Rage Against The Minivan

form vs. function

I read way to many design magazines for my own good. It goes against all my values of avoiding consumerism, eschewing materialism, and reducing, reusing, and recycling. I try. I do. But I am putty with a new Room & Board catalog in my hands. Design Sponge is my cocaine.

About a year ago, I spotted a bookshelf at DWR that I just had to have. It’s a spine bookshelf – but almost a sculptural piece. Minimalistic, simple, seeming perfect. Look how cute it looks:

I had to have it. So I spent a stupid amount of money and ordered one, and it has since been the thorn in my side. Note to self: this thing does not look good with actual, real-life books in it. Sure, it’s beautiful with a couple of well-placed, monochromatic art books, studio lighting, and a piece of pottery. But I have tried every combination of my own books on this thing, and no matter what it just looks like an eyesore ready to topple over. Now it has just become a catch-all accumulating whatever random books need a home. We’ve got some antique theology books on top, followed by some random Bibles, a Qur’an, some Shuttefly books, some old plays, and then some big art books that are not all one color like the suggested photos above. IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD. Mark has mocked me for this purchase since it arrived, and I think it’s time for our pretty spine bookshelf to make it’s way to a new home via Craigslist. Before the whole thing falls on one of my children.

Comments

  2. Rachel says

    Hilarious!!! It’s frustrating when we see something in a magazine and then we try to incorporate into our own lives it just doesn’t take on the same look. I agree it does look like it may topple over.

  3. Corey says

    Well. I think you were very brave to share this designer mishap. Maybe if you didn’t have so many kids. And books that you can actually read.

  6. Curly says

    Our Ikea bed with integrated side-tables has become a similar example of good design not fitting real life well. I’ve created a Jenga puzzle of misc books that look similar to your spine of dust collectors.

  8. Kazul says

    Found you through another blog and agree totally. We got some great shelving things off of Craig’s List..that are still not functional. They might be someday..maybe.

  10. Lena Wright says

    It’s cool, but you’re right, not that functional. More for looks/display than storage. hmmm, I have purchased a good many things like this in the past.

    thanks for sharing!

  11. Diane Davis says

    i was with you when i saw the picture and had a moment of “I want one too!!!”. Then I saw yours, and, well, not so much anymore… those design people with their all white books are tricky little bastards.

  14. The Costello's says

    We have the same one, it’s in the bedroom and no one can see the mess that it has attracted trying to put smaller ones at the top and larger ones at the bottom…..I say keep it and move it to the bedroom where you can house your night time reading selections!!! 🙂

  15. the brauns says

    I would go to a thrift store or a used book store and find some books that are the same color and put them on it. I think it still has potential!

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