6 Times CB2’s Stairway Bookcase Stole the Show in Rooms All Around the House

If there’s one piece of furniture that has remained on my radar even as time has passed, it’s the Stairway Wall-Mounted Bookcase from CB2. I’m in awe of how gorgeous this ladder-like design looks in a wide variety of spaces — a well-made, versatile piece of furniture is always a winner in my book. Plus, the powder coated aluminum shelving unit holds a lot while appearing ultra sleek, making it an excellent pick for small spaces, too.

A true design chameleon precisely because it’s so minimalist, the Stairway Bookcase comes in two finishes — white and black — and two sizes. One option stands approximately 72 inches tall, while those with ultra-high ceilings may prefer the 96-inch option. CB2’s Stairway collection also extra wide shelves and models with desks and closed storage built-in, too, so you can create a modular unit out of the components that suit your home and lifestyle best. Use just one Stairway, or build out a wall of them. It’s totally up to you!

Just so you can get a sense of what a gem the Stairway truly is, I’ve rounded up six of my favorite spaces on the internet that feature this stunning bookcase, ranging from a dining room to a nursery. While some of the Stairway shelves may be back-ordered until the new year, I think you’ll realize soon that they’re well worth the wait, especially since the smallest sizes start at under $350, and they’re virtually indestructible once built.

By no means are bookshelves solely for the office or living room. If you’re in need of extra storage in your dining room and don’t mind displaying your dishes and glassware out in the open (and you don’t have little kids or pets running around to worry about), a Stairway Bookcase might be just what you need. You’ll be able to keep tabs on all of your entertaining essentials and can even incorporate a few cookbooks into the arrangement, too, just as blogger Shelby Vanhoy of Pretty in the Pines did in her space.

Need a lot of book storage? No problem! The stairway bookshelves look stunning grouped together and are an excellent alternative for those without built-ins or renters who are looking for a more temporary shelving solution. Instagrammer Hattie Kolp displayed her shelves in her apartment’s library nook to create a lived-in, cozy spot for kicking back with a favorite read.

Blogger and founder of IDCO Studio, Anastasia Casey also set up a row of Stairway Bookcases in her home, placing hers in the living room where they add major drama and structure to an expansive stretch of wall. She got creative with her book display and opted to display some titles with the spines facing inward for a more neutral, artistic look that can be quite controversial in these parts — but looks really lovely with the room’s color palette.

Of course, bookshelves couldn’t be a more obvious furnishing choice for a home offie. Blogger and designer Chaney Widmer of Mix and Match Design Co. styled her Stairway so that it holds her printer and some file boxes, making the most of its small footprint to best fit her work needs. The great thing about this slim shelf is it fits nicely into corners, nooks, and even beside door openings.

Kids need beautiful bookcases, too! This setup by blogger and designer Melissa Barling of Winter Daisy keeps favorite stuffed animals, books, and knickknacks within eyesight and jazzes up an otherwise plain white wall. Placing storage baskets on the lowest shelf will allow kiddos to reach for some items on their own — and put them away once playtime is over.

Lifestyle blogger and designer Michael Wurm of Inspired by Charm also has his Stairway bookcases within his home office area, and they hold a mix of decorative and functional items. They also double as decor; there is no need to hang artwork directly across from the desk when Wurm can gaze at his stunningly styled shelves.

One of the best things about the Stairway is how easy it is to configure — and reconfigure, if you want to — in a space, particularly if you are using multiples. You can space them out evenly as shown above or push them together like Wurm did. You really cannot go wrong with the Stairway, and I’m thinking about how to make one work in my space, too.