As the New Year starts, we should all make a resolution to read more. And I don’t mean US Weekly. Whether it’s diving into new releases or going old school (has Alyson finished Shogun yet??), there is certainly no shortage of things to read these days…and if your a guy or gal that likes the accoutrements to any activity, pimp out your study with some fab bookshelves to show off how smart and literate you are.

ashamanic picked a pretty expensive little diddy to shelve the literature, but she’s right in pointing out how easily one could “covet” the whimsical Bookworm Shelf.  I think (if you wanted to spend $900) this windy shelf would be amazing in a kid’s room - it reminds me of Alice In Wonderland.

For another Wonderland-y look, the Sapien Bookcase is a free-standing shelf that lets you stack all your books on top of each other.  Doesn’t it kind of look like something in the Mad Hatter’s house? o0 thinks it would be “perfect for his bedroom” in his Dreaming of A Modern House list.

Another sort of insane shelving option is Di Overton’s pick,  the Lunuganga Bookshelf.  Not sure how many books can actually fit on this shelf, (or if they’ll stay, wonders Di) but you can’t deny how unbelievably cool this sculptural unit would look on the right wall.

Plus, it’s really fun to say Lunuganga.

Joe has picked a bunch of cool shelves for his home list.  And I’m kind of into the labrynth-like qualities of the Stagger Shelf  by Brave Space.  Vivavi.com describes the shelf as “a striking shelving unit designed to maximize displays areas through a variety of spaces. Irregular and asymmetrical shelving sections opens up the possibilities for a less traditional display of objects.”

Plus, it’s made of bamboo, and finished with organic, non-toxic hard oil - so it’s eco-friendly for the green-minded design set. 

Of course, by now most of us have seen the insta-fave of modern shelves, Umbra’s Conceal Bookshelf - a pretty popular piece on ThisNext.  Modernist macandrew says the Conceal Shelf “makes a great talking piece, also perfect for those spaces that are not really large enough for an actually shelf.”  And  shakkath7 loves it because it “levitates libros.” Ha!

If you are looking for something ore horizontal, the Bookcase Nar is an absolutely stunning piece of furniture that functions as both a table and a bookcase.  It’s a great space-saving, modern piece, and a favortie among design junkies NOTCOT, rugenius and elmanco. Just be careful that no one spills their coffee or wine on your gorgeous hardbacks!

Lit blogger LitWit loves CB2’s Go-Cart Bookcase for a myriad of reasons, “Oh my God, if it comes on wheels, I want it. No questions asked. I’ve ruined enough hardwood floors (and fingernails) doing the dreaded push, pull, tug, cry, and scream. It’s not that I’m labor-averse, just lazy. And eager to be mobile.”  

Hmmm.  Mobile books…I like where this is going. And I’m all about giving the hardwood floors a break.

So now you’ve got an armload of choices for your truck load of books.  Just don’t forget to read ‘em! The mind is a terrible thing to waste.   

See more of my Get Your Book On (the shelf) list at ThisNext.