Bookshelf and storage dimensions
Bookshelves 30-36 wide × 12 deep × 72-84 tall, shelves 10-14 inches apart. In RoomSketch3D every bookcase comes filled with books in 3D, and you can switch it to doors or glass, set 1 to 10 shelves, or empty it.
In this guide
- 1
Standard bookshelf
Width: 30-36 inches per unit. Depth: 10-12 inches. Height: 72-84 inches (typical 6-7 ft). Shelf spacing: 10-14 inches between shelves.
- 2
Deep storage shelf / cabinet
Width: 30-36 inches. Depth: 16-24 inches. Height: 60-84 inches.
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Built-in floor-to-ceiling
Width: wall-length. Depth: 12-18. Height: floor to ceiling. Use for libraries, dedicated study spaces.
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The bookcases in RoomSketch3D
Five bookcases, each placed at its real size: - Bookshelf: 36" W × 12" D × 72" H (Living Room) - Tall Bookshelf: 24" × 12" × 84" (Living Room) - Wide Bookshelf: 48" × 14" × 72" (Living Room) - Office Bookshelf: 36" × 12" × 72" (Office) - Wide Office Bookshelf: 48" × 14" × 72" (Office) Search "bookshelf" or "bookcase" from any tab. Select one and type your unit's own W, D and H if it's different. Two side by side make a wall of books; the Home Office template has a pair.
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Choose the front, the shelves and the books
Select the bookcase. At the bottom of its panel: - Front: Open (the default), Doors (solid doors, books hidden) or Glass (glass doors, books show through). - Shelves: type how many shelves it has, from 1 to 10. It starts with about one shelf every 13 inches of height (5 on a 6-foot bookcase). - Books: the blue Books button fills the shelves; tap it to empty them, and again to fill them back up. With Doors the books can't be seen, so the button is hidden. These show in the 3D view and in pictures saved from it. The plan symbol stays the same.
Shelves, Front and Books, at the bottom of a bookcase's panel. - 6
Open, glass or doors
The same bookcase with each front. Glass keeps the books on show behind doors; Doors gives a closed cabinet look, handy for a TV wall or a tidy office.
Front: Open, Glass and Doors on the same bookcase. - 7
Books on or off
Every bookcase starts filled with books of different heights, thicknesses and colours, with the odd one leaning or lying flat. Each bookcase keeps the same books every time you open it. Books stay real-world size: make the bookcase wider and more books fit. Turn Books off to show empty shelves, for example to style them yourself with a Stack of Books from Decor & Accessories.
The Books button fills or empties the shelves. - 8
More or fewer shelves
Fewer shelves leave taller gaps for big books or boxes; more shelves suit paperbacks. Here the same bookcase has 5 shelves and then 3.
Shelves: 5, then 3.
Frequently asked questions
What's the standard bookshelf depth?
10-12 inches. Deep enough for paperback or hardcover spine; shallow enough not to dominate the wall.
Are bookshelves in the RoomSketch3D catalog?
Yes, five: Bookshelf (36 × 12 × 72 in), Tall Bookshelf (24 × 12 × 84), Wide Bookshelf (48 × 14 × 72) in Living Room, and Office Bookshelf (36 × 12 × 72) and Wide Office Bookshelf (48 × 14 × 72) in Office. Search 'bookshelf' or 'bookcase', then type your own W, D and H in its panel if your unit differs.
Can a bookcase have doors or glass doors?
Yes. Select it and set Front to Doors or Glass in its panel. Open is the default.
Can I change the number of shelves?
Yes, from 1 to 10: type it in the Shelves box in the bookcase's panel. It starts with about one shelf per 13 inches of height.
How do I get rid of the books on a bookshelf?
Select the bookcase and tap the blue Books button in its panel to empty the shelves. Tap it again to bring the books back. Choosing Doors also hides them.
Why do my old designs' bookshelves look different now?
Bookcases used to look like a closed cabinet in 3D. Since October 2026 every bookcase, including those in existing designs, shows as an open bookcase with books. Your plan and sizes haven't changed; pick Doors if you want the closed look.
What shelf spacing should I plan for?
About 10–12 in between shelves for hardcovers and 8–10 for paperbacks; leave one taller bay (about 15 in) for oversized books.
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