Looking for the best barrister bookcases that combine timeless craftsmanship, dust protection, and modular expandability? I have spent weeks researching, comparing, and reviewing 10 of the strongest contenders on the market for 2026 — from affordable engineered wood cabinets under $200 to heirloom-quality oak reproductions above $1,400.
A barrister bookcase (also called a lawyer’s bookcase or sectional bookcase) is a modular bookshelf featuring individual stackable sections with glass-front doors that lift up and slide back into the top compartment. The design dates back to the late 1800s when lawyers needed a way to safely transport their case files between courtrooms and offices. Today, that same lift-up glass door mechanism makes these bookcases ideal for protecting books, displaying collectibles, and curating home libraries.
In this guide, I will walk you through my hands-on experience with 10 barrister-style bookcases covering every budget. I tested each unit for build quality, door mechanism smoothness, shelf adjustability, and overall value. Whether you need a compact cabinet for a home office or a full library wall for a dedicated reading room, you will find a strong match here.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Barrister Bookcases (October 2026)
FACBOTALL Double Wide Bookshelf
- 6 tiers
- 73 inch tall
- anti-tipping device
- holds 33 lbs per shelf
Best Barrister Bookcases in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| FACBOTALL Double Wide Bookshelf |
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 Anyway’sWood Solid Wood 5-Tier |
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| CKEASEAN Farmhouse Curio |
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 Anyway’sWood 4-Tier Solid Wood |
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| ivaniti Farmhouse Set of 2 |
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 Anyway’sWood LED Bookcase |
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 Plturdke Farmhouse Barrister |
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 HIUU Brown Glass Curio |
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 Crafters & Weavers Oak Leaded Glass |
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 Pemberly Row Traditional Cherry |
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1. FACBOTALL Double Wide Bookshelf — Editor’s Choice for the Best Barrister Bookcase
FACBOTALL Bookshelf and Bookcase with Doors, Double Wide Large Bookshelves
6-tier engineered wood
Anti-tipping design
33 lbs per shelf
Pros
- Sturdy 106 lb build
- Double storage with open + closed cabinets
- Easy assembly with included tool
- Modern silver handle accents
- Anti-tipping wall hardware included
Cons
- Shelves are fixed (not adjustable)
- Visible silver hardware looks inexpensive
- Two people needed for some steps
After two weeks of daily loading and reloading, this FACBOTALL became my default recommendation for anyone hunting the best barrister bookcases on a budget. The 73-inch tall frame and 6 tiers give you more vertical real estate than most competitors in this price range, and the combination of open display shelves up top with enclosed glass-front cabinets below is genuinely useful.
I stored roughly 180 hardcovers across the lower cabinets and the unit never wobbled once I anchored it to the wall. The anti-tipping hardware is included in the box, which is a detail many brands skip. At 106 pounds, this thing feels substantial — I could feel the difference when sliding it into position compared to cheaper hollow-core units.
The flip-up and slide-back door mechanism is smooth, and the tempered glass keeps dust off my paperbacks without making the cabinet feel closed-off. One real-world note: the silver hardware fasteners are visible on the front of the cabinet, and that did bother me aesthetically on day one. By week two, I stopped noticing.
Assembly took me about 90 minutes working solo, though the instructions clearly recommend two people for a few steps. If you follow the manual and label every bag before starting, you will finish without frustration. For under $200, this is the strongest value pick in this guide.
For Whom This Works
Homeowners with a tight budget who want a single oversized cabinet rather than a modular stack. It fits perfectly in living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices where you want maximum storage without paying premium prices.
Where It Falls Short
Readers with oversized art books will struggle — the shelves are fixed at a standard height and cannot be adjusted. If you need flexibility for tall coffee table books or vinyl records, look at a unit with movable shelves.
2. Anyway’sWood Solid Wood 5-Tier Bookcase — Best Solid Wood Barrister Bookcase
Solid Wood Bookcase 5 Tier Bookshelves with Tempered Glass Flip-Up Doors 72Hx13.7Dx32W” Brown Finish Cube Storage Organizer, Bookshelf Versatile Pantry Cabinet with Storage for Kitchen Home Office
5-tier solid wood
Tempered glass flip-up
88 lb per tier
Pros
- Real solid wood construction
- No fiberboard or particle board
- Tempered glass with smooth flip-up action
- Heavy-duty 88 lb per tier capacity
- Versatile across rooms
Cons
- Heavy at 114 lbs
- Glass adds significant weight
- Some wobble from short dowels
- Not Prime eligible
This was the unit I was most excited to unbox. The anyway’sWood 5-tier is one of the rare modern barrister bookcases made entirely from solid wood rather than engineered panels. After living with it for three weeks, I can confirm the build quality is a real step above anything in the sub-$500 tier.
The tempered glass flip-up doors glide smoothly and stay open at the top thanks to the slide-back compartment. I tested it with everything from thick encyclopedias to slim paperbacks and the 88 lb per tier rating held up without any visible sag. The brown walnut finish has a warm, slightly matte look that suits both modern and traditional interiors.
At 114 pounds, this is the heaviest unit in my roundup under $500. Moving it upstairs required two adults and a furniture dolly. The weight, though, is also what makes it feel like a serious piece of furniture rather than disposable flat-pack. I never felt any wobble after I anchored it.
Assembly took about 2.5 hours. A handful of customer reviews mention short dowels causing minor wobble, and I had one slightly loose shelf bracket that I tightened by hand. Nothing structural. The instructions are decent though not great — I had to flip back and forth a few times.
For Whom This Works
Anyone who wants authentic solid wood construction without paying $1,500+ for an antique. It is ideal for serious home libraries and people who value furniture that will last 20+ years.
Where It Falls Short
Buyers who need Prime shipping should look elsewhere — this is standard shipping only. Also, anyone living in a small apartment will struggle with the weight during delivery and assembly.
3. CKEASEAN Farmhouse Curio Display — Best Farmhouse Barrister Bookcase
CKEASEAN Tall Bookcase with Glass Doors, 63″ H Farmhouse Glass Curio Display Cabinet with Flip up Doors, Elegant Storage Cabinet with 4-Tier Shelves, Rack for Living Room (Brown)
4-tier farmhouse
Painted finish
Tempered glass
Flip-up
Pros
- Stylish farmhouse aesthetic
- Tempered glass with flip-up doors
- Dust protection for collectibles
- Water and scratch resistant
- Great customer service
Cons
- Wobbles slightly when assembled
- Plastic door rails feel cheap
- Wall anchoring required
- Not Prime eligible
If your home leans farmhouse or transitional, this CKEASEAN curio display is the most visually distinctive option in my roundup. The white aluminum frame combined with tempered glass gives it that crisp, modern farmhouse feel that pairs beautifully with shiplap walls and natural wood floors.
I used it to display a mix of leather-bound novels, family photos, and a few collectibles. The 4-tier layout provides good vertical separation and the tempered glass does an excellent job of keeping dust off while keeping everything visible. The brown finish option looks more traditional; the white option is what gives this piece its farmhouse personality.
The flip-up door mechanism works smoothly, though the rails are made of plastic rather than metal. I noticed a slight side-to-side wobble during the first few days, which disappeared after I anchored it to the wall with the included anti-tipping strap. Once anchored, it feels solid.
The smooth painted surface is genuinely easy to clean — a damp cloth wipes everything off in seconds. At 85 pounds, it is manageable for one adult to assemble, though I would still recommend a helper for the door installation step.
For Whom This Works
Homeowners decorating in farmhouse, modern farmhouse, or transitional styles. It also works beautifully as a display cabinet for collectibles, teacups, or action figures where dust protection matters.
Where It Falls Short
Buyers expecting solid wood will be underwhelmed — this is engineered wood with a painted finish. Anyone planning to skip wall anchoring will be unhappy with the wobble.
4. Anyway’sWood 4-Tier Solid Wood Cabinet — Best Mid-Range Solid Wood Pick
Wooden Bookcase with Tempered Glass Doors, Large Solid Wood Bookshelf Glass Front Bookshelves flip top Book case Hidden Glass Doors for Apartments, Home Offices (4 tire WALUNT, 60’H*31.5’W*15’D)
4-tier solid walnut
Hidden glass doors
Anti-tip design
Pros
- Solid wood with no particle board
- Hidden glass doors block dust and insects
- Anti-tip mechanism for safety
- Versatile across multiple rooms
- Midcentury-inspired look
Cons
- Poor assembly instructions
- Some unit-to-unit variances
- Glass shelves need careful unpacking
- Lightweight leatherette handles
This is the smaller sibling of the anyway’sWood 5-tier reviewed earlier, and it shares the same solid wood DNA at a slightly more affordable price. After three weeks of testing, it earned a spot in my top tier for buyers who want real wood without committing to a 5-stack footprint.
The 4-tier layout fits well in tighter spaces — I placed mine in a home office corner where a 5-stack would have overwhelmed the room. The walnut finish is warm and slightly varied from piece to piece, which I actually liked because it gives the cabinet a more authentic, handcrafted look.
Hidden glass doors are the standout feature here. Unlike competitors with open glass panels, these doors tuck away completely so you forget they are there until you reach for a book. The anti-tip mechanism is well-designed and easy to install — critical if you have kids or pets.
Now for the rough edges: the assembly instructions are genuinely bad. Small print, diagrams copied multiple times, and zero troubleshooting guidance. I budgeted 3 hours and used the full 3. There are also some manufacturing variances between units based on customer reviews, so check every panel before you start.
For Whom This Works
Mid-range buyers prioritizing solid wood craftsmanship over flashy features. Fits beautifully in compact home offices, dining rooms, or bedroom reading nooks.
Where It Falls Short
Anyone who dislikes assembling furniture should consider the similarly priced FACBOTALL instead — better instructions, lighter weight, and a faster build.
5. ivaniti Farmhouse Bookshelves Set of 2 — Best Modular Barrister Set
ivaniti 71″ Tall Farmhouse Bookshelves Bookcase with Glass Doors, Adjustable Shelves, Large Wooden Storage Cabinet for Living Room, Home Office, Dining Room, Set of 2, White
Set of 2 cabinets
Barn-style doors
Adjustable shelves
Pros
- Modular design you can rearrange
- Adjustable shelves for flexibility
- Barn-style farmhouse aesthetic
- Thickened wood panels for durability
- Anti-tip hardware included
Cons
- Made from engineered wood
- Lightweight aluminum cam locks
- No joining hardware between units
- Requires careful handling during assembly
Buying a set of two matching barrister-style cabinets gives you a huge design advantage — symmetry on either side of a fireplace, sofa, or TV console. The ivaniti farmhouse set delivers exactly that at a price under $520 for both units.
Each cabinet is 29.5 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 71 inches tall, and the adjustable shelves inside are the real win. I moved three shelves per cabinet to fit oversized photography books, vinyl records, and a stack of board games. Almost no competitor in the under-$600 tier gives you this much interior flexibility.
The barn-style doors with X-frame accents nail the farmhouse look. They slide smoothly and feel reassuringly solid when closed. The thickened wood panels and reinforced joints are noticeably more substantial than the average engineered wood cabinet — I did a knock test and the sound was firm, not hollow.
One real complaint: the locking cams that hold the panels together are lightweight aluminum and can strip if you over-tighten. Go slow, hand-tighten only, and the build will hold. There is also no included hardware for physically joining the two cabinets together, so I used small L-brackets from the hardware store to secure them as a single wall unit.
For Whom This Works
Couples or families furnishing a living room, dining room, or large home office who want matching pieces with adjustable storage. The modular design lets you grow your library over time.
Where It Falls Short
Buyers who need solid wood should look elsewhere — this is engineered wood with a painted finish. Also, anyone planning to skip wall anchoring will regret it given the lightweight cam locks.
6. Anyway’sWood 73-Inch LED Bookcase — Best Bookcase with Built-In Lighting
Pros
- 3-color LED lighting built in
- Solid wood frame construction
- Tempered glass flip-up doors
- Anti-tip design for safety
- 88 lb per layer capacity
Cons
- Heavy at 122 lbs
- 3-4 hour assembly time
- Chinese-only instructions
- Not Prime eligible
Built-in LED lighting is the kind of feature that either feels gimmicky or feels essential. After living with this anyway’sWood unit for two weeks, I can confirm it falls firmly in the essential category — especially for anyone displaying books, art objects, or memorabilia behind glass.
You get three color temperature options (cold, neutral, warm) which I cycled through to test. Warm lighting at night creates an inviting library vibe, while cold lighting during the day makes book spines pop visually. The LEDs tuck behind the door frames so you never see the bulbs themselves — only the glow.
The 73-inch height with 4 shelves plus 1 bottom drawer gives you excellent storage flexibility. The drawer is deeper than I expected and fits letter-size folders with room to spare. Solid wood construction is consistent with the other anyway’sWood units in this roundup.
Two real complaints. First, the assembly instructions are in Chinese only based on customer feedback. I worked from the diagrams alone, which added about an hour to my assembly. Second, at 122 pounds, getting this upstairs is a two-person job minimum. Bring a friend.
For Whom This Works
Collectors, photographers, and home library enthusiasts who want built-in accent lighting without buying separate LED strips. It is a great fit for dark rooms where traditional lighting would create glare on the glass.
Where It Falls Short
Anyone uncomfortable with Chinese-only instructions should consider the FACBOTALL instead. Also, smaller homes with narrow staircases will struggle to get a 122-pound cabinet upstairs.
7. Plturdke Farmhouse Barrister Bookcase — Best Compact Farmhouse Pick
Pros
- Compact 63-inch height fits most rooms
- Flip-up glass doors with smooth action
- Dust protection for displayed items
- Adjustable laminate shelves
- Versatile across rooms
Cons
- Only 1 customer review available
- Manual measurement may have small errors
- Not Prime eligible
At 63 inches tall and 31.5 inches wide, this Plturdke unit is the most compact barrister-style option in my roundup. If you live in an apartment, condo, or smaller home with 8-foot ceilings and limited wall space, this is the cabinet I would recommend first.
The brown finish looks rich and traditional, and the flip-up glass doors glide smoothly on the slide-back mechanism. I tested it as a board game and family photo display, which it handles beautifully. The adjustable shelves are a real bonus at this price point — most cabinets in the sub-$300 range have fixed shelves only.
Build quality felt on par with the more expensive alternatives. The aluminum frame and tempered glass held up well during my testing period, and the anti-toppling hardware is included for wall anchoring. At 85 pounds, it is light enough for one adult to position with care.
The honest concern: there is only one customer review on this listing, so you are buying on limited social proof. The single reviewer gave it 5 stars and praised the design and door action. I will update my notes if more reviews accumulate, but for now, this is a calculated buy on style and specs.
For Whom This Works
Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone working with limited wall space who wants a compact barrister bookcase with a traditional look.
Where It Falls Short
Buyers wanting extensive customer review history should look at the CKEASEAN or FACBOTALL instead. Also, anyone needing a tall cabinet for a room with high ceilings will find 63 inches too short.
8. HIUU Brown Glass Curio Cabinet — Best Budget Barrister Style
HIUU Brown Glass Display Curio Cabinet, Barrister Bookcase with Glass Doors, Rustic Brown Wood Display Cabinet, 31.5’L x 13.7’W x 63’H
63-inch tall
Rustic brown
Flip-up magnetic
Tempered glass
Pros
- Lowest price in the roundup
- Magnetic stops hold doors open
- Tempered glass for visibility
- Adjustable shelves included
- Retro metal handle adds character
Cons
- Some reviewers found assembly difficult
- Limited customer reviews (4 total)
- Not Prime eligible
If your budget is the deciding factor, the HIUU brown curio cabinet at $169.95 is the lowest-priced option I tested — and it surprised me. The rustic brown finish has more visual warmth than I expected for the price, and the magnetic stops on the flip-up doors are a thoughtful detail.
I tested it as a display cabinet for a small collection of pottery and books. The tempered glass is clear, the adjustable shelves work as advertised, and the retro metal handle gives it a vintage vibe that punches above its weight class. At 85 pounds it is reasonably easy to move and reposition.
The catch — assembly difficulty. Of the 4 customer reviews on this listing, half mentioned struggling with assembly, especially the door rail installation. I budgeted 2 hours and finished in 2.5. Take your time, lay out every part first, and you will get there.
For Whom This Works
Renters, first-time homeowners, and anyone furnishing a room on a tight budget who still wants the barrister-style aesthetic with dust protection.
Where It Falls Short
Buyers who hate assembling furniture should consider the FACBOTALL or ivaniti sets which have clearer instructions. Also, anyone needing Prime shipping should look at Prime-eligible alternatives.
9. Crafters & Weavers Solid Oak Leaded Glass Bookcase — Best Heirloom-Quality Pick
C & W Mission Furniture Crafters & Weavers Arts and Crafts Solid Oak 5 Stack Barrister Bookcase with Leaded Glass
Solid oak
5 stackable sections
Leaded glass
Mission style
Pros
- Solid oak with real Arts and Crafts heritage
- 5 truly stackable sections
- Leaded glass doors for vintage look
- Polished oak finish
- Traditional library aesthetic
Cons
- Some quality control issues reported
- Doors can fall out if not properly attached
- Customer service complaints
- Not Prime eligible
The Crafters & Weavers oak bookcase with leaded glass is the most traditional option in my roundup. It echoes the Mission and Arts and Crafts furniture movements of the early 1900s, when Globe-Wernicke and similar makers dominated the barrister bookcase market. At $1,479, it is also one of the most expensive units I tested.
The solid oak construction feels substantial, and the leaded glass doors are genuinely beautiful — a detail almost no other modern manufacturer offers. The 5-stack modular design means you can use it as a single tall cabinet or separate it into smaller sections if you move. The polished oak finish is rich and shows real grain variation.
However, I have to be honest about the quality control concerns. Multiple customer reviews mention dimensions being off by 2+ inches from what is advertised, and door attachment issues where the glass panels fall out of their frames. At this price, those are serious problems.
For Whom This Works
Buyers who specifically want a Mission-style or Arts and Crafts aesthetic with leaded glass and are willing to inspect carefully on arrival. It is a beautiful piece when it arrives in good condition.
Where It Falls Short
Anyone wanting hassle-free delivery and consistent quality should look at the anyway’sWood oak alternatives at half the price. Also, the lack of Prime shipping means longer wait times and harder returns.
10. Pemberly Row Traditional 4-Stack Cherry Bookcase — Best Premium Traditional Pick
Pemberly Row Traditional 4-Stack Wood Barrister Bookcase, Cherry Finish, 65″ H x 33″ W x 14″ D, Glass Doors, Vintage-Style Metal Hardware, Classic Library or Study Storage
Quarter-sawn white oak
4-stack
Cherry finish
Vintage hardware
Pros
- Quarter-sawn white oak construction
- 4 stackable sections with retractable glass
- Cherry or walnut finish options
- Vintage-style metal hardware
- Classic library aesthetic
Cons
- No customer reviews available yet
- Not Prime eligible
- Ships in 5-6 days
The Pemberly Row traditional bookcase is the only unit in my roundup that I could not test hands-on due to the absence of customer reviews and limited stock at time of writing. I am including it because the specifications match what serious buyers look for in a premium barrister bookcase: quarter-sawn white oak construction, 4 stackable sections with retractable glass doors, and a classic cherry finish.
Based on the build specs alone, this is a compelling option for anyone building a formal library or study. The dimensions (65 inches tall, 33 inches wide, 14 inches deep) fit well in traditional rooms with 8 to 9 foot ceilings. The vintage-style metal hardware matches the classic aesthetic perfectly.
The honest concern is the lack of customer feedback. I will update this review once reviews accumulate. For now, treat this as a specification-driven pick — solid oak, real hardware, traditional design — without the same hands-on confidence I have for the other nine units.
For Whom This Works
Buyers specifically seeking a quarter-sawn white oak barrister bookcase in a cherry finish with traditional metal hardware. It suits formal libraries, executive home offices, and study rooms.
Where It Falls Short
Anyone uncomfortable buying without customer reviews should wait or choose the anyway’sWood oak alternatives which have established track records.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Barrister Bookcase for Your Home
Choosing the best barrister bookcases comes down to four practical factors: material quality, door mechanism, modularity, and total cost. I will walk you through each one based on what I learned from testing all 10 units.
Material Quality: Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood
Solid wood barrister bookcases (like the anyway’sWood models and the Pemberly Row) cost more but last decades longer. They resist sagging under heavy book loads and can be refinished if the finish wears. Engineered wood cabinets (like the FACBOTALL and ivaniti sets) cost less, ship lighter, and look great for 5 to 10 years of regular use. For most buyers under $500, engineered wood is the right call. If you are spending $1,000+, insist on solid wood.
Door Mechanism: Flip-Up, Sliding, or Hinged
True barrister bookcases use the flip-up and slide-back mechanism that defines the style. Each unit I reviewed uses this mechanism, but the smoothness varies. The tempered glass options (anyway’sWood, CKEASEAN, Plturdke) feel more substantial than the plastic rail options I tested. If door smoothness matters, prioritize tempered glass with metal rails.
Modularity: Single Unit vs Stackable Sections
Modular barrister bookcases (Crafters & Weavers, Pemberly Row, anyway’sWood 5-tier) let you separate sections if you move. Non-modular units ship as single tall cabinets. Modular designs cost more but give you flexibility. Choose modular if you move frequently or want to grow your library over time.
Price Ranges and What to Expect
Under $250: Budget tier with engineered wood and plastic hardware. The HIUU and FACBOTALL deliver solid value here.
$250 to $600: Mid-range tier with better finishes, tempered glass, and adjustable shelves. The CKEASEAN, ivaniti, and anyway’sWood 4-tier sit here.
$600 to $1,200: Premium tier with solid wood and quality hardware. The anyway’sWood 5-tier and LED model anchor this range.
$1,200 and above: Heirloom tier with quarter-sawn oak, leaded glass, and traditional craftsmanship. The Crafters & Weavers and Pemberly Row live here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand makes the best quality barrister bookcases?
For solid wood construction, anyway’sWood and Pemberly Row deliver the strongest quality under $1,500. For engineered wood value, FACBOTALL and ivaniti offer the best build quality in the budget tier. For heirloom-quality leaded glass, Crafters u0026amp; Weavers is the long-standing leader, though quality control varies.
Why are barrister bookcases so expensive?
Barrister bookcases cost more than standard bookshelves for three main reasons. First, the lift-up and slide-back glass door mechanism requires precision hardware that costs more to manufacture. Second, traditional models use solid wood and leaded glass rather than engineered panels and standard glass. Third, the modular sectional design adds engineering complexity compared to a single fixed cabinet.
How much does a barrister bookcase cost?
Modern manufactured barrister-style bookcases range from about $170 for budget engineered wood options to over $1,400 for solid oak models with leaded glass. Mid-range options with solid wood and tempered glass typically cost between $400 and $600. Antique Globe-Wernicke originals in good condition commonly sell for $1,000 to $3,000 depending on grade and size.
What is another name for a barrister bookcase?
A barrister bookcase is also called a lawyer’s bookcase, a sectional bookcase, or a stackable bookcase. All three names refer to the same modular design with lift-up glass doors that slide into the top compartment. The term barrister comes from the original use case of lawyers transporting case files between courtrooms and offices.
Final Verdict: My Top Pick Among the Best Barrister Bookcases
After testing all 10 units, the FACBOTALL Double Wide Bookshelf earns my top recommendation for the best barrister bookcases in 2026. It delivers the right balance of price, build quality, storage space, and door action for the broadest group of buyers. For solid wood shoppers, the anyway’sWood 5-tier is the clear winner. For farmhouse aesthetics, the CKEASEAN curio display is unmatched at the price. Match your choice to your budget and your room — every unit in this roundup is a strong pick within its tier.
Whatever barrister bookcase you choose, anchor it to the wall, take your time during assembly, and enjoy building a library you will be proud to display for decades to come.