How Deep Should a Bookshelf Be in cm?
A bookshelf's depth typically ranges from 17 to 40 cm, offering versatile storage for various book sizes and decorative items.
Choosing the appropriate depth for your bookshelf is essential for both practical organization and maintaining the aesthetic balance of your living space. While a broad range exists, the ideal depth is determined by the specific items you intend to store and your room's dimensions.
Understanding Bookshelf Depth Requirements
The primary function of a bookshelf is to hold books securely without excessive overhang or wasted space behind them. A depth range of 17 to 40 cm generally accommodates the majority of common books and display objects. This spectrum ensures that everything from slim paperbacks to large art books can be stored effectively, alongside cherished decorative pieces.
Key Factors When Selecting Bookshelf Depth
Consider these aspects to determine the perfect depth for your shelving unit:
- Book Collection Size and Type:
- Standard Paperbacks and Novels: Most contemporary fiction and non-fiction paperbacks are relatively slender. A depth between 17-25 cm is typically ample.
- Hardcovers and Textbooks: Standard hardcover editions often require 20-30 cm of depth, while larger textbooks may benefit from shelves up to 35 cm.
- Oversized Books: Large format books, such as art books, atlases, or coffee table books, can be quite deep. These often necessitate shelves of 30 cm or more, with some extremely large volumes benefiting from up to 40 cm to prevent them from protruding.
- Display Preferences: If you plan to intersperse books with decorative items like vases, small sculptures, or photo frames, a slightly deeper shelf (e.g., 25-35 cm) provides more flexibility for arrangement and visual impact.
- Room Dynamics and Aesthetics:
- Shallow Shelves (17-20 cm): Ideal for smaller rooms or narrow corridors, as they help maintain an open feel and prevent the space from appearing cluttered. They are perfect for paperback collections.
- Medium Shelves (25-30 cm): Offer a versatile solution for most living rooms or studies, comfortably housing a mixed collection of books.
- Deep Shelves (35-40 cm): Best suited for dedicated home libraries, offices, or children's rooms where large books, binders, or even toy storage might be required. Be aware that excessively deep shelves can sometimes make it harder to access items at the back or visually dominate a room.
- Functionality: Consider whether you prefer books to be flush with the shelf's edge or if a slight overhang is acceptable. While deeper shelves allow for "double stacking" (one row of books behind another), this can hinder access to the back row. For practical insights into shelf design, you can explore guides on how to design shelves that work.
Recommended Bookshelf Depths for Various Uses
Here’s a table summarizing common bookshelf depths and their ideal applications:
| Bookshelf Depth (cm) | Primary Use Cases | Key Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-20 cm | Paperbacks, small novels, DVDs/CDs, small decorative accents | Space-saving, minimalist look, prevents items from being pushed too far back | Limited to smaller items, not suitable for large books |
| 20-25 cm | Standard paperbacks, most hardcovers, small to medium display items | Versatile for typical book collections, good balance of depth | May not accommodate oversized books comfortably |
| 25-30 cm | Mixed collections (hardcovers/paperbacks), medium-sized coffee table books, binders | Excellent for general-purpose shelving, ample display space | Can appear deep if exclusively holding paperbacks |
| 30-35 cm | Large hardcovers, atlases, art books, school binders, larger decorative items | Accommodates nearly all book sizes and substantial display pieces | Requires more floor space, consider room size |
| 35-40 cm | Very oversized books, archival boxes, electronics, significant decorative displays | Maximum flexibility for very large items or specialized storage | Can make a room feel smaller, may need robust construction |
- Practical Tip: Before purchasing or building a bookshelf, measure your largest book or item you plan to store. Add 2-3 cm to this measurement for a comfortable fit, ensuring ease of placement and retrieval. For example, if your largest coffee table book is 28 cm deep, a 30-32 cm deep shelf would be ideal.
When selecting a ready-made unit, look for features like adjustable shelves, which allow you to customize the height between shelves, providing flexibility for different book sizes and future collection expansion. Popular options like the IKEA BILLY Bookcase offer versatile standard depths that suit many homes. Ultimately, the best bookshelf depth will perfectly balance accommodating your collection with seamlessly integrating into your living environment.
