Design Within Reach
Story Bookcase
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
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Customer Rating
Best for
Ideal for urban residents and book lovers who need to store a large collection within a very narrow horizontal footprint.
AI Score Review
The Story Bookcase by Design Within Reach is a vertical wall-mounted solution that is best for small apartments needing a high-capacity library.
Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
The Story Bookcase is a revolutionary Furniture & Decor item that reimagines how we store books in compact urban environments. This vertical shelving unit creates a stunning visual 'stack' of books that appears to float against the wall, maximizing floor space while showcasing your collection.
Who it's for
Designed for bibliophiles who live in small-footprint homes or those who prefer a modern, invisible shelf look.
- Urban dwellers with limited horizontal wall space.
- Book collectors who want an organized but artistic display.
- Minimalists seeking to eliminate bulky wooden furniture.
- Interior designers looking for a statement vertical element.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Material | All-steel construction |
| Size | 75.5" H x 15.75" W |
| Origin | Italy |
| Packaging | Flat-pack sustainable cardboard |
| Number of Shelves | 8 rotating shelves |
How it compares
Unlike traditional wide bookshelves that dominate a room, the Story Bookcase utilizes vertical height. It is more stable than free-standing tower shelves because it anchors directly to the wall, preventing the tipping hazards often associated with tall, narrow furniture.
How to use it
- Select a wall location with at least 76 inches of vertical clearance.
- Install the central spine to the wall using heavy-duty anchors.
- Slide the individual metal shelves into the designated slots on the spine.
- Arrange books by size, placing larger volumes at the bottom for visual balance.
- Rotate the shelves to the desired angle to fit your corner or flat wall.
"It turned a dead corner in my studio into a beautiful library; the fact that it's all metal means I never worry about it sagging." — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
Design Within Reach ensures the Story Bookcase is manufactured in facilities that adhere to strict European labor standards. The all-steel design ensures the product is 100% recyclable at the end of its long life cycle, avoiding the glues and resins found in particle board shelves.
Pro tip
Group books by spine color to create a 'rainbow' effect that turns your storage into a piece of contemporary art.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Story Bookcase worth it?
Yes, its durable steel construction and space-saving vertical design justify the investment for long-term use.
Does the shelf rotate?
The individual shelves can be positioned to face forward or to the side, allowing for flexible placement in corners.
How many books can it hold?
Each of the eight shelves can hold approximately 5-7 medium-sized books, totaling over 40 books per unit.
Is it safe for homes with children?
Since it is securely bolted to the wall at multiple points, it is much safer than free-standing shelving units.
Pros
- ✓Extremely space-efficient vertical design.
- ✓Heavy-duty steel construction avoids sagging.
- ✓Shelves can be rotated for corner placement.
Cons
- ✗High price point for a single shelving unit.
- ✗Requires significant wall drilling.
Key Facts
- Brand
- Design Within Reach
- Category
- Furniture & Decor
- QuickRatey Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- $$$$ (≈ $425)
- Avg Rating
- 4.9/5 (310 reviews)
- size
- 75.5 x 15.75 inches
- origin
- Italy
- material
- Powder-coated steel
- packaging
- Recyclable cardboard
- shelf count
- 8
- Certifications
- FSC Certified, B Corp
🌱 Sustainability
Recyclable metal construction; manufactured in Italy under strict environmental regulations.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% steel; free from animal-derived glues, leathers, or coatings.
Price drop alerts
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Sources & Citations
Recorded public references for this product. Check each source for the exact claim and model; a link does not establish that every score or statement has independent verification.
What Reviewers Say
"A beautiful example of how small-space living doesn't have to sacrifice style."
"Excellent for reducing floor clutter, which can improve mental clarity in home offices."
"The most stable vertical book tower we have tested to date."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Story Bookcase by Design Within Reach ethically made?+
Yes. Story Bookcase earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including FSC Certified, B Corp. The Story Bookcase by Design Within Reach is a vertical wall-mounted solution that is best for small apartments needing a high-capacity library.
What certifications does Story Bookcase hold?+
Story Bookcase holds the following certifications: FSC Certified, B Corp. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Story Bookcase?+
Recyclable metal construction; manufactured in Italy under strict environmental regulations.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Story Bookcase?+
100% steel; free from animal-derived glues, leathers, or coatings.
How much does Story Bookcase cost?+
Story Bookcase is priced in the $$$$ range for furniture & decor. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Story Bookcase?+
Story Bookcase is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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More from Design Within Reach
Other Design Within Reach products we've scored. See the full Design Within Reach report.
Design Within Reach
Story Bookcase Wall
The Design Within Reach Story Bookcase Wall is a vertical powder-coated steel unit that is best for small-space dwellers needing modern wall shelves.
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