# Arctic Animal Libraries The Iron Joe Polar Bear Bookshelf Stores Literature with a Whimsical Twist By Matt Ho | Published 2012-01-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iron-joe-polar-bear-bookshelf References: [sweet-station](http://sweet-station.com/blog/2012/01/iron-joe-polar-bear-bookshelf/) & [switchmodern](http://www.switchmodern.com/Bookshelves/iBride-Iron-Joe-Polar-Bear-Bookshelf.asp) For those looking to [store their books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelf-life) in an aesthetically playful manner, the Iron Joe Polar Bear Bookshelf by Benoit Convers is the perfect option. Instead of the [standard tall, upright rectangular shelf](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qurv), the Iron Joe Polar Bear Bookshelf takes shape in the form of the titled arctic animal. The design has a cardboard, [flat pack look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-shelf) that offers more storage space than one would perceive. There is plenty of room on the side of the bear and if that's not enough, books can be stored inside the body from the back. The shelf is constructed using high laminate, so despite its cardboard-like aesthetic, it's quite sturdy. The bookshelf isn't going to fill a whole library, but it provides sufficient space for any reader. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/furniture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Whimsical Bookshelves:** Designing bookshelves in playful and unconventional forms for aesthetic appeal and increased storage capacity. - **Cardboard-like Furniture:** Creating furniture with a cardboard-like aesthetic using sturdy laminate materials for durability and sustainability. - **Functional Storage Solutions:** Developing innovative storage solutions that maximize space and provide convenience for readers and book enthusiasts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Furnishings:** Incorporating whimsical and unconventional designs into bookshelves and furniture for the home decor industry. - **Sustainable Materials:** Exploring the use of laminate materials with cardboard-like aesthetics for eco-friendly furniture manufacturing. - **Interior Design:** Integrating functional and stylish storage solutions into interior spaces, optimizing organization and visual appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Polar Bear-Themed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polar-bear-bench.md) - [Book-Storing Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookgroove-bookrack.md) - [Toy Block-Inspired Wooden Bookshelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotating-picture-book.md) - [Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hullabaloo-bookshelf.md) - [Versatile Book Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/penguin-x-moebe-book-stand.md) - [Curvaceous Animalistic Coffee Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookpet-coffee-table.md) - [Sculptural Bookshelves Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-bookshelf.md) - [Personality-Enhancing Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ordo-book.md) - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md)