Materials
Timber may seem the obvious choice for constructing shelves, but not all are equal in strength and endurance. “A freestanding shelving unit needs to be durable, so you can’t go past a nice hardwood timber – depending on the look you’re going for,” says Matthew Menichelli, a former The Block Australia builder. “By simply using a stain or oil finish, you can create an effective and functional feature in any room.”
Size
Reach out to a professional tradesperson who can measure your room to determine the shelving possibilities without impacting the space and its primary function. “First, decide on the number of books you need to house and ensure you have the room to do so,” says Matthew. “Based on the overall size of the room, the shelving unit should always be in proportion. Avoid having the top shelf above 2400mm as it makes access an issue. The ideal depth is about 350mm, which gives enough room to store books of all sizes while not taking up valuable floor space.”
Trends
Warm timbers such as oak and walnut will always be a library classic, but pops of colour via paint and surfaces such as Laminex laminate are popular. “There are some dynamic colour combinations, such as reds and pinks, plus stunning pared-back palettes of black with warm neutrals,” says Heather. “There is also a definite trend for closed cabinetry…
