Which is better for a small apartment?

The Tribesigns narrow shelf. Its 13.39-inch square footprint fits where the wider ModernMate cannot, and 7 tiers give more shelf count in less floor space.

Which holds more books?

The Tribesigns, on paper: 7 open shelves rated at 40 lbs each. The ModernMate spreads its capacity across open shelves and a closed cabinet, and publishes no per-shelf rating.

Is the ModernMate worth stepping up to?

If you want furniture-grade looks and doors to hide clutter, yes. You trade shelf count and a published weight rating for closed storage and a walnut-and-rattan finish.

Both need the anti-tip kit. The Tribesigns relies on a metal frame and leg pads; the ModernMate uses a reinforced base. Owners describe the ModernMate as solid, and the narrow Tribesigns is stable once anchored.

Do I need to anchor either to the wall?

Yes. Both are about 78 inches tall and ship with anti-tip hardware. Anchor into a stud, especially with the narrow Tribesigns, which has a small base.

Which is easier to assemble?

The ModernMate, by owner reports, at roughly an hour with clear instructions. The Tribesigns is a full flat-pack build and easier with two people given its height.

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf vs 78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Buy the Tribesigns 78.7" narrow shelf if floor space is the constraint: 13.39 inches square, 7 open tiers, 40 lb per shelf, metal frame. Buy the ModernMate 78" bookcase if you want a wider piece with closed storage: open shelves up top, a two-door cabinet with an adjustable shelf below, rattan accents and a black walnut finish. Owners of the ModernMate call it solid and true to the photos, with assembly around an hour; the narrow Tribesigns is the more utilitarian build, and its tall, slim frame needs the anti-tip strap into a stud.

Choose the Tribesigns narrow bookshelf if you have a tight corner, hallway or small office and want maximum shelf count in a footprint barely over a foot wide.
Choose the ModernMate wide bookcase if you want a furniture-style centerpiece and need doors to hide clutter in a lower cabinet.

Prices

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf: $119.99 at Tribesigns (last seen Nov 9)
78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase: $219.00 at ModernMate (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: the 78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf is $99.01 cheaper than the 78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase at the latest prices (Nov 9)

	78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf	78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase
Footprint	13.39 x 13.39 in, slim tower	Wide bookcase body, needs more wall and floor space
Shelf layout	7 open tiers, all visible	4-5 open shelves plus 2 hidden shelves behind doors
Closed storage	None; everything is on display	Two hinged doors with an adjustable interior shelf
Materials	Particle board with a metal frame	Wood-grain panels with woven rattan door accents
Load per shelf	Rated 40 lbs per shelf	No published per-shelf rating
Stability	Anti-tip strap plus adjustable leg pads and a back baffle	Anti-tip kit and a reinforced base
Assembly	Full assembly required, two-person job at this height	Owners report about an hour; one pre-drilled hole has been off
Style	Black metal and board, industrial look	Mid-century black walnut with rattan

Spec	78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf	78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase
Overall Height	78.7”	—
Shelf Count	7 tiers	—
Product Dimensions	13.39 x 13.39 x 78.7 inches	—
Material	Engineered Wood and Metal	—
Frame Material	sturdy metal frame	—
Board Material	high-quality particle board	—
Color	Black	—
Assembly	Assembly Required	—
Warranty	18-Month Warranty	—
Anti-tip Feature	Anti-tipping strap	—
Leg Pads	Adjustable pads	—
Back Baffle	back baffle	—

Spec	78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf	78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase
Height	—	78 inches
Number of tiers	—	6-Tier
Open shelves	—	4 open shelves
Drawers	—	1 drawer
Doors	—	2 doors
Hidden shelves	—	2 additional shelves
Adjustable shelves	—	adjustable shelves
Safety feature	—	anti-tip features
Rattan accents	—	Woven rattan panels

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf vs 78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Prices

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf vs 78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Prices

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

What separates them

Prices at every store

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Specs compared

What reviewers say

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

What separates them

Prices at every store

78.7" Tall Narrow Bookshelf

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Specs compared

What reviewers say

78" Mid-Century Extra Tall Bookcase

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

More comparisons