Dear AT,
I don't like flimsy bookcases. Flimsy to me means built out of veneered particle board, probably self-assembled. I need something built out of either solid hardwood (no pine) or an engineered wood (plywood) with a good veneer, or metal. I prefer bookcases that DO NOT come with adjustable shelves -- these weaken the structure of the bookcase, compared to bookcases with fixed shelves. Also, I don't like the look of the holes needed for the adjustable shelves.
Something like the Ycami Achille (pic above) looks great; but that's not available in the US.
Note to readers: Some of the best stuff on our website is in the comments. If you are just reading the front page, you are missing it. MGR
Does anyone know how Americans can order from Habitat?
Okay, I'm jumping into the fray with a suggestion you probably won't like--but hear me out: Safco Commercial Steel Shelving (available online at Office Depot www.officedepot.com/ddMain.do?level=FM&id=175983&location_info=SG_2_CT_801_FM_175983
and others) Very strong all-metal construction (each shelf supports 350lbs), very affordable, and surprisingly stylish (you have to imagine the shelves filled with books and media instead of toolboxes and pails, as per the photo). I have a wall filled with six bookcases side by side and bolted together (that's an 18-ft wide, 6-ft tall unit for under $800. The shelves *are* adjustable and *do* have holes, but the holes are a big part of the overall design, and a plus to the overall look (I'm close to the Queensboro bridge and it kinda matches).
I don't know why people would want to buy from Habitat. I really dislike that store. Poorly copied designs, poor build quality and poor value for money turns me off completely.
Although a bit of a style stretch, your sample photo reminded me of the Eames storage system:
http://hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Product/0,1592,a8-c440-p53,00.html
DWR used to carry but couldn't find it on their site.
But on DWR.com, there IS Chicago Shelving:
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=2164&fp=subc
from, I believe, those clever boys at BluDot.
Your picture reminded me of Vistoe shelving. If I could afford it, that is absolutely what I would buy, they are so beautiful: http://www.vitsoe.com/
M2L (www.m2lcollection.com) imports fine european furniture. Their showroom is worth visiting. One block from Bloomingdale's.