Ideas for wall to wall book shelving without fitted bookcases

[D20]

I’m looking for wall to wall shelving for books but not fitted bookcases. Currently we have a large Kallax unit but wanting something less deep and less fussy for the full back wall. I think I’m looking for something less basic than planks on brackets but a similar concept. Surely not everyone has built in Billy bookcases despite what Instagram is showing me?

So you want bookshelves? In a freestanding unit? Like these:

• https://www.tesco.com/shop/en-GB/products/326118467
• https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/gersby-bookcase-white-70261131

What are you measurements across the space and depth?

or are you after inspiration?

No I want the opposite! Horizontal shelves across the whole wall.

Anything tall will need to be attached to the wall, for safety.

Ikea Ladmarkare range might suit?
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ladmarkare-combinations-700717/

Ask a joiner for something bespoke?

Ah - so floating alcove shelves?

Yes I’d just speak to a local carpenter. We had shelves custom made to fit but that was across a pair of alcoves rather than a whole wall. You may either need a central support, or sturdy cross pieces to stop it from sagging, depending on the width you’re trying to span.

Either put up individual shelves yourself, or get a carpenter to put some up? You will need to decide whether you want floating shelves, or brackets or resting on batons (I think). They need to be pretty sturdy because books are heavy (sorry for stating the obvious!). We have the adjustable tracks at the back so we can move the shelves about as we need, but they aren't especially attractive!

We have Vitsœ shelving in our sitting room and the sadly discontinued IKEA Svalnas in our playroom. Both effectively 'planks on brackets' though although I bit classier I like to think. The Vitsœ in particular are fab because you work with a designer to get the best arrangement for you.

Adjustable tracks? Tell me more!

You need to consider how your house is built, old fashioned brick/blocks covered in plaster(board) or stud walls. I wouldn't feel at all confident about shelves loaded with books, unless I was sure the screws were going into something really solid. If I was doing it (and couldn't afford something bespoke made from solid timber) I would use Billy's and get them customised to fit, loads of videos about how to do it on You-tube.

Oh, interesting. Possibly a bit utilitarian at first glance but I shall ponder on that.

I don't have a huge area covered but I have something like these. I love them. Just see the books and not much else.

https://www.teebooks.co.uk/bookshelves/275-wall-bookshelf-60-x-15-cm-set-of-6.html

The wall is brick but I yes I am concerned about the weight still.

Interesting… might get AI to install some for me to see on my wall.

This kind of thing

www.diy.com/home-furniture-storage/storage-shelving/shelves.cat?Navigation+type=Twin+slot

Some will be nicer than others. We bought the wooden shelves in B&Q too, and varnished them to the colour we wanted - they will cut them to the length you need. You could buy nicer wood elsewhere?

We've also got them floor to ceiling in our porch for shoes, and bought white laminated shelves, they were much shorter so we got more shelves per length. We may have too many shoes between us.

I like this style but I think they’ll end up quite fussy like the Kallax are given it is a small room.

Wider than an alcove so I think floating shelves would be ruled out.

@D20 I don't know why my link isn't finding anything now, but search for "twin slot shelving"

Even my son’s small wall bookshelf is sagging and that’s chipboard I think. I think we would probably need more brackets/supports than I imagine.

IKEA Boaxel could work. Or look at Tylko. Google 'shelving system'.

I had to search after adding my postcode as apparently there were none available at my local store. They look similar to the Vitsoe.

It depends on what your wall is made of. If it's a solid enough wall, you can have floating shelves be as wide as you want, you just need extra hidden supports.

The Tylco is a clever site but for another room I think. Not sure the IKEA option is aesthetic enough.

We have ikea boaxel in sons room.but they are wide shelves.

We have a lot of books and used bulky bookcases side by side. I do like Vitsoe though but are ££ compared to Billy.

Have a look at Dunelm flynn modular shelves (cant link, sorry).