Ollie totem bookcase

Design

The Ollie totem bookcase is a freestanding piece defined by a strong vertical line and a surprisingly light visual footprint. A full-height mirrored back panel sets the tone, then the shelves step out from it with clean geometry and a soft curve. The result feels precise, but not rigid.

Reflections are a big part of what makes it interesting. The double-sided mirror creates depth that shifts as the room changes, so the bookcase never looks flat against a wall. And because the mirror is visible from both sides, it holds its own even when viewed from across the space.

Materials & build

Glas Italia builds the structure around extralight mirror and extralight glass, keeping the look crisp and clear. The vertical back panel is laminated double-sided extralight mirror at 10+10 mm, giving it presence without heaviness. The base is removable and covered in 10 mm extralight mirror, continuing the same bright, refined finish from top to bottom.

The shelves are made from 10 mm extralight glass and are bonded directly to the back panel. Details matter here: the glass is glued at 45°, and the shelf fronts are formed in 180° curved glass. Those choices keep the profile sharp while softening the edge, so it feels considered from every angle.

Everyday use

It’s a bookcase, but it behaves more like a sculptural storage element. The mirrored panel amplifies what’s placed on it, so books, objects, and even negative space become part of the display. But it doesn’t demand a perfect arrangement; a few well-chosen pieces can look intentional, and a fuller mix brings energy.

The format stays streamlined. Shelves extend cleanly from the central spine, creating clear zones to style without visual clutter. The base is removable, which also makes the piece easier to handle when needed.

Placement & lifestyle

At approximately 28 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 67.3 inches high, it fits comfortably in living rooms, entry areas, and open-plan spaces where a freestanding piece can be appreciated. The mirrored back panel plays well with daylight and ambient lighting, subtly widening the feel of the room.

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the composition feels architectural but approachable. The Ollie totem bookcase can sit quietly beside a sofa, or act as a divider that still feels airy.

Longevity

The materials are straightforward and resilient: glass bonded to glass, with mirrored surfaces that keep their clarity when cared for. And because the design relies on proportion and reflection rather than ornament, it stays relevant as interiors evolve.

It is not available custom made, which keeps the intent intact. In the end, the Ollie totem bookcase from Glas Italia is about precision, restraint, and a little visual surprise that lasts beyond the first look.