Library furniture - the ultimate guide

Designing a library space that seamlessly integrates functional and creative library furniture is crucial to creating an inspiring environment.

At thedesignconcept ltd. we have been designing award-winning libraries for public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, corporate libraries and specialist environments for almost a century. We work with leading architects, designers, librarians and other professionals in the development of design and functionality, continuously adapting our services to the needs and requirements of the project.

Our skilled architects and interior designers carry out projects of all sizes. In every design process, we use our experience and competence to come up with ideas that turn a library visit into an experience.

Our website features not only a world of inspiration but also all our webshop products. These products have a short delivery time and can be recognized by a chart icon and a price tag and can be purchased directly on our website. 

This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about library furniture. From shelving systems to signage, we will explore various aspects of library furniture to help you make informed decisions.

Contents:

• Shelving systems
• Counters and search stations
• Book trolleys
• Display furniture
• Book browsers
• Seating
• Children's furniture
• Signage and displays
• Zones and collections
• Biophilic library furniture
• Recycling
• Material and colour selection
• Eurobib Direct: Your go-to webshop for library furniture
• Interior design support
  
  

Shelving systems

Investing in a well-designed library shelving system is a crucial step towards creating a functional, organized, and visually appealing library space. At thedesignconcept ltd., we are committed to providing innovative shelving solutions that address the unique needs of your library. With our versatile and durable shelving systems such as 60/30, Uniflex and Lingo, you can optimize your library's storage capacity, enhance user experience, and create a space that inspires exploration and discovery.

With our round shelving such as 60/30 Classic Round Shelving, Lingo Round Shelving and Inform Round Shelving you can challenge the classic library interior design as the round shapes invite renewed creativity, create tranquillity and provide a perfect space for study and reflection.

Designed with the needs of modern libraries in mind, our shelving solutions offer a perfect balance of functionality, flexibility, and aesthetics. Whether you're looking to optimize your existing library space or planning a new library project, our shelving systems are here to meet your unique requirements for library furniture.

> See all library shelving solutions

Counters and search stations

Library counters and search stations are integral components of a well-functioning library. They provide visitors with access to information, personalized assistance and self-service options, all aimed at optimizing their library experience. They are part of the visitors’ first impression, serving as gathering points within the library that help reduce waiting times and provide any required assistance.

Our counters come in different types and heights and can cater to both ergonomics and practicality. E.g., our Info Pod Counter and Inform Counter have height-adjustable options and meet many health and safety guidelines for library furniture.

Search stations, such as Flatline and Inform, are often located near library counters and designed with user-friendly interfaces and a minimalistic design. They assist users in self-help task such as book returns and locating specific areas within the library. Additional signage and return cabinets empower visitors to independently make their way around thus freeing up staff for other tasks.

> See more counters and search stations

Book trolleys

Book trolleys are an indispensable part of the library’s logistics. They are essential tools for moving books and other materials and are also often used as efficient return stations. They help library staff save time and effort, ensuring that books are easily accessible and available for visitors.

Our book trolleys come in many different colours, materials and designs to match other library furniture and zones. Trolleys like Öland XL and Gotland XL can even function as portable mini shelving systems. When selecting book trolleys for your library, it is important to consider factors such as size and capacity, manoeuvrability, durability, construction and ergonomics.

Halland, Ergoline, Crossrunner and Ørestad are some of our common single-sided types used in libraries. They feature multiple shelves or levels for organising and transporting books and often have ergonomic handles, smooth-rolling castors and a compact design for easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

Double-sided book trolleys include types as Gotland and Ven. They offer increased storage capacity by featuring shelves on both sides of the trolley. This design allows for efficient movement of a larger number of books while still maintaining compact dimensions.

> See more book trolleys and return stations

Display furniture

Display furniture serves as a medium to highlight featured items, promote specific collections and create visually stimulating environments. At thedesignconcept ltd. we offer everything from small podiums to large exhibition and storage units that can be used throughout the library for presentation and information purposes. Many available with castors to create flexibility.

Podiums are perfect for creating small and large islands in the library. Some of our podiums can even be used as 3-in-1 solutions, e.g. Maria podium for either display or storage (with or without the removable top plate as it includes a browser) as well as seating. The podiums can be combined with various display and book stands to highlight the books.

Ella and Say “A” mobile display furniture are some of our popular front facing A-displays ideal for open areas or entrances, while our broad selection of display towers is the perfect solution for visible and attractive display of novels, paperbacks and other media. Display towers such as Labyrinth and Oslo are ideal for both storing and displaying books and magazines while Stockholm, Quattro and Cube show off magazines and book in a simple and yet attractive way.      

> See all display furniture

Book browsers

Library book browsers play a crucial role in connecting visitors with the vast array of media available in a library. They provide a means to browse and explore books by category, genre, or topic, making it easier to find titles of interest. They help maximize the capacity of the library while maintaining a tidy and inviting environment among other library furniture.

Sara and Anette are some of our popular mobile browsers with good accessibility. Sara comes in both square and round versions in different heights and colours for flexible solutions in the library interior. Malmö AV browser is suitable for music, movies and audiobooks and makes it convenient for visitors to browse and select their preferred publications.

Our children’s book browsers and animal-themed Wildlife browsers are tailored to the needs of younger library users. Have fun with Dilly, Gordon, Elna, Elof, Ture or Leopold! The animals add a playful vibe to the library whilst supporting a nature-inspired theme. Some of our other popular children’s browsers include Little Claus, Big Claus and Anette - all designed with lower heights, colourful accents, and easy-to-reach shelves to engage children and encourage independent browsing.  

> See more book browsers

Seating

Libraries must provide ample seating options. From cosy reading nooks and newspaper and magazine areas to study environments with tranquillity and focus, as well as children’s areas for play and learning.

We have a wide variety of seating furniture, including chairs, sofas, poufs and armchairs. Stylish Hay furniture and soft seating from Softline and Fora Form, provides comfortable seating, and our own biophilic inspired tree trunks Floki, Ragnar, Bjorn and Rollo add a fun touch to the décor while supporting a nature theme.
Need a time-out? Don’t worry - HabiCave and Luna Sound Chair serves as a room within the room for quiet and private sound experiences.

Plastic furniture from Plust and Magis can be used both indoors and outdoors, e.g. Proust Armchair, Gumball Junior Sofa and more playful furniture like Puppy and Trioli. Moreover, we have a wide selection of cushions like Olivia and Eva. Use a cushion trolley for easy transport and storage. 

> See more seating options

Children's furniture

The love of libraries begins at an early age.

When the interior design and library furniture are varying and playful, children of all ages are more stimulated to read. We have great fun creating collections of children’s furniture especially designed for libraries and other learning environments. Children’s furniture where playful designs, clever functions, solid construction and good choices of materials are brought together with care and concern.

To inspire little ones to keep coming back to their library to learn and play, it is important that the children’s library is colourful and exciting. We use bold colours, fun graphics and playful furniture to capture the right atmosphere.

Our children’s furniture ranges from soft seating options like cave furniture, farm animals, nature-inspired poufs and comfortable cushions to animal-like browsers and other playful children’s furniture.

In other words: We make furniture for children on children’s terms.

> See more children's furniture

Signage and displays

In a library's vast collection of books, resources, and spaces, effective signage acts as a reliable navigation tool. It helps visitors quickly locate sections, departments, or specific resources they are seeking. By strategically placing signs at key points throughout the library, visitors can easily navigate between the library furniture and shelves, find study areas, locate restrooms, or locate specialized collections. Well-designed signage minimizes confusion, reduces frustration, and enhances the overall efficiency of library visits.

We also offer various smaller displays that help guide the visitors. Our display solutions include standard display shelfs such as Woody, Sharp and design shelves like On a Green Twig, as well as freestanding acrylic displays and design steel displays like Owl. They all complement each other beautifully and can be used together or individually.

> See more signage and displays

Zones and themes

We have made it easy to design your dream library by assembling some of our popular products into different zones and themes.

Just like a library has various departments with different needs, we have divided some of our bestsellers in different zones and themes on our website. E.g., in the “Entrance zone” you will find everything from display furniture and counters to coat hangers and book return cabinets.

In the “Children’s Inspiration” you will discover colourful and functional library furniture and accessories for children, and in the “Inspired by nature” theme we bring nature-inspired products to life.

We also have seasonal themes, allowing you to decorate the library by winter, spring, summer or autumn.

> Be inspired by all our zones and themes 

Biophilic library furniture

We bring nature into libraries!

The purpose of biophilic library design is to promote well-being and productivity by tapping into our innate connection with nature. Research has shown that exposure to natural elements and materials can reduce stress, improve mood and increase cognitive function.

By integrating products resembling nature, floor and wall graphics, natural light, and natural materials and patterns in our projects, libraries create spaces that evoke a sense of calmness and tranquillity.

See our nature inspired library furniture for the library.

> Read more about biophilic library design

Recycling and certifications

Recycled library furniture is not just a trend but a responsible choice that benefits the environment, the well-being of visitors and staff, and the community as a whole. At thedesignconcept ltd., we are committed to providing a wide selection of certified furniture options designed specifically for libraries. We also do our best to create furniture that can be disassembled at the end of its lifetime and easily sorted and recycled. 

FSC 

We are committed to increasing the share of sustainable raw wooden material in our products and thereby support sustainable forestry with our FCS labelled products. We hold a Chain-of-Custody Multi-site certificate, which documents, that we can offer wood from sustainable forestry.

> Read more about sustainability

Material and colour selection

Materials and colours play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and functionality of library spaces. We offer a diverse range of options to meet the unique design preferences and requirements to transform your library into a welcoming and inspiring environment.

Lacquered steel is a durable and versatile material making it ideal for modular products such as shelving systems like 60/30. Veneer is a popular choice for achieving a sophisticated and natural look and made from slices of real wood that is used for e.g. our Halland book trolley. Melamine is a durable and cost-effective material commonly used in library furniture like Maria podium and browser. Furthermore, we have products like our wildlife animal browsers in plywood that offer excellent strength and stability while our plastic furniture, e.g. Puppy, provide affordable options and great durability that are easy to maintain and lasts for many years.

Colours are essential for creating visually appealing and engaging spaces. Our products are available in a variety of colours to suit your individual design preferences. Explore our colourful furniture options on the individual products.

We constantly keep an eye on colour choices and materials that match library market trends worldwide.

> Read more about materials and patterns

Eurobib Direct: Your go-to webshop for library furniture

Do you know that you can buy library furniture directly on our webshop?

We believe in providing nothing but the best for our customers. Eurobib Direct refers to all our webshop products located on our website and features a curated selection of library furniture known for superior quality and innovative design.

From versatile shelving systems and ergonomic seating options to engaging display furniture and funny and practical library accessories, our webshop features an extensive range of products that cater to the unique needs and preferences of libraries.

Our webshop products can be purchased directly on our website and are recognized by the prize tag and shopping cart.

Interior design support

We are here to help you.

If you have any questions, require further product information or need assistance with your purchase, our dedicated customer support team is ready to assist you. We are just a phone call or email away, ready to provide expert guidance and support to help you make informed decisions and find the perfect furniture solutions for your library.

> Contact us