Rated 4 out of 5 by daffodil Very nice but flawed
We have two other of these shelves in different configurations: the 3 shelf version, and the 2 shelf under-the-window one. Like those, this is very attractive when assembled, but we encountered some drawbacks not met with for the other shelves. First, one of the shelves had pre-drilled pilot holes which were off-the-mark by about 1/4 inch and had to be redrilled (I refer to the fortifying bar under the shelf, which is at a right-angle to the shelf itself); there was no way it would fit without properly positioning the holes. . Secondly, we have the shelf free-standing in order to use both sides for books. Positioned in this way, it does not have a totally sturdy feel to it, and indeed there is an attachment brace of sorts which is supposed to deal with this issue, but isn't really applicable in our situation. All-in-all I would still recommend this shelf; the former problem may be atypical, and the latter ought to be addressed by a stabilizing design option better than the one provided.
May 30, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by OutdoorGram Lumber bowed
I ordered this piece to match one purchased in 2008. My husband struggled to put to together because the shelves and the end pieces were bowed. He did manage to force it together. Once it's all out of the box, it would be a major project to repack and return it. I'm not sure if return shipping would have been covered by my LLBean Card privilege, because there was an extra freight charge. I'm not sure if this is an on-going problem or not. I'd recommend to friends with caution.
April 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by valry Mission three -tier boookshelf
Beautiful. Easy to assemble. Can't wait to get the "matching" console. Very pleasant on the eye.
February 21, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by LLBNewby My Bookcase
Attractive piece of furniture, well-made, easy to assemble, and a great value. What's not to like?!
January 16, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by MtnHomeBeanShopper Classic Look
Easy to assemble. Bought two and set side-by-side. Truly like the mission style. Admired by friends, too. Used to display pottery and kachinas.
November 14, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by NJ08619 Mission 4-Shelf Bookcase
Before I ordered this item, I wanted to know how much weight each shelf would hold or the entire unit itself. Nowhere in the write-up is this information listed. I had to call customer service, who then contacted the manufacturer. I now know that each shelf will hold heavy books from end to end or even stacks of magazines on each shelf. I will order this item based on this information, but I wish this type of information was listed on all the furniture. Also - kudos to the customer service rep who did an outstanding job!
August 14, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by SpaceCadet Good, but may require user enhancements
First the Positives: (1) nice basic design (style); (2) good color (dark mission matches other furniture I have); (3) fits nicely in the bedroom corner where I wanted to put it (4 shelf unit, 46" high).
Now the Negatives: (1) discovered upon opening the box that one of the shelves was split half-way down one edge through one of the wood screws that holds a cosmetic brace on to the underside of that shelf. I'm going to give the manufacturer the benefit of the doubt and assume this happened after it was boxed up and/or left the factory. While LLBean's return policy is excellent, I decided it was easier to repair it myself (a little wood glue and a couple clamps) than to box it back up and truck it off to UPS. (2) While the design is good (style/geometry), the structural stability of the shelf is really weak, as some other reviewers have commented on (each shelf is attached to the sides by only two 1-1/4" screws on each side; prone to "wobble"). I swapped out the screws provided with 8X3"1/8 cabinet screws and got much better stability. If you also use the "Tipping Restraint Kit" provided with the shelf and secure the unit to the wall, it should be pretty stable. There is no cross-brace or support on the back of the shelf as I would have expected.
So, overall I'm satisfied with the final product; just had to jump through a few more hoops than I expected.
March 8, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by NKGnewYork Not LL Bean quality
This bookshelf is not stable. Assembly is difficult because holes for screws do not align well with pieces. Even after fully tightening the screws, the bookshelf wobbles.
On the positive side, wood quality and finish are very good.
February 2, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by gusp Nice Looking Bookcase
These Mission bookcases are very good quality. They are well manufactured, easy to put together and very sturdy. Although they are narrower and not as tall as my previous bookcases the plus is they are less liable to tip over in earthquake. I got 3 of them and plan on getting a couple more since I am an avid reader who needs lots of book space. The dark finish is beautiful and matches my Mission coffee table, end table and TV console perfectly.
July 1, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by Granpunk Great piece of furniture
We like our 4 shelf mission bookcase so much, we have now ordered the 3 shelf bookcase. We are pleased with the construction and appearance of the bookcase. It was very easy to assemble. My husband assembled it by himself.
June 28, 2011