Open or backed? An etagere has open sides or back, so it feels light and works as a room divider. A bookcase with a solid back holds books upright and gives objects a backdrop.
Style in layers. Leave some open space on each shelf. Mix stacked and upright books with a few objects and frames, and repeat colors from shelf to shelf so it reads as one display.
Secure it to the wall. Any tall case should be anchored, especially in homes with kids or pets. Load heavier books on the lower shelves to keep the weight low.
Compare as the line grows. The Storage Type, Width and Material filters help if you are comparing these pieces with others as the selection grows.
Want help with the shelves? Visit a showroom to see the scale in person, or book a free design consultation for help styling the finished piece.
Common questions
Can I return a bookcase?
In-stock bookcases can be returned in their original condition within 14 days. Delivery charges aren't refundable. Special and custom orders can be cancelled within 72 hours of ordering, and clearance pieces are final sale.
How long does a special-order bookcase take?
Lead times vary by maker, and each product page shows its own estimate. In-stock bookcases are ready much sooner, for delivery or free pickup.
Can I see these bookcases in person?
Yes. Anything marked On display is on the floor in one of our showrooms in Tacoma, Bellevue or Olympia, open Monday–Saturday 10–6 and Sunday 11–5. Call ahead if you want to make sure a specific piece is at your nearest showroom.
How do I keep bookcase shelves from looking cluttered?
Leave roughly a third of each shelf open, group books by color or size, and add a few larger objects rather than many small ones. Step back often as you style.
Where should a small bookcase go?
A compact bookcase fits beside a sofa, at the end of a hallway or next to a reading chair. Pair it with a floor lamp so the shelves are easy to browse in the evening.
Bookcases & Etageres | Living Room & Office | Seldens
