photo credit: Paul Raeside
These are what I like to call “The Un-Dustable Bookshelves”. I appreciate the clever use of space and love the look but would hate having to climb a ladder every time I want a book. And think how difficult it would be for your visitors to snoop through and judge you based on your books if they were all out of the way like that!
The Captive Reader 
I rather like this one on first glance because it uses the space so effectively and looks good. But I agree, I wouldn’t want to have to climb a ladder every time I want to pick out a book. I like looking at my books, so I’d prefer an easier height.
I’m sure ‘elf and safety would have something to say about this if it were in the workplace! Imagine trying to carry a large volume down from the uppermost shelf, book tucked under arm, holding on to ladder with one hand … and then having to let go completely of the ladder as you descend (you can’t continue to hold with just one hand) … it might look smart but it’s thoroughly impractical.
You have to wonder if the owners ever get down any of those books or if it is merely for decorative purposes. I like my books at eye level too.
I have a fear of heights, I get light-headed on quite short ladders, so this would never ever work for me. And with that big window to the right, all those spines will be fading quickly – though I love the light-filled room.
How bizarre! Like Lisa, my problem with heights would mean I couldn’t get my books – and why would anyone want to hide their books away??
practical schmactical, I like it.
Gah, the pictures on your site are always awesome. Also, I’ve nominated you for a Liebster blog award. Happy writing!
At five foot nothing, and dead clumsy, I think that’s the silliest idea for book shelves I’ve ever seen!
Well, it is an interesting use of space. I’m clumsy on the ground, so, this would not be covered by my insurance policy.
Great conversation piece, but “thoroughly impractical,” as Margaret so aptly put it. Nevertheless, something about it fascinates me. To look at, I mean. It’s fun to imagine how anyone could actually use it. And the top row is empty! Probably because it’s out of reach, even using that ladder.
I have to agree — not gonna work at my house — too impractical. My oldest dds have a really high ceiling in their bedroom and the wasted space drives me crazy, but seeing this picture cements for me why we’ll never put shelves up there.
Very clever although it would never work for me. I would probably break my neck trying to reorganize my books as I so often do!
Just had a thought (or “thort” as Nigel Molesworth would have put it … those who don’t know Nigel should treat themselves to a book on this mini anarchist: The Curse of St Custard’s) … the owners of this property could insert a mezzanine floor! With a gallery around it, and a staircase leading up to (and down from) it, that would remove the need – for the most part – the ladder.
I don’t mind about the dusting issue, but how would you feel confident about that staying up? I would always be worried that the next book I added to that shelf construction would be the one to bring it down at last.
The person who came up with this idea doesn’t like to read. It practically screams: “Outta sight, outta mind!”
I think it looks cool, but rather odd that the lower shelves are so sparsely populated- I’d fill the ones I can reach easy first before putting books up so high.
And on top of all the other observations, I’m wondering how they got them all up there in the first place.