If you’re a guitarist (or just someone with too much stuff and not enough space), a solid shelving unit can make a bigger difference than you’d think. Between clothes, books, lamps, and a growing collection of guitar pedals, it’s easy for a room to turn into a chaotic pile of gear.
Enter the 17 Stories bookcase from Wayfair. Picked up on sale for around $150, this has turned out to be one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” pieces of furniture—especially if you’re trying to organize a bedroom, studio corner, or practice space.
Overview / First Impressions
The 17 Stories bookcase is a tall, open-shelf unit that stands around 7 feet high. It’s noticeably taller than a typical TV stand or dresser, so it immediately becomes a main storage and display piece in the room.
What stands out right away:
- It feels more like real furniture than a cheap temporary shelf.
- It’s large enough to handle a mix of clothes, books, and gear.
- The design is clean and modern, with a wood-and-metal look that works well in most rooms.
If you’ve got pedals, small amps, or accessories you want within easy reach—but also want your space to look somewhat put together—this kind of shelving is a big step up from plastic bins or random piles.
Build Quality & Design
This is where the 17 Stories bookcase really over-delivers for the price.
Materials
- Metal frame (steel, not plastic)
- Wood-style shelves that visually pair well with neutral carpets and typical bedroom or studio décor
Height & Presence
At about 7 feet tall, it uses vertical space really well. That’s ideal if your floor space is limited but your gear collection is not.
Aesthetic
The wood and black metal combo gives it a slightly industrial, modern vibe. It doesn’t look like cheap dorm furniture, and it works just as well in a bedroom as in a home studio or office.
For guitarists, that metal frame is a plus: it feels sturdy enough to trust with heavier items like books, pedalboards, or even a small combo amp on a lower shelf (within reason).
Features & Functions
Despite being “just” a bookcase, there are a few practical features that make it especially useful.
Adjustable Shelves
You can organize and space the shelves so they fit what you actually own. For example:
- One larger section for tall items (lamps, big books, maybe a small amp)
- Smaller sections for folded clothes, pedal cases, or storage bins
Modular Storage Potential
You can easily add:
- Fabric bins or boxes for cables, strings, and small accessories
- Compartment organizers for pedals or recording gadgets
Large Capacity
In real-world use, this one unit is holding:
- Clothes
- Lamps
- Guitar pedals
- Books
- Miscellaneous items
It’s essentially acting as a closet, bookshelf, and gear rack all in one.
How It Works For Creators (and Guitarists)
Here’s how it helps:
Gear Organization
- Keep pedals visible and accessible instead of buried in a drawer.
- Dedicate one shelf to guitar accessories: picks, cables, capos, string sets, and tools.
- Use bins on a lower shelf for things like mic stands, straps, and spare parts.
Studio / Filming Backdrop
- If you create videos, this kind of open shelving makes a great background.
- Display a few pedals, books, and lamps for a cozy, “lived-in” look.
- Keep things tidy but still personal and musical.
Room Efficiency
Since it’s tall, you get a lot of storage without eating up too much floor area—perfect for small rooms or shared spaces where your rig needs to coexist with everyday life.
Assembly Experience
Assembly is refreshingly simple:
- Only a screwdriver was needed.
- All other hardware and parts came in the box.
- The process is straightforward, even if you’re not handy.
For a large, 7-foot unit, that’s a big plus. No complex tools, no confusing mess of parts—just a bit of time and you’re done.
Limitations & Things to Know
A few practical notes before you buy:
Size
- It’s tall. That’s a positive for storage, but you’ll want to measure your ceiling height.
- Plan where it will go so it doesn’t overwhelm a very small wall.
Open Storage
- Everything is visible. Great for display and access, but if you’re messy, it will show.
- Consider adding bins or boxes if you don’t want every cable and accessory on display.
Weight Distribution
- While the metal frame is sturdy, common sense applies.
- Put heavier items (like big books or amps) on lower shelves.
- Lighter stuff (pedals, clothes, décor) can go higher.
Final Thoughts
For around $150 on sale, the 17 Stories bookcase is an excellent value—especially if you’re a guitarist or creator trying to tame a growing collection of gear and everyday items.
Highlights
- Sturdy steel frame and attractive wood finish
- Around 7 feet tall, with lots of usable space
- Adjustable shelving to fit clothes, books, pedals, and more
- Easy assembly with just a screwdriver
- Versatile enough to serve as a closet, gear rack, and display piece
If your room or studio corner currently looks like a “pile of stuff” rather than a functional space, this kind of shelving unit is an upgrade that pays off every single day. Among budget-friendly furniture purchases, this one stands out as a genuinely smart buy.