Aluminum Bookcase

Medium (36 - 84 inches): This more common height will work well in most spaces - whether you use your medium bookcase in your bedroom for your favorite books, in the living room for decor, or home office for files and work paper. A maximum height of 84 inches tall will allow an adult to comfortably reach the shelves without a ladder. If you intend to access your bookcase from a seated position, you want it no higher than 60 inches above the floor. Finally, the lowest shelf should be around 3 to 4 inches from floor to allow for easy access to the bottom shelf.

Tall (Over 84 inches): Rooms with high ceilings can more easily accommodate tall bookcases. Since this height does tend to extend beyond normal reach, the higher shelves are best used for displaying decor and other items you don't need to readily access while the lower shelves are good for hardcover and large format books. Etagere and library bookcases offer more decorative and ornate designs that work well for taller measurements, giving them a commandeering presence in your space.

Standard (20 - 50 inches): This is the most common bookcase size you can find and will fit most spaces and applications. If you aren't looking for something with precise measurements and need something to simply do the task - a standard bookcase will do the trick. Don't be fooled though, there are plenty of added extras - drawers for papers and other items, doors to hide the contents out of sight, and adjustable shelves so you can alter the configuration to match your preferences.

Wide (Over 50 inches): A large room with an empty wall would do well with a wide bookshelf. Similarly, low ceilings and wide bookshelves are a good combination. The top of a low and wide shelf also provides a useful surface for placing a television or sound system. Wide shelves are also good for library spaces and displaying extensive collections.

Standard (10 – 20 inches): The bookcase depth is typically standardized at 12 inches, making it suitable for storing a range of items in a variety of locations. General reading books fit well here but as the measurements increase, so can this bookcase size start to fit larger format art and photo essay books.

Deep (Over 20 inches): This is probably one of the more versatile sizes since it allows you to store almost anything you please. While it is a little too deep for many smaller books, large format and hardcover books will fit just fine. Cube bookcases in particular provide multiple compartments that can be used to house music records, record players, and other electronics.