Shelf Life: 15 Awesome Bookcases

We all own books.

That means we all have to solve the problem of how to store them.

However, like taste in books and periodicals, taste in interior design differs from person to person. We scoured the web for the most interesting bookcases, considering cost, design, and functionality. From the perfect shelf for video game nerds to high style modern, check out 15 Awesome Bookcases available right now.

Order from Saporiti

A literal call to arms, this typographic bookcase serves both a functional and sculptural purpose. The letters create a natural division for books of different sizes, which is important if you've got a diverse collection of reading material.

Buy from All Modern, $425

Designed by Ron Arad, this unit is perfect for those who flat out love contemporary design. There is a sense of whimsy, but also strength in the material selection. Each "worm" can support 20lbs of books

Order from Yanko Store, $750

Live in a really small space? So small that wall shelving is out of the question? You might want to investigate mixed use furniture. Avid readers will see obvious appeal in the Chair Bookcase shown here.

Buy from GNR8, $1000

Designed by Nauris Kalinauskas, this unit unitizes multi-sized shelves to store a variety of book sizes. (And CDs, if you still have them). The X shape looks cool too.

Buy from The Container Store, starting at $139

Leaning bookcases are great for saving space and ease of set up. Plus, they can usually be joined by other similar units when you need to expand.

Buy from Faktura Design, $1,200

Clean, simple, and modern, the Scala Bookshelf is perfect for displaying a collection of stuff rather than just housing books.

Order from Reineir De Jong

The REK bookcase is an awesome example of smart design tackling the problem of a growing book collection. The unit is built to slide in and out, expanding when required or alternatively forming awesome narrow spaces for magazines. Terrific if you are both into design and into a diverse range of periodicals.

Buy from Jensen Lewis, $1600

If symmetry is your thing, these shelves are for you.

Buy From All Modern, $639

You know the game, so you'll see the appeal wit the TFG Tic Tac Toe bookcase. The dark wood is the draw, perfect if you are going for a soft, warm interior.

Buy from Faktura, $480

Based off the natural outline of a branch, the Twig bookcase has ample room for your favorite titles. Most importantly, it is freestanding. That means that if you should want this sculptural shelving unit in the center of the room and not crammed by the wall, the option is all yours.

Order from designer Jongho Park

Neatly arrange the books you've finished on this fun bookshelf. Perfect if you are slaving away on a senior thesis or other big school project.

Buy from Stella Bleu Design, $135

Industrial pipe shelving isn't for everyone. However, if you are into the rugged, urban look, this is a terrific option. It is cheap, for one, and it is also versatile and can easily take unique configurations. This example is inspired by classic video games.

Buy from Anthropologie, $1598

Minimalist industrial style. The contrast of the mango wood and iron make this one a little more inviting than snipping a unit direct from a factory. But, don't forget that buying true vintage can sometimes save you a ton of cash.

Buy From Groopti, $249

Based, as you'll guess, on the classic comic text graphic this shelf allows you to broadcast your thoughts through books. It strikes a nice pose on the wall and thanks to a nice walnut veneer, the humor of the piece is matched by a warm aesthetic. Designed by Cancun's own Oscar Nunez.

Folding Library Bookcase

Buy from Urban Outfitters, $279

This is more an accent piece than a true functioning bookshelf. Pop it into the corner of a small apartment for some style and mix books and other decorative objects. Perhaps, if you are hoping to impress a lady, toss some flowers on top.