Decide where to put the bookcase

• How to buy the right bookcase
• Decide where to put the bookcase
• What will you be storing in the bookcase?
• Fitted bookcases
• Freestanding bookcases
• Other features to consider

* Think about where you want the bookcase to go. If it's going to fit into an alcove, measure the width, taking into consideration skirting boards and radiator pipes.

* If the items on the bookcase will be used frequently, as in a home office, make sure there's plenty of room in front of the shelves so that everything can be reached easily.

* Make the most of wasted space under stairs and in hallways with a waist-height bookcase.

* Open-shelved bookcases can also act as room dividers in dual-purpose spaces, zoning off different areas.

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