Home Office & Workspace

Office Bookcase

An office bookcase is a tall shelving unit designed to store and display books, binders, reference materials, and decorative objects within a workspace, providing both functional storage and a curated visual backdrop. In the era of video conferencing, the office bookcase has taken on additional significance as the most commonly seen background element in virtual meetings, making its styling and organization a matter of professional presentation as well as personal expression. A well-organized bookcase communicates competence and thoughtfulness, while a chaotic one can undermine the professional image that the rest of the office carefully projects. Office bookcases range from open shelving units that provide easy access and full visibility to cabinets with glass doors that protect books from dust while maintaining display qualities, to closed-front units that conceal their contents entirely. The choice depends on the balance of display desire, dust management, and aesthetic preference. For home offices, bookcases that combine open and closed sections offer the most versatility: open shelves display curated books and objects, while lower cabinets with doors hide less attractive items like file boxes, equipment, and supplies. The bookcase's material and finish should coordinate with the desk and other office furniture to create a cohesive workspace environment.

Key Characteristics

  • Tall shelving for books and display items
  • Professional video call backdrop
  • Available in open, glass-front, and closed styles
  • Adjustable shelf heights for flexibility
  • Combination of display and hidden storage
  • Coordinates with office furniture suite

Types & Variations

Open shelf bookcase
Glass-front barrister bookcase
Built-in floor-to-ceiling bookcase
Ladder-style leaning bookcase
Bookcase with lower cabinet doors

Common Materials

Solid hardwood constructionEngineered wood with veneerMetal industrial framePainted MDFGlass shelf and door panelsSteel and wood combination

Placement & Usage Tips

Position the bookcase directly behind your desk chair so it appears as a backdrop in video calls. Ensure it is anchored to the wall with anti-tip hardware, especially for tall, narrow units. Leave the shelves at eye level and above for styled display items, and use lower shelves for heavier reference materials.

💡 Pro Tip

For the most professional video call backdrop, style your bookcase shelves with a mix of vertically and horizontally stacked books interspersed with plants, framed photos, and a few meaningful objects. Avoid filling every inch of shelf space; intentional gaps create visual breathing room that looks composed rather than cluttered. A small LED book light or puck lights on upper shelves add warmth and depth to the background.