Book shelves have a lot to say, perhaps more so than any other piece of furniture in the home. The first thing most visitors do when left alone in a room with a book shelf is scan the titles for anything they’ve read too. A single book can establish common ground or a common interest and go a long way towards setting someone at their ease. On the other hand a solid wall of advanced physics textbooks can be intimidating and it’s easy to imagine what a row of cheap romance novels can do to a carefully built reputation.

Sometimes what book shelves say has nothing to do with the printed words they hold. There is a world of difference between the look and feel of a utilitarian metal shelves solution and polished walnut, and the gap between either of those and falling-down student-style shelves built from boards and breezeblocks is even greater.

Good, solid wood shelving and racking is used by people who value their books, whatever those books might be. They have an obvious respect for the printed word and a love of learning but a high quality chrome-coated metal shelving unit speaks of practicality and organization. It says the user has a modern outlook, and while they like reading as much as the next person, they’re still unpretentious and approachable.

Whatever style you choose, an organised and practical system will make you appear sharper and more ambitious. It’ll help reduce mess and clutter and tell visitors that you’re a focussed go-getter, someone who cares about being tidy and efficient.