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how deep is the average bookcase

by Mrs. Susie Russel V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The average width of books is between 4.5 inches to 8 inches; thus, the standard bookshelf depth is around 10 inches to 12 inches to allow ample space. Many manufacturers put bookshelves on the market with a depth of 7 inches to 12 inches to play it safe.Jul 30, 2022

Full Answer

What is the average depth of a bookshelf?

Standard Bookshelf Depth With most book widths of around 4.25 inches to 8 inches, the standard bookshelf depth is between 10 to 12 inches. But you can find bookshelves on the market with a depth ranging from 7 to 15 inches.

What is the average size of a bookcase?

Medium and tall bookcases are those that have a height of approximately 30 inches and a width of 24 inches, and a depth of 16.5 inches. Here’s a table of bookcase measurements and how they are measured:

How deep should a bookcase be for DVDs?

If you have an old bookshelf, for example, it is probably safe to go a How Deep Should A Bookcase Be? For a box of DVDs, the typical depth should be about 16.5″. If you want a shallow bookcase, you could have a shelf underneath to store your DVDs. You can make that of waffle mesh or cedar boards, or even laminate.

What is the average shelf spacing between books?

The shelf spacing varies based on the kinds of books placed in the shelf. You can find on the market many kinds of book sizes ranging from 6.87 inches to 11 inches. So the average shelf spacing should be between 9 to 12 inches.

How deep should a bookcase be?

Why do books need a deep bookcase?

How Deep Should It Be For DVDs?

Why are bookcases important?

How do I secure a bookcase to the wall?

What to be careful about when stacking books in your bookcase?

What to think about when buying a book?

See 2 more

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How deep is a library bookshelf?

Shelf depth can range anywhere from six to 16 inches. Generally speaking, a shelf depth of 10 inches is the most common, and holds most paperback and large print books, as well as CDs and DVDs. Oversized materials such as newspapers, magazines and encyclopedias require shelf depth of at least 12 inches.

What is minimum depth for bookshelf?

Most shelves are built a minimum of 11 to 12 inches deep, but this is your chance to customize: Go for it!

What size is a standard bookcase?

The standard height of a four-shelf bookcase is 54 inches. The standard height of a four-shelf bookcase is 54 inches. Standard narrow four-shelf bookcases will have a width of 24 inches, and a wide four-shelf bookcase will have a width of 45 inches. The depth may range from 12 inches to 14 5/8 inches.

How thick should a bookshelf be?

Use 3/4-inch thick materials for shelves and bookcase structure. If you're using hardwood solids, it's OK to boost the thickness to 1 1/4 inch for almost unlimited support.

How deep should display shelves be?

Although generally, 12-15 inches is suitable for any environment, if the item you are going to put is larger than these dimensions, it may not fit. Then you will need to use a deeper shelf. For example, bookshelves are mostly 10 to 12 inches, while standard furniture shelves are 16 to 20 inches.

What is a good width for a shelf?

Average Shelf Spacing A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.

What is the average width of a shelf?

Bookshelf Width On average, the standard bookcase will have a width of 31 to 32 inches or 79 to 81 centimeters. At the same time, there are smaller bookcases at 24 inches or 61 centimeters, while bigger ones can have a width up to 48 inches or 122 centimeters.

How tall is a typical bookshelf?

A standard 4-shelf bookcase is about 54 inches tall (just over 4 feet). The width of a standard bookcase ranges from 24 inches (2 feet) to 45 inches (3.5 feet). Most bookcases are 10-12 inches deep.

How deep should Floating bookshelves be?

In general, floating shelves should be between five and ten inches deep. However, there are much bigger sizes you can try, spanning from 12 inches up to 15 inches deep.

How much space do you need between bookshelves?

A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.

How big of a bookcase do I need?

Multiply the average width with the total number of books (3 x 200 = 600). This means you have 600 inches total width of book, so you'll need 600 inches of shelf. If you're building your own, you have some freedom and flexibility. All you need to do is make sure you build at least 600 total inches of shelf space.

How deep is a floating shelf?

For example, if you are floating a bookshelf, typically your shelf shouldn't need to be deeper than 10" since most books are less than 9" deep. Alternatively, if you are floating kitchen shelves, 12" usually works since kitchen cabinets and the plates, cups, and bowls they house are typically 12" deep or less.

Standard Furniture Dimensions PDF

assetf I II II I Standard Furniture Dimensions (Inches) Tables Height Width Length Bedside 26 15 19 Buffet 34-48 24 60 Card 30 36 36

How deep is a bookcase?

The width also varies, ranging from 31 to 37 inches. Meanwhile, the depth is the standard 12 to 13 inches. But there are also specialty five-shelf bookcases that are just five inches deep, making them ideal for storing small paperback books.

How tall is a 3 shelf bookcase?

Like the two-shelf bookcase, the three-shelf bookcase has variations in terms of height. You may find one that’s 41 inches tall and even come across one that’s 48 inches in height. The width may also vary, from as narrow as 30 inches to as wide as 36 inches. The depth is similar to the two-shelf bookcase as well, between 12 and 13 inches. If you’re buying one, look for a three-shelf bookcase that would let you adjust the shelves to various heights so you can keep or store large books and hardcovers.

What is the best material to make a bookshelf?

First, you must choose a bookcase or bookshelf made of strong and durable materials. The best choice would be solid wood, but it can make the bookshelf itself expensive. Other affordable options are manufactured wood and metal.

What is the best bookcase for a small book collection?

If you have a collection of small books or you’re just starting to appreciate reading and collecting books, then a two-shelf bookcase is the right type of bookshelf for you. This is also the bookshelf you’d want if you have limited space at home.

How many shelves are in a double wide bookcase?

A double-wide bookshelf may come in three to ten-shelf styles. As such, the dimensions of this bookcase will vary depending on the number of shelves from which it is made of.

How wide is a typical bookshelf?

A typical bookshelf width is between 31 to 32 inches. You can also find other bookshelf widths from 24 inches to 48 inches.

How tall is a small bookshelf?

The standard height for this small bookshelf is 32 inches, although you may even find one that’s 36 inches tall. Meanwhile, the standard width is 31 inches. The depth may vary from 12 to 13 inches.

How wide is a bookcase?

You can also find classic bookcases in standard sizes of 24 inches wide, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches wide . Standard heights are usually 36 inches, 48 inches, 72 inches, 84 inches, or roughly 90 inches tall. The average depth of a bookshelf is between 11 and 12 inches, though it can be shallower for media storage.

How deep should a CD case be?

A 5.5” deep shelf like the top one below is all you need for a typical CD case. But the deeper shelves toward the bottom are great for books and even board games. Many shelves even feature drawers at the bottom for hidden storage.

Why is it important to have a tall shelf?

Available vertical space is also very important. Choosing a tall shelf allows you to store a lot more stuff in the same footprint as a shorter shelf. You could also opt for two slim bookshelves to flank either side of your television or stereo system.

How wide is the IKEA shelf?

If you plan to store books or display home decor and other accessories, then a wider shelf is best. The IKEA shelf above is 31 ½” wide and comes in the same height options as the slim shelves.

Why is a bookshelf important?

A bookshelf not only helps add lots of extra storage to your space, but it’s also versatile. There are so many different styles, all ...

Why do we need bookshelves?

A bookshelf not only helps add lots of extra storage to your space, but it’s also versatile. There are so many different styles, all ranging in size and shape from small to massive built-ins. Plus, you can use bookshelves for more than just books, displaying art, accessories, or even creating room dividers.

What is a leaning shelf?

Leaning shelves provide ample storage while taking up less visual space in the room. The design helps your space feel uncluttered. You can store more oversized items toward the bottom and things like books and picture frames toward the middle. Then, the top shelf is perfect for media storage.

How wide is a bookcase?

The width will range from 31 inches to 37 inches , and the depth will be the standard of 12 to 13 inches. Taller five-shelf bookcases are often found in European stores, such as Ikea. Specialty bookcases, made for paperbacks, are also available that have a small, paperback-appropriate depth of about 5 inches.

How tall is a standard bookcase?

Standard bookcase heights range from 32 to 84 inches.

How wide is a 4 shelf bookcase?

Standard narrow four-shelf bookcases will have a width of 24 inches, and a wide four-shelf bookcase will have a width of 45 inches. The depth may range from 12 inches to 14 5/8 inches. If your collection includes square-shaped books, you might appreciate the potential for extra depth that a four-shelf bookcase will provide. You might also shop for a unit that is made of solid wood, as opposed to one made of particleboard. A solid wood bookcase will accommodate the extra weight of all of the books. If you do choose a particleboard bookcase, consider mounting the back of the bookcase to the wall for better stability -- especially if the bookcase will be on a carpeted floor.

What is a 7 shelf bookcase called?

Seven-shelf bookcases are referred to as "babies" or "towers".

How deep should a book shelf be?

12" deep shelves are too deep for most books, again most books. I would make the bookshelf a "breakfront", the 2 lower shelves 12" deep above a 4" base or toe space, and step the front back at the 30-32" height and make the remaining shelves, 8, maybe 10" deep.

Can I use 1x12 books on a shelf?

Depends on your books. The ones I built last time used 1x12's; that's overkill but it does handle some oversized art books and lets me put two rows of paperbacks on a shelf (one upright, another tilted back in front of them).

Is there an average shelf depth for a bookcase?

Even assuming you mean regular paperbacks I don't think an average is the way to look at this. There may be a common, perhaps even typical, shelf depth for a bookcase but I've yet to see it myself, so an average of the various depths that are manufactured might result in a shelf as unsatisfactory (for some books certainly, perhaps even for all books) as your previous builds.

The Space You Have for Your Bookcase

You need to measure the area in which you want to place your new bookcase. For example, perhaps you are trying to fit a bookcase into your bedroom, but you do not know how much physical space you have. Get a tape measure and measure the area. You will be able to get a general idea of how wide, tall, and shallow the bookcase can be.

The Size of the Books Matter

The next thing you need to measure is the size of your books. You have to get a bookcase that will house your books comfortably. Otherwise, the books are liable to fall out of the bookcase rendering it useless.

The Height of the Bookcase is Important

One thing to keep in mind when you are deciding how shallow your bookcase can be is the height. It is easy to forget the height when you are worried about how deep the bookcase can be, but it is also important.

Dimensions of Various Bookcases

Various bookcases can be bought for your apartment or home. Many of them vary in how many shelves they have. They can also vary in the designs they are made in.

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How many bookshelves are needed for a 600 inch bookcase?

If you need 600 inches of shelf, you'll need 3.33 bookshelves (600 divided by 180). So you can buy 4 and use the extra space to display your collection of Star Wars figurines, or you can donate 10% of those dusty textbooks to a thrift store.

How tall is a book shelf?

Bookshelves usually stand 80" tall maximum, which is how high a six-foot-tall person can reach without a stool.

How Many Books Can a Bookshelf Hold?

Maybe you're looking at a giant pile of books, wondering how big a bookshelf you need to buy. Or maybe you're looking at a bookcase, in a store or online, wondering how much of your library it will hold. Perhaps you're good with your hands and planning to build your own custom shelves.

How thick are books?

Most books are about an inch and a half thick, but things like art, medical, and reference books tend to run a little fatter. Magazines tend to run about a quarter of an inch. If you're a perfectionist, you'll add up the exact widths of all your books (!!!) and divide by the total number of books to get the average width.

Can you estimate what you need?

In any case, you can make a fairly accurate estimate of what you'll need, even if you're not great with numbers. All you need to do is take some measurements and do some simple math.

How deep should a bookcase be?

If you are using it to store books, you will want it to be shallower. It depends on what you plan to put in it, the size of the room, the height of ceilings, and your taste. The depth of a bookcase depends on what you do with it.

Why do books need a deep bookcase?

Shallow bookcases make it easy to shove all the books on the shelf and grab a book of them. A deep bookcase helps prevent that.

How Deep Should It Be For DVDs?

Most bookcases have shelves made to hold DVDs at the shelves’ highest point. At the bottom of each shelf, they will usually have a particular platform made out of metal, wood, or PVC.

Why are bookcases important?

But they can be a little tricky to measure and build. It is important to get the depth of the bookcase right.

How do I secure a bookcase to the wall?

For this reason, let your professional woodworker secure them for you with either brackets or velcro and wall anchors. He will locate the studs into your walls and form an L-shaped bracket between your wall and the top of the bookcase. To use velcro, he has to locate the stud and drill a velcro strap into each wall stud. He will then align the end of the velcro on the top of the bookcase.

What to be careful about when stacking books in your bookcase?

One of the things to be careful about when stacking books in your bookcase is the weight.

What to think about when buying a book?

The first thing to think about is the weight of your books. If you have a lot of heavy books, you want to make sure that you have a sturdy bookshelf.

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How Deep Should A Bookcase be?

  • For a box of DVDs, the typical depth should be about 16.5″. If you want a shallow bookcase, you could have a shelf underneath to store your DVDs. You can make that of waffle mesh or cedar boards, or even laminate. If you are using a shallow bookcase to store books, you will need a bo…
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How Deep Should It Be For Dvds?

  • Most bookcases have shelves made to hold DVDs at the shelves’ highest point. At the bottom of each shelf, they will usually have a particular platform made out of metal, wood, or PVC. If your bookcase is shallow enough for a DVD to sit on the platform, it is too shallow to hold books. If it is too deep, then it is too tall. Determining your bookcase’s shelf height and depth is important, esp…
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How Deep Should It Be For Books?

  • If you only use a bookcase for books, you are in the clear. It will maximize the space it takes up. If you store a lot of other stuff in the bookcase, though, you might want to go for a deeper bookcase. Anything that will get an uncomfortable amount of wear and tear, like old sets of CDs, is best stored on a shallow bookcase. Make sure you have a separate bookcase for older books that wil…
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What Is The Right Depth For A Bookcase?

  • What is the right depth for a bookcase depends on your personal preference. If you are short and want to have shelves that you can comfortably reach, this depth is probably the right one for you. This depth is also good if you have books that do not have very well-made bindings. That will make it harder to stack things on top of them. However, if you are tall and want to have shelves t…
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1.How Deep Should a Bookcase Be? - Home Bliss HQ

Url:https://www.homeblisshq.com/how-deep-should-a-bookcase-be/

6 hours ago Standard bookshelves are 11 inches deep.

2.Standard Bookshelf Dimensions (With Drawings) – …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/standard-bookshelf-dimensions/

6 hours ago  · What is a good depth for a bookcase? 10 to 12 inches. Shelf depth for a general purpose bookshelf is usually 10 to 12 inches. Shelf spacing will generally range from 7 to 15 …

3.Standard Bookcase Sizes | Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13403531/standard-bookcase-sizes

16 hours ago 8. 12" deep shelves are too deep for most books, again most books. I would make the bookshelf a "breakfront", the 2 lower shelves 12" deep above a 4" base or toe space, and step the front back …

4.Is there an average depth that works best for book shelves?

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