credit: Powerhouse Company
I know we’ve had our disagreements in the past about what was safe and what was not, but surely we can all look at this staircase and marvel over the absurdly permissive building codes that would allow such a thing. That said, I do love a two-storey bookshelf.
The Captive Reader 
No fun for the cleaner. Do you think the books are ever read or are they too for dramatic effect? Perhaps they hide a 72″ plasma screen. Weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. Thanks for posting. Cathy Nicholls
Well, at least there’s some kind of safety railing up on the “second” floor! That chair makes me giggle though.
Oh, sorry, I still dream of the kind of library ladder that attached to a rail and rolls… though one could still fall off that kind. 🙂
I would definitely fall off it. But I love it…
I like the way it looks, but I wouldn’t want it in my house.
I’d fall off it as well, but, then I’d also be tripping over the end table legs, and rolling out of the chair, BUT, I love it. It’s filled with books and is modern and creative.
I think it looks really cool and I like the unique way to access higher shelves. But- I’d never want it in a house that has kids! no way.
I love the description of the much more dangerous ladders at “Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore.”
I only like bookshelves that I can reach easily without having to mount stairs or ladder. There can surely be no fun having to go up and down all the time, struggling to hold on and cart books to and fro? This looks more like book storage system than library which actually invites you to remove books from shelves rather than merely putting them away? Very tidy but totally uninspiring. I want elegant rooms which aren’t ultra modern, where books that are removed don’t ‘litter up’ the place and ruin the pristine whiteness. I want tables to put books on, a fireplace to sit beside or a wonderful view from a window, comfortable chairs and sofas, flowers, magazines, papers, pictures, specially chosen ornaments, cushions, rugs … This is very smart and when I try and analyse it there isn’t anything not to like and yet I don’t like it!
Looking at that shelf makes me happy. Pretty design and books, bliss.
I can’t understand stairs without railings, but I guess it’s a look. As for the chair, I guess I could sorta drop into it, but I’m darned if I can figure how I’d get OUT of it.