A walnut bookshelf offers stunning visual appeal and strength, though you should be prepared to pay more for this highly sought-after wood. When choosing a walnut bookshelf, be sure to choose one that fits your aesthetic needs, since walnut comes in a variety of tones depending on which part of the tree was used to make the bookshelf. Think about what size bookshelf you need as well, and be sure to consider the construction of the shelf carefully; nice wood will be useless if it is not assembled and otherwise constructed properly.
The color of walnut wood will change depending on what part of the tree the wood came from. The outer layers of the tree will produce a lighter color that can appear almost white, while the wood closer to the middle of the tree will produce a deeper color that has hints of purple and brown in it. Be sure to consider what color works best for your aesthetic needs, and which color will match the other furniture in the room or the room itself. Examine the grain of the wood as well; one of the reasons why walnut is so popular is because of its attractive grain, so be sure the walnut bookshelf you choose showcases this effectively.
The size and shape of the walnut bookshelf will depend on your needs. Be sure to take careful measurements of the room in which the bookshelf will be placed, and consider how many books you need to store on the shelf. Remember that the more books you place on the shelf, the more weight the walnut bookshelf will have to support, so the construction of the shelf will become very important. Inspect joints and shelves to make sure they are built securely and properly, and try to move the shelf a bit to see if it wobbles or creaks.
If you choose to seek out an antique walnut bookshelf, be sure to consider whether you have enough money in your budget for any refurbishing work that may be necessary. You can expect to pay more for an antique than you will for a more modern shelf, though for aesthetics and visual appeal, an antique can be a great investment. Remember too that you will have to perform some maintenance to prevent damage to the wood; cleaning the shelf regularly will help prevent damage from moisture, mold, mildew, and so on.