I’ve wanted the DWR Story Bookcase for as long as I can remember. It’s everywhere: Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.
I couldn’t scroll without seeing it pop up in someone’s apartment tour or aesthetic shelfie. But as much as I loved the design, I just couldn’t justify the price. It’s steep.
Still, the curiosity lingered. Was it really worth all the hype?
I tried to stay skeptical. A lot of the influencers promoting it are likely getting affiliate kickbacks or gifted products, and I didn’t want to get swept up in that wave.
I considered checking it out in person, but the nearest Design Within Reach store is over an hour away. Not exactly convenient.
I also questioned whether I needed a “designer” bookcase at all. I mean, it’s a bookcase, right? But the Story Bookcase didn’t feel like just furniture, it looked like a sculpture. Minimalist, sleek, architectural. It could stand alone as a decor piece.
Eventually, I caved. I ordered it directly from the DWR website. You can sometimes find it through third-party sellers or secondhand at a discount, and if you do, don’t hesitate. This thing is built like a tank.
My Setup
The bookcase comes in two sizes: Tall and Standardand, and six colors: Coal, Grey, Pineapple, White, Sky, and Tomato. I chose the Tall version in White to fit my modern mid-century decor.
It arrived four days earlier than expected (a rare and pleasant surprise), delivered in two large boxes: one with the inner metal spine, the other with the shelves, colored sleeves, and hardware.
And let me tell you, this thing is heavy. Each component has a solid, substantial feel. The box with just the sleeves and shelves weighed over 50 pounds. If you were worried about flimsiness, don’t be.
Assembly: Surprisingly Simple
All you need is the included hex key. Assembly is intuitive: slide on a sleeve, insert a shelf, repeat. You can rotate the shelves to face forward, left, or right, giving it a custom, asymmetrical layout.
Just note that if you ever want to change the shelf orientation later, you’ll have to take it apart to do so. Adjusting the bottom shelf after full assembly is a total hassle.
DWR doesn’t recommend facing shelves backward. I’m not sure if that’s for safety or aesthetics, but since it’s designed to sit flush against a wall, that direction doesn’t make much sense anyway.
You can also opt for a uniform look with all the shelves facing forward. It still looks beautiful, especially depending on how you style it.
Shelf Capacity
Each shelf can hold up to 7 pounds, which is enough for most books, framed photos, or decorative objects. I don’t own a ton of books (most are already used as decor around my place), but I can already see the potential for seasonal styling.
It’s the kind of piece that transitions well to Christmas, Halloween, and fall decor; honestly, it all works. That minimalist structure makes it easy to adapt to different interior styles, from mid-century and Scandinavian to eclectic and contemporary.
✅ What’s Great About the Story Bookcase
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I’ve loved so far and a few things worth keeping in mind if you’re considering it too.
- Color options: Six bold, curated shades that make it genuinely hard to choose.
- Rock-solid build: No wobbling, even with the tall version. Comes with wall anchors and a safety strap.
- Space-saving: It only takes up about 15 inches of floor space, yet holds a surprising amount.
- Rotating shelves: Layout flexibility, even if not easily changeable after setup.
- Timeless versatility: Looks great in any room and fits a wide range of decor styles.
❌ What’s Not So Great
That said, no piece is perfect. Here are a few things that might give you pause depending on your space or how you plan to use it.
- Price: No getting around it, it’s expensive.
- Shelf reconfiguration is a pain: Want to rotate a shelf after setup? You’ll need to disassemble it.
- Single shelf size: All shelves are uniform, which limits the variety of layouts. Possibly a safety decision to maintain stability.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on the fence about the DWR Story Bookcase, I get it. I was, too. However, after living with it, I can confidently say it’s worth the splurge if the style resonates with you and your budget allows it.
I bought mine with my own money, without any sponsorship or affiliate links, just genuine curiosity and a little bit of design obsession. And I don’t regret it one bit. It’s functional, beautiful, and built to last.
It’s even better if you can score it secondhand. Just know you’re investing in more than a bookshelf, you’re buying a piece of functional design that doubles as art.
I haven’t styled it yet (still figuring out what goes where), but I’ll be sharing a separate post soon once I play around with the layout and decor. So, stay tuned!
