Consider the humble bookcase. What comes to mind when you think of them? Tall, dignified, full of books...all pretty obvious stuff, right? It doesn’t have to be so limiting - bookshelves can come in all shapes and sizes, and can actually be used for plenty of things other than simply holding books! Here’s a few of the more fun and unusual uses for bookshelves: The Base (and Head) of Your Bed Are you a constant reader who likes to sneak in a chapter or two before bed? Why not replace the headboard of your bed with a slim bookcase to hold everything? It can even reduce the amount of space taken up by other things like nightstands by giving you space to hold your phone, glasses, or anything you stash before bed. Or, if you prefer to keep the headboard you have now, why not slide an unused bookshelf under your mattress to create a riser with some extra storage space? Shoes and Clothes Sometimes it just seems like no matter what you do there’s never enough closet or entryway space to go around. Depending on the measurements of your house or apartment, a strategically placed bookcase by the door or in a closet can create extra storage or organization without the need for extensive renovation. Throw some storage bins in and you’ll find there isn’t much you can’t store this way! A Place for Your Pets! If there’s one thing we all know about cats, it’s that they instinctively love knocking things off shelves. Why not give them a shelf of their own to play on? Open-design bookcases and shelving can provide the perfect and inexpensive tower for your cats to climb up and play around on - equip it with some bedding or toys, and they might like it so much you won’t have to shoo them off your real bookcase anymore! Entertainment and Party Supplies Just got a new flat-screen TV but you need a place to set it up close to your Blu-ray player or modem? Turn a bookcase on its side to provide the perfect stand for your new TV, and use the storage beneath to help keep all of your remotes, DVDs, or Blu-rays together! Or, maybe if you need a place to stash your cocktail ingredients for a big gathering, bookshelves can provide the perfect height and space to keep all of your favorite drinks and bottles! Keep these tips in mind and we’re sure the next time you see a bookcase, your mind will be full of possibilities!