possible bookcase for darkish mid century living room

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Hi there, new to the forums but long term visitor. Recently rehauled main room in our new small edwardian house: a west facing shabby and midlewy living room 16sq m, which used to have windows to the south originally before they were blocked by extension. The room has been gutted and done up in mid century style. Now I need something for the external wall. As we have many books and need storage space I designed a bookcase and am ordering it from a company which works with laminate panels and lacquered fronts as they are the only affordable place I know. However, after a brief consultation with a different online designer I now got cold feet. Designer said that white modular piece against dark wood furniture is a no-no since it would split the room in two and make it look weird. Also, that a fitted bookcase there will cut a lot of the remaining light plus might contribute to return of dreaded mildew trapped behind it. She suggested putting in retro low wooden bookcases by the window. However, I feel there is already far too much wood in the room: oak floor, rosewood, teak and afromosia furniture. Would it be ok if I stuck with rosewood or teak for the shelves and had no cabinets (so that books rather than wood would dominate)? Is a fitted bookcase a no no? Would be grateful for any advice! btw room not finished yet. Will replace sofa with a restored fabric one and may mute the green wall a bit - again any advice would be wonderful. Many thanks! Stan

PS btw glass doors are painted off white like skirting - it is just the other side that is still veneer as the vestibule has not been done yet

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Comments (3)

PRO
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7 years ago
Could the doors be primary colours? Look at fifties designs of George Nelson.
c_papoulias thanked Sort Our Stuff
Midcenturylass
7 years ago
What about String shelving? you can pick the shelf colour and fabric and build it as you need it, plus it's a midcentury design classic. A maker called Nick James who works from Mushroom Works in Newcastle upon Tyne does excellent bespoke furniture in this style too.
c_papoulias thanked Midcenturylass
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c_papoulias
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks so much for these responses! Yes string shelving would be a great idea and would add lightness to the room while keeping the style. Unfortunately the external wall is also insulated with plasterboard because of damp problems so it would be quite complicated and risky to hang anything on it. I have now bought a Brouer Mobelfabrik rosewood bookcase for the one side . After it is in place, I will have to see whether an additional piece would work for the other side

But all these are good ideas as I have another room with an internal wall where primary colours and string shelving would look great

Thanks for your advice!

possible bookcase for darkish mid century living room

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possible bookcase for darkish mid century living room

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