The L-Shaped Metal Bookends

What you get

The L-Shaped Metal Bookends come as a set of 2. Each piece is made of metal with a clean L shape: a flat base that slides under your books and a vertical panel that holds the row in place. The design is simple on purpose. It lets the books do the talking while the bookend does the work.

Metal gives these bookends a solid feel without much bulk. The base sits flat on a shelf, desk or counter, and the upright panel keeps paperbacks, hardcovers and cookbooks from sliding into each other. Because the shape is open, you can slide a book out and put it back without moving the whole row.

Sizes and fit

Each bookend measures 8 x 5.3 x 4 in (20.3 x 13.5 x 10.2 cm). That footprint fits standard bookshelves, cubby shelves, desk tops and windowsills. The L shape means the base takes up less room than a heavy bookend block, so you keep more shelf space for books.

Use one on each end of a row, or use both on one side if you have a heavy stack. The flat base slides under the first and last book, and the upright panel presses against the covers to hold the line.

Colors

Pick from three finishes:

• Black: a classic look that disappears against dark shelves and blends with most decor.
• Yellow: a bright accent for a desk, a kids room shelf or a reading corner that needs a little color.
• White: clean and light, good for open shelving, white bookcases and small spaces.

All three colors come in the same size and the same set of 2. If you are ordering for a shared shelf, you can mix colors by adding more than one set.

How to use them

Set the base flat on the shelf. Slide it under the first book in the row until the upright panel touches the cover. Do the same on the other end. If the row is short, push the bookends inward until the books stand straight. For a tall or heavy row, place both bookends on the same side for extra support.

The metal surface wipes clean with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth and dry right after. Avoid harsh cleaners that could dull the finish.

These bookends also work beyond the bookshelf. Use them on a desk to hold notebooks and folders, on a kitchen counter for cookbooks, or on a entry table for mail and magazines. The L shape keeps the base low so it does not block the view of your books.

Care and storage

Keep the bookends dry. Wipe spills right away. When you move them, lift from the base instead of pulling on the upright panel. Store them flat if you are not using them, and keep them in a dry spot. With normal use, the metal holds its shape and the finish stays even.