What if books could appear to float, stacking into a pure vertical totem? Conceived by
Bruno Rainaldi, the
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo vertical bookcase reduces a library to its essence: a slim spine that disappears so the volumes become the façade. Within the universe of
accessories, this is a contemporary archetype: graphic, space-saving, and quietly theatrical in refined residential and hospitality interiors.
Structure that vanishes, order that remains
Designed by
Opinion Ciatti as a
freestanding bookcase, the steel column hides a sequence of thin shelves that hold stacks while keeping the outline slender. It is supplied to be assembled, with adjustable feet for perfect plumb on uneven floors and conceived for indoor use. Despite its light expression, capacity is generous: about 35 volumes, with a max load of 2 kg per shelf, so compositions stay crisp and safe over time.
Authorship and recognition
At the base, the engraving of
Bruno Rainaldi’s signature and the Compasso d’Oro award underlines an object that has entered design history. The gesture is minimal yet memorable: by allowing the structure to recede, the piece reads as a column of culture: a true
designer bookcase that turns reading into an architectural presence.
Heights, finishes, and spatial rhythm
To tune contrast and mood,
the Ptolomeo family offers multiple finishes: black, white, stainless steel, corten, and three precise heights: 75, 160, and 215 cm. Steel keeps sections slender, edges crisp, and maintenance easy; the form slips elegantly along a wall or acts as a punctuation mark beside a sofa, in corridors, even in boutique hotel lobbies. In compact rooms, it behaves like a
slim bookcase; in taller settings, it reads as a sculptural
column bookcase that anchors the scene without visual bulk.
Use cases and search intent aligned
Designers and collectors often discover the piece while exploring the broader family,
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo and
Original Ptolomeo by Opinion Ciatti, looking for a
vertical bookcase with minimal footprint. Styling guides discuss how to balance stacks by color or theme; care tips cover simple cleaning for steel; sizing notes help decide when to pair two units for symmetry. When it’s time to purchase, the clarity of the concept makes comparisons straightforward, confirming why the
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo bookcase has become a modern Italian standard for curated, space-efficient libraries.