Marble Bookshelf: four tiers, 120 x 35 x 150cm, and what to check

The Marble Bookshelf is one of the few pieces in this part of the catalogue with a description that goes beyond a size. It is described as a four-tier unit with grey marble shelves and a polished chrome framework, in one size: 120 x 35 x 150cm. This post takes those stated facts, works out what they mean in a room, and is equally clear about the things the listing does not state, because those are the ones you want settled before you order.

What the listing actually states

The listing gives the three figures in that order but does not label them, so read it as width, depth then height and confirm with the shop if one of the three has to be exact for an alcove or a recess.

Four tiers across 120cm, and what that is for

Four shelves across 120cm is a display proposition rather than a storage one: there is enough width on each tier to group things side by side instead of stacking them in a column. That suits a collection you want looked at: art books laid flat, ceramics, framed photographs, a plant at one end.

What the listing does not describe is how the unit is built behind the shelves. It names a chrome framework and says nothing about sides, a back panel or doors, so if the job is putting paperwork, cables and odd boxes out of sight, look at the photographs on the product page and ask the shop what encloses it. It is worth comparing the rest of the bookcases and shelving range at the same time, though none of those listings state their construction either.

At 150cm tall it stays below eye level for most adults, so the top tier is both reachable and visible. The 35cm depth is the deepest of the shelving here, which gives a little more room front to back than the 32cm and 33cm units, and also means it stands 35cm into the room. Measure your walkway before you decide that is fine.

Marble and chrome: the questions to ask

The listing names grey marble and polished chrome, and that is where its detail stops. The description reaches for words like elegance and durability without putting any figures behind them, so treat the following as open until the shop confirms them:

• Solid stone or a marble-effect surface. The listing says grey marble; it does not say whether that is solid stone throughout or a stone surface on a board. The difference affects weight, handling and how you clean it, so ask.
• Shelf thickness and tier spacing. Neither is given. If you intend to stand tall books or a particular object on a specific tier, measure the object and ask for the gap.
• What a tier will hold. The description says each tier takes substantial weight but gives no figure, and a figure is the only version of that claim you can plan around.
• Pattern. The photographs show one example. If the shelves are natural stone, the markings will vary from piece to piece, so if the pattern matters to you, say so when you order.
• Assembly and fixings. The listing does not say whether the frame arrives built or needs assembling, or whether a wall fixing is supplied. Worth knowing for anything this tall.

Ask about the current lead time in the same conversation, rather than relying on a figure written into a page.

How it compares with the rest of the shelving

Taking each listing at the figures it gives:

• Milan Bookcase at 110 x 33 x 155cm is the closest in scale, 10cm narrower and 5cm taller. Its listing is dimensions only, with no material or finish given, so the photographs are the only way to compare the two on looks.
• Torino Large Bookcase at 80 x 32 x 180cm is narrower and taller, for a wall where height is easier to find than width.
• Torino Low Bookcase at 80 x 32 x 90cm is the low piece to use beneath a window, if this one is taking the main wall.

The wider living room range covers the tables and cabinets that would sit with it.

Measuring up, delivery and ordering

Measure 120cm along the wall at floor level and again at the height of the top tier, and note anything that stops the frame standing square: skirting, a radiator, a socket, pipe boxing. Then measure the way in, including the narrowest point of the hall and any turn on a stair. On delivery, check the shelves and their edges before the packaging goes out, since a chip is far easier to resolve on the day.

Delivery is free within 50 miles of the Glasgow store, with a £50 charge beyond that.

The Marble Bookshelf product page has the photographs and the current price. Ring the shop with the material, spacing and weight questions above before you order, and you will know exactly what is arriving.