Dear Catherine,
Inspired by your brief, I’ve curated a personalised edit of bookcases and shelving that I think would work beautifully in your living room.
As you haven’t mentioned any specific dimensions, I’ve included a mix of different sizes and shapes, so you have a few options to consider depending on the space you have available. I’ve particularly focused on pieces in solid or natural wood, as I think the warmth and timelessness of the material work really well with the minimalist, modern and Scandinavian feel you’re after. I’ve also included a couple of more contemporary options if you’d like to bring a slightly different element into the room.
If you’d like a little more support pulling everything together, take a look at Style, our room design service at Design Lab By Livingetc. We’d have a 45-minute one-to-one call to discuss your space, and afterwards I’d put together a full moodboard for your space, along with tailored product recommendations and a clear design direction.
I hope you enjoy exploring your curated edit, and I’d love to hear which pieces you feel most drawn to.
Best wishes,
Iokasti
Heal’s
Agnes Medium Shelving Unit – Walnut
I really love this one for your brief. The combination of solid timber, rounded edges and subtle curved cut-outs gives it that lovely Scandinavian character, while still feeling very clean and modern. At 80cm wide, it’s also a nice option if you don’t want the bookcase to take over the room.
John Lewis
Adina Shelving Unit, Walnut
This feels like a slightly more substantial option, with its rich walnut-stained acacia wood and generous proportions. I think it would work particularly well if you have a larger wall to fill, and I love that it can also be used as a room divider if you want the flexibility to position it away from the wall.
Westwing Collection
Large Shelving Unit Calary With Fluted Front
I like this as a slightly different take on the Scandinavian look. The ribbed detailing adds texture and gives the piece more of a furniture feel, while the overall shape remains simple enough to sit comfortably within a modern living room. It would also give you a nice mix of open shelving for books and more decorative pieces.
Ferm Living
Tilem Shelf – 4×6 – Dark Stained Oak
This is a great option if you’re after something a little more architectural. The dark-stained oak gives it a richer, more contemporary feel, while the grid-like structure keeps the overall look very clean. I’d style it quite sparsely, allowing the books and objects to become part of the design.
Kave Home
Norani shelving unit in solid acacia wood and acacia veneer
I think this would be lovely if you want to bring a little more warmth into the room. The solid acacia wood has a beautiful natural character, and the generous size makes it a good choice if you have plenty of wall space and want the bookcase to feel like a real feature rather than simply storage.
Westwing
Tall Metal Shelving Unit Taru
And finally, a more pared-back option if you’d like to introduce some contrast. The slim metal structure feels lighter and more contemporary than the wooden designs, so it could work particularly well if you want the shelving to feel visually open rather than heavy. I’d balance it with warm books, ceramics and natural materials to soften the look.