The High: Blogged by Sarah last week, the Ludus Modular (above, left) is made in Germany. It features a "library" section, which provides wrap around storage and a tabletop surface, and it's one of our favorite parts of the design.
Cost: No idea, but all signs point to EXPENSIVE.
Such a smart piece of furniture inspired us to go on a search for a lower cost alternative that would provide a similar look and function, and we came up with...

The Low: The Axis. CB2 makes this sofa wrapping storage units, which provide a similar storage solution and look. The components come in white and in three configurations - a left, right and center; to fit different furniture arrangements and sizes.
Cost: Left and Right Units are $199. and the Center Unit is $299.
More info:
Comments (14)
Thomas O'Brien also has a version of this in dark wood.
great. a crap-wrapped sofa.
Sheesh, baba yaga. No need to be rude.
More comments on the Axis shelving here.
I like this style - but you need alot of space to carry it off.
I agree with baba yaga. It's momentarily impressive in theory, but it takes just a minute to realize this is a bad idea.
Dpunjabi, people need to be tough here. Bad design doesn't need to be coddled.
I don't think I like the wrap around look. I think it kind of makes the couch look less cozy, and more like you are lounging in a pile of books. I think it would look better without them on the side of the couch...
How is this any worse than any open bookcase?
I like how it enables you to use both sides of a sofa in an open-plan space.
And, um, "idiot", you actually don't *see* the books when you are on the couch. That's part of the appeal.
I really like this idea, if your living room is big enough it would be perfect for a seating arrangement in one end, and a library type of arrangement, or even office, in the other. What I really liked about the Ludus Modular as well though, were the different combination options of the cushions... I still think it's a perfect DIY project.
http://www.notyourgoddess.blogspot.com/
I would like to find something like that just for end tables. that could be cool. probably a nice DIY project.
I quite like this design, it wouldn't look great in all settings, but in my tiny apartment where my couch essentially defines my hallway and my living room, it would be quite nice to have a little extra storage. Besides, it's below eye level, which in my situation means you wouldn't even notice the storage below as you entered.
Don't write off a design without considering all of its many possibilities.
it's better than a sofa table.
just put an Expedit behind your sofa
Ive been considering buying the axis unit. I think it will provide a great deal of visible sotrage, we dont have a lot of wall space for a bookcase but do have a long couch that has an awkward travolta bench behind it. I would love to build one of these and save some bucks however.