BOOK CASES FROM SALVAGE TO STORAGE

Nestled beneath the steps of an open sided staircase and its treads are neatly arranged books using otherwise unused space; another bookcase staircase illuminated by a roof light even uses the stair treads themselves with shelf space for over 2,000 paperback sized books created by Levitate Design Company in London. Wooden crates once used to transport wine and other goods are now highly prized for the possibilities they offer for stylish recycled storage solutions. They create large and versatile bookcases and can be finished off professionally with coloured MDF or Batipin, an environmentally friendly plywood made from maritime pine with a pronounced grain. Maximise your shelf space and create archive space and invisible fixings, these designs range from the contemporary with veneered laminate. The Watson design can be stood against a wall or set into a niche, perfect for novices it is a simple MDF project which looks rather like the classic IKEA Billy Bookcase. Another is a double sided partition with storage compartments, and another black plastic trays with cable ties mounted four across by four high with notes on how to secure it to make a box-fresh book display, ingenious, low cost, quirky and bespoke; these kind of boxes can be picked up online second hand or direct from markets and garden centres. An old wooden step ladder with pine boards set across and with LED lit shelves, a book bench to sit across, to a retro curved end chunky bookcase and a modular storage unit in the tradition of the classic Componibili design of 1968 using an old revolving bar stool, for all of these projects the designer explains the concept, there is a clear series of step-by-step photography, a toolbox, and the look achieved can be awesome. With diagrams to scan or photocopy, the 14 creations give full technical tips to guide you through each stage right up to the more ambitious library and bookcase projects by leading designers and architects. An inspiration for all crafty book lovers. 192pp in very large softback with glossy colour photos.