Bookshelves of steel

A 14-foot-high blank wall in a Minneapolis loft is transformed, bookishly, by these shelves. Design firm CITYDESKSTUDIO created open shelves -- so as not to dominate the space -- out of steel. The steel is strong enough to support the two-tiered step system, which rolls along the shelves without touching the floor. They describe the powder-coated steps as "cobalt," but I think they're Superman blue.

Dwell Magazine has a slideshow of the shelves in action. The lower and upper halves of the steps can move independently, so they can be stashed one above the other. And, of course, they're not just shelves -- they're a place for (mostly)  books. Which is how bookshelves look their best.

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: CITYDESKSTUDIO

Comments

[Hubert Reid]

The perfect bookcase for a library bought by the foot.