After seeing this, I finally created the post category "bookshelf furniture." This is the fourth such piece I've found in the last few months.
From Treehugger's "Bookinist: Crazy/Clever Chair for Reading, Thinking, Moving"
Bookinist [from designer Nils Holder Moorman], a combination chair/bookcase with a reading light, cup holder, and a more few surprises that combine to give new meaning to the term "bookmobile." The arms and backrest can hold 80 paperbacks, and the chair hides secret compartments for reading glasses, bookmarks, pencils, a pencil sharpener and a notebook (all included with the chair) and adds and a wheel for easy mobility...
Designers continue to innovate in order to maximize space and keep books as close to their readers as possible. This 21st-century furniture design makes me think of a certain 20th-century "glass house." While we're warned not to throw stones there, traditional wall bookshelves blocking the natural light and obstructing 360-degree views would also damage its design. This type of furniture would fit in well.
If you desire to furnish your abode with all sorts of furniture that second as bookshelves, check out the other pieces —all from different designers — that I've found so far:
There will be more bookshelf furniture to come. I think this design sub-field hasn't been fully explored yet.
How cool is this! Everything is right there (which is good for me because I'm always getting back up to get something I forgot!) and you can move it around without pulling a muscle. Awesome find :)
Posted by: alicia | July 28, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Kristin,
When and if I ever get back down to the City, and if I'm invited to your abode, will I be surrounded by a home completely furnished in bookshelf furniture?
The ingenuity of human minds just fasinates me. I wish I could be like that. I'm lucky if I can brush my teeth with the correct side of the toothbrush and put my underwear on right-side out and front in front. ;-)
rel
Posted by: rel | July 29, 2007 at 07:31 AM
All it's missing is a mini-cocktail bar and maybe a porta-potty! ;-)
Posted by: Alexandra | July 29, 2007 at 02:54 PM
alicia — It sounds like you've found your ideal writing/work station. I don't know the price, however...
rel — We've got only "old-fashioned" bookshelves. The abode would be quite a disappointment in the "bookshelf furniture" arena, but the books and company would make up for it. ;)
Alexandra — ROFL! I would love to see how the designer would work both a cocktail bar and porta-potty into this! What a challenge...what does one do now with spills and smells? ;)
Your unique perspective is much appreciated.
Posted by: KG | July 29, 2007 at 10:24 PM