The Furniture From The Barn Guide to Sizing & Buying a Bookcase
A bookcase should do two things well: fit your space and fit your life (what you’re storing, how you use the room, and how you want it to feel). Since our bookcases are built from solid wood—often reclaimed barn wood—this guide will help you choose dimensions and details you’ll love for decades.
Step 1: Start with what you’re storing
Before you measure the wall, measure the stuff.
Common item sizes to plan around:
- Books (most hardcovers): 9–11" tall
- Coffee table books: 12–15" tall (sometimes larger)
- Binders: 11–12" tall
- Baskets & bins: often 10–14" tall
- Board games: 12–16" tall boxes
- Records (vinyl): 12.5" square (needs depth + clearance)
Pro tip: If you want flexibility, choose adjustable shelves for at least part of the bookcase.
Step 2: Measure your space the “real-life” way
Measure the wall (but also check these!)
- Baseboards & trim: Do you want the case to sit flush to the wall, or scribe around trim?
- Outlets, vents, and registers: Don’t block them.
- Door swings: Make sure doors can open fully.
- Ceiling height: Especially important for tall built-ins and crown molding.
- Pathways: Hallways, stair turns, doorways—can the piece physically get inside?
Quick measuring checklist
Write these down:
- Wall width: ________
- Max height (floor to ceiling / trim): ________
- Max depth you can live with (walkway clearance): ________
- Baseboard height & depth: ________
- Nearest outlet/vent location: ________
Step 3: Choose the right depth (this is the #1 comfort factor)
Depth affects how the room feels and how useful the shelves are.
Typical depths we recommend
- 10–12" deep: Great for novels, decor, tighter spaces (hallways, small offices)
- 12–14" deep: A “sweet spot” for mixed storage (books + baskets)
- 14–16"+ deep: Best for oversized books, bins, records, or display pieces
If you’re placing a bookcase in a walkway, 12" deep is often the difference between “beautiful” and “bulky.”
Step 4: Pick a height that matches the room
A bookcase should feel balanced—not like it’s floating too low or towering too hard.
Common height ranges
- 30–36" (low): Under windows, behind sofas, kids’ spaces
- 60–72" (mid): Classic, versatile, easy to style
- 84–96"+ (tall): Big impact, lots of storage, more “built-in” presence
Design rule of thumb: If the room has tall ceilings or substantial furniture, a taller bookcase usually looks more “right.”
Step 5: Decide the width and how many sections you need
Wider bookcases can be stunning—but you don’t want shelves that sag over time.
Practical guidance
- For long spans, we often design with multiple vertical sections (like 2–4 bays).
- This keeps shelves strong and makes the piece feel architecturally grounded.
If you want a wide look: Consider two matching bookcases side-by-side for symmetry (and easier delivery).
Quick Size Chart: What Most Customers Choose
| Use Case | Typical Width | Typical Height | Typical Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small space / hallway | 24–36" | 60–72" | 10–12" |
| Bedroom / cozy office | 36–48" | 72–84" | 12–14" |
| Living room statement | 60–84" | 84–96"+ | 12–16" |
| Dining room storage + display | 48–72" | 72–90" | 14–16" |
| Kids’ books + baskets | 30–48" | 30–60" | 10–12" |
Step 6: Choose the features that make it yours
This is where custom matters—because storage needs aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Shelf spacing
- 9–11" spacing: standard book shelves
- 12–15" spacing: coffee table books, baskets
- 16"+ spacing: large decor, speakers, tall items
Back style (the “feel” of the piece)
- Beadboard back: warm, cottage/farmhouse character
- Shiplap-style look: clean and classic
- Open back / wall color showing: lighter visual weight (great in small rooms)
Lower storage options
If you want the room to look calmer, add:
- Doors (hide toys, files, clutter)
- Drawers (perfect for office supplies, linens, small items)
- Cabinet bases with open shelves above (best of both worlds)
Step 7: Reclaimed wood realities (and why it’s worth it)
Our reclaimed barn wood is full of history—old nail holes, saw marks, grain variation, and color depth that new wood can’t imitate.
A few quick truths:
- No two boards match perfectly (that’s the beauty).
- Texture and character are part of the design.
- Finishes can be tailored from natural/raw to smoother and more refined.
If you want a cleaner look but still love reclaimed wood, ask about a more refined sanding level and a finish that softens contrast.
Safety & installation notes (don’t skip this)
Tall furniture should be secured—especially in homes with kids or pets.
- We recommend wall anchoring for tall bookcases.
- For very large or built-in style pieces, we can discuss installation approach and sectioning to make delivery easier.
Buying tips: What to ask before you order
- What will live on each shelf? (books, baskets, decor—plan spacing)
- Do you want adjustable shelves, fixed shelves, or a mix?
- Do you want hidden storage at the bottom?
- What finish tone works with your floors and nearby furniture?
- How will it be delivered and brought into the space? (stairs, tight turns, etc.)
FAQ: Bookcase Sizing & Buying
How deep should a bookcase be for regular books?
Usually 10–12" is plenty for most books and keeps the room feeling open.
What depth do I need for baskets or bins?
Plan on 12–14" so baskets sit comfortably without overhang.
How tall should a bookcase be in a room with 9’ ceilings?
Many customers love 84–96" for a balanced look and great storage.
Will shelves sag over time?
Not when the bookcase is properly designed with the right span, thickness, and support. Wider designs typically need vertical dividers (sections) for long-term strength.
Can you make it to fit around trim/baseboards?
Yes—this is a common custom request. We can build to sit proud of baseboards or scribe for a more built-in look.