Hanging Bookcase - Karakter

Design and Style

The Hanging Bookcase by Karakter is a suspended bookcase that embodies the essence of functional and lightweight design . Designed in 1957 by Italian master Achille Castiglioni , it is a refined example of minimal design, where form and function merge in a delicate yet solid visual balance.

The project is based on a construction principle as simple as it is ingenious: four horizontal wooden shelves , suspended and held in tension by thin ropes (coated metal or textile), connected to a single wall anchoring point via a central rosette . This circular element serves as both a visual and structural hub, allowing for even weight distribution.

The overall effect is that of a "floating" bookcase, seemingly suspended like a mobile work of art , but with stability ingeniously achieved through the tension of the cables. The shelves have rounded edges and a slim profile, which contributes to the feeling of visual lightness.

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Materials and Finishes

• Shelves : solid wood or veneered plywood (typically black or natural stained ash)

• Cables : stainless steel or cordage with technical coating

• Anchor rose : black painted steel or polished metal

• Available finishes :

  • Black stained ash (as pictured)

  • Natural ash

  • Other woods on request (limited editions)

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Dimensions (indicative)

• Width : 80–100 cm

• Depth : 25 cm

• Overall height (including suspension) : approx. 130–150 cm
  (customizable dimensions in some versions on request)

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Distinctive Features

• Iconic and timeless design , signed by one of the greatest Italian masters

• A unique suspended solution that frees up floor space and visually lightens the wall

• Ingenious mechanical tension system , allowing stability and strength with minimal aesthetics

• Suitable for books, decorative objects, small vases or memorabilia

• Ideal for those who want refined, light, poetic and highly functional furniture.

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Contexts of Use

• Living area – modern living rooms and studies

• Reading spaces – dedicated corners or bedrooms

• Galleries, showrooms and boutiques – as an elegant and flexible display

• Small walls or passages – thanks to the limited depth and the floating effect

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Conclusion

Karakter's Hanging Bookcase is a celebration of design intelligence and the poetics of simplicity , fully reflecting Achille Castiglioni 's philosophy: strip away the superfluous, leaving only the essential. An object that transcends fashion, capable of enhancing a space with discretion and character.