves is selected from standard parameters of 15-25 centimeters. If you need to provide space in the closet for storing family photo albums and publications of non-standard format, you need to choose a size of 35-38 centimeters.
- The height of the shelves is also calculated according to the standard format of book publications (usually within 35-38 centimeters). It should be noted that for good ventilation it is recommended to leave approximately 1.05-2 centimeters of free space above the top edge of the book.
- The thickness of the boards used for the shelves is also important. Under the weight of books, a fragile base can simply break, so the optimal parameter would be 2 -2.5 cm for a shelf length of a meter or more. It is best to calculate the length of the shelf within 50-36 centimeters, so it will not sag even under impressive weight.
- It is advisable to fit the color of the structure into an existing design or match it to an installed furniture group. The choice of colors usually implies a standard palette, so there will be no problems with this. If the rest of the furniture was made to order, the bookcase can be made similar in shade, or a contrasting combination can be played to advantage.
- The material from which the bookcase will be made is of paramount importance. The convenience and lifespan of the design depends on this parameter. Furniture made from solid wood is of good quality and reliability, will last much longer than modern models made of chipboard or MDF, but has one drawback – higher cost.
