High vs. Low: Square Bookcases

"Bookcase" really isn't the right word for this backless, cubbie-style, all-purpose piece of furniture that proves it's hip to be square. It's equally appropriate for paperbacks, encyclopedias, vases and lamps, and in bedrooms, living rooms and offices.

IKEA's Expedit unit, at just $199 for a 5x5 cube, is the standard-bearer. Apartment Therapy anointed the Expedit a "Top 5 Cheap Furniture Basic" and there's even a Flickr group devoted entirely to designing with it. The Expedit comes in several colors and sizes (1x5, 2x2, 2x4, 4x4) and slide-in drawers are also available, but the fact that it's so customizable hints at its impermanence--this probably isn't a piece you'll have forever.

Mash Studios' Lax version is a staggering $2,000. The difference, of course, is quality. It's made of solid English walnut, compared to IKEA's particleboard with paper filling. The models are almost precisely the same dimensions, so the question is, how much are you willing to pay for the flexibility?