# Asymmetrically Staircased Bookcases The Tolbiac Plays Around with Dimensions to Create Ambience By Jen Chae | Published 2013-07-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tolbiac References: [cinna.fr](http://www.cinna.fr/la-collection/sejour/meubles-de-sejour/tolbiac/article/tolbiac) The Tolbiac by French company Cinna adds a [modern twist to traditional bookcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twoinone-billy-model). Visually distorted with one side angled unlike the other, the Tolbiac book shelf creates a mini staircase. The confusing design integrates slanted boards so that when assembled, one side is lopsided. From a side view, one side of the Tolbiac is sloped near the ground. This [staircase-like design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totto-step) is more so for the visual appearance of being in an old-fashioned library, reminiscent of the times [wall book shelves required ladders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scaleo). This library wall fixture is a modern way to reminisce of classic furniture. Though its ad photos have a child standing on one of the steps of the bookcase, Cinna advises the lop-sided design was purely meant for aesthetics purposes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Asymmetrical Bookcases:** Designing bookcases with asymmetrical shapes can create a visually appealing look. - **Staircase-shaped Bookcases:** Creating staircase-shaped bookcases can provide a vintage touch to modern furniture designs. - **Distorted Furniture Designs:** Designing furniture with visually distorted shapes can make the space more interesting and dynamic. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture Industry:** The furniture industry could explore unique shapes and designs that can set them apart from traditional furniture designs. - **Interior Design Industry:** Interior designers may find the asymmetry of bookshelves and other furniture a design challenge to overcome. - **Architecture Industry:** The Architecture industry may find creatively designed furniture can add a unique design aesthetic to the overall building design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Twisting CGI-Designed Sideboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookscrew-sideboard.md) - [Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hullabaloo-bookshelf.md) - [Minimalist Bookish Shelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-bookshelf.md) - [Sculptural Bookshelves Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-bookshelf.md) - [Dynamic Bookend Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stair-table.md) - [Book-Storing Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookgroove-bookrack.md) - [Room-Dividing Bookshelf Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frquence-shelf.md) - [Dynamic Architecturally Strong Bookshelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dogma.md) - [Video Game-Like Bookcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetris-bookcase.md)