Long live the book

If you look closely, amidst all the tablet and kindle users glued to their screens on public transport, you will still see the odd person with a book in their hands. For some, books have become clutter; an annoyance and cumbersome blot on their minimal interior. But for others, the real bookworms (so to speak), a book collection is there to be admired and if displayed in the right way, be it with colour coordinated spines or just a random frieze of paper and hardbacks, a well-fed bookcase can really enhance and add depth to any interior. If you fall into the latter camp, then we hope the following selection of storage solutions will provide some inspiration towards livening up your library.

[caption id="attachment_2364" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] Melody Bookcase (left) and Random Bookcase (right)[/caption]

Designed by the German studio, Neuland Industriedesign (Paster & Partner) for MDF Italia, the Random and Melody Bookcases are a proven and very popular product here at Aram Store. Used singularly or flanked together to create a continuous wall of shelving, either design can be utilised in a very personal way by integrating books along with small accessories displayed inside the nooks and smaller compartments. If you like a little asymmetry in your life, then either of these designs will be to your liking.

[caption id="attachment_2365" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] The Read Bookcase by Montana Mobler[/caption]

Montana is a flexible and wide-ranging storage system that can be configured to suit individual needs. The Read represents one of their ready-made solutions: a stacked configuration using six of their standard sized elements to form a generously sized bookcase. Minimal and sleek with a contemporary feel, the Read Bookcase will suit any modern interior with a punch of colour provided from their vast and vibrant palette of lacquer colours.

[caption id="attachment_2366" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] Nuvola Rossa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina[/caption]

A stone cold classic from the maestro, Vico Magistretti. Designed in 1977 and manufactured by the Italian powerhouse, Cassina, this simple linear structure is for the purists with its diagonal bracing and open sided shelves. Available in four finishes: Canaletto walnut, natural beech and black or white lacquer, the timeless Nuvola Rossa also works as a room divider and would sit comfortably in any setting be it classic or contemporary.

[caption id="attachment_2367" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] Ptolomeo Bookstand[/caption]

Simulating a freestanding pile of books, the Ptolomeo Bookstand is a unique and versatile solution from the industrial designer, Bruno Rainaldi. Available in three heights, three finishes (black, white or stainless steel) and with floor standing or wall hung options, the Ptolomeo’s sculptural quality can turn your books and periodicals into an interesting feature within any room.

[caption id="attachment_2368" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] Planophore by Barber Osgerby for Vitra[/caption]

The Planophore, designed by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, has dual capabilities owing to its cleverly designed, swivelling shelf dividers. These extruded aluminium supports, finished in matt silver or black, can be rotated to form varying sized compartments for holding your books. Move the Planophore into the middle of your room and close the panels… et voilá, you have a background for displaying decorative objects whilst dividing the space it sits within. The solid wooden shelves are finished in natural or smoked oak and the unit can be ordered in two different heights and widths.

[caption id="attachment_2369" style="text-align: center;" width="740"] USM Haller System[/caption]

This Swiss modular furniture system can provide all manner of solutions for storage, let alone for somewhere to keep your books or vinyl in order. Composed of a chromed steel frame with brightly coloured steel panel inserts, the USM Haller system can be easily configured to suit your spatial needs. Whether you have a small study space to fill, awkwardly sized alcoves either side of your fireplace or dream of completely lining the walls of a room to make your own personal bibliothèque, this is all achievable with the Haller System.

MYLES BROWN