Hello AT,
I went to an open house at a very modern new condo site, and since then have been keeping an eye out for grid bookcases, which they displayed amongst a very minimalist setting. It seems like such a great way to sort and store things, especially if you use colored containers in each cubby to brighten the space while hiding things. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any in the size that I need. I am looking for one that is W48 1/4 x D19 x48 1/4 (or something very close to that). I have seen the Expedit bookcases at Idea, but they are just really too big for my NYC apartment.
Do you have any suggestions where I can find this size in Birch veneer?
Here is an example of the Ikea Expedit bookcases.
An excellent storage solution indeed. But be sure you have a bit of enclosed-storage backup in the unlikely event that you should accumulate some less than presentable items.
Therapists, any suggestions here? PSM
I saw a lovely birch veneer set of these on 7th Ave in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and they do different dimensions. It's in the window. The rub was, they wanted $800 for the set ...it's not Ikea.
Cabinet Shop
custom/ready made
718 832 9884
309 7th Ave (at 8th St)
The Expedit outside of the catalog only looks good in black - I think the rest of the colors look cheap in the flesh (I originally wanted the white ones)
West Elm has a decent middle-of-the-road set in two different sizes:
http://ww1.westelm.com/cat/pip.cfm?template=8grid&pkey=cfrnsto&gids=p008&cid=frnsto&area=shp
...so does Bo Concepts, either on castors or feet.
You could also make something yourself with some good-quality wood. The advantage is you can paint/finish them to your exact taste.
Also check out the Rolly unit at The Terrence Conrans Shop.
I have the larger Expedit bookcase in the "birch effect" (nope, not a true wood veneer). At $149, you can't beat it if you're looking for an economical option. Solid enough to hold my heavy art books and magazines, dvd's, objets and smaller paintings, and extra pillows and throws.... Not the most solid of all the options mentioned above, but I don't often have monkeys swinging from my bookcases. So, the Expedit suits my needs just fine. (P.S. I've opted not to use containers for any of the "cubbies"...) If you can make the smaller one work in your space, I'd recommend it. At $99, you could spend more on a pair of jeans...
I'm not sure what colors and sized they have, but try Workbench. They have lots of grids.
I meant, of course, sizes.
Crate And Barrel has some nice options in dark and light finishes:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/spill.aspx?c=1141&p=1&viewall=1
For the dimensions you mentioned - this might be a good choice:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1141&f=3491&viewall=1
Hi Enrique!
Didn't mean to impugn your shelves. My (black) Expedit are great, holding art books and oversized bowls/serving dishes. Not even a nightmare to assemble...
Try also Hold Everything's Otero and Centro lines. More modular, which may or may not be a good thing for you.
Hey that's not me posting! Jeremy, the other one, I think you have to adopt patrick's naming convention of (the other one).
In regards to West Elm, I have to say I have been disappointed with the quality of workmanship in the outdoor furniture we bought from them. There customer service was good though when we had to take back two items because of defects. I am not sure how their bookcases would be, but I am now somewhat suspicious of their stuff. I was looking at the futon they have and now will probably go somewhere else.
Anyone know of a nice looking futon that folds out to be less than 53" front to back?
Re: West Elm
There is a West Elm store across the street from work. I think their furniture quality is pretty...poor. The in-store samples have nicks and chips in them!
But for other stuff - linens, towels, vases, and fun home decor accessories - I think the quality is pretty good for a moderate price.
http://www.boltz.com/showitems.asp?deptcode1=510
Oooh - I just saw these wineracks which I would love to use for shelving.
A little note in the product description says that the backs and the 'X' compartment dividers are removable!
Someone is giving away an Expedit bookcase on Craig's List: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/82565703.html
See the Yoshi at Room and Board. I've been looking for a wall-sized cubed bookshelves. I think I may be better off building my own than purchasing one.
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB3631&dept=RB108
It is a relatively simple design to build if you are handy with tools and have the space to work and motivated enough.
It may be too much work but how about taking the free beech 5x5 Expedit mentioned in Craigslist and don't use all the pieces. Cut down the sides so it fits your space. The depth is not mentioned so I don't if this would work for you.
My other suggestion is MDC on Brodway. I passed it today and they has something similar but with extra dodads like doors. They do custom work but I cannot vouch for their quality but
Does anyone have suggestions for grid bookshelves that are a lot taller, like 8 or 9 feet?
Yes, I echo Lori2's question. The bookcases need not necessarily be gridded either.
I currently have bookcases about 7 feet tall. They're OK and Curtis has suggested a way for me to put doors on them so I can keep dust off the books.
For now, I've been putting modified shoe racks on top of my bookcases for extra storage; the look is OK, but not great.
Methinks that, particularly in Manhattan, there is a need for really tall bookcases so that we can use our vertical space.
http://www.artetmaison.com/pop_lg/furn_0.1.htm
Im also looking for a way to get a bookshelf like the Ikea Expedit, but shipping from Ikea to Colorado is over $200. Does anyone know of any other stores that carry something similar?