FontanaArte Teso Bookcase, Six-Shelf Glass Shelving by Renzo Piano, 78.7 in

The FontanaArte Teso bookcase is a tall, wide glass shelving system for libraries, living rooms, studies and offices, where a full wall of books should not turn into a heavy block of furniture. Six float-glass shelves, each 94.4 in (240 cm) long, are stacked on slim glass uprights and tied together with chromed metal fittings, reaching 78.7 in (200 cm) high. It is open on both fronts, so it can line a wall or stand freely as a see-through partition between two zones of a room.

Quick facts

• Product: Teso bookcase, freestanding glass shelving
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F2720LI150TR20
• Type: Bookcase, open shelving, room divider
• Best for: living rooms, home libraries, studies, home offices, executive offices, galleries, showrooms and hotel lounges
• Width: 94.4 in (240 cm)
• Height: 78.7 in (200 cm)
• Shelves: 6 float-glass shelves
• Structure: float-glass uprights with chromed metal ties
• Open: on two fronts (usable from either side)
• Materials: glass, metal
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Renzo Piano (1989)
• Styles: Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary

FontanaArte lists ETL (Intertek) certification for the Teso bookcase as pending.

Materials and build

Shelves and uprights are float glass, the flat, optically clear glass used for fine furniture; the uprights rise between the shelves in short glass sections, and chromed metal ties run through them to lock the stack together. The only metal you see is a fine chromed line at each upright, so from across the room the bookcase reads as six floating planes of glass carrying whatever you place on them.

Because the system is open on both long sides, there is no back panel: books can be reached from either side, and light passes straight through. The sister Teso console uses the same system with 15 mm shelves.

Size and placement

At 94.4 in (240 cm) wide and 78.7 in (200 cm) high, Teso fills a substantial wall: allow a clear wall of about 9 ft (2.7 m) and a ceiling of at least 8 ft (2.4 m) so the top shelf has breathing room. Six shelves give you roughly 47 linear feet (14 m) of shelf length in total.

As a room divider, place it where people can walk around both ends, with at least 30 to 36 in (76 to 91 cm) clear. Load it evenly from the bottom shelf upward, with heavier books low and near the uprights, and keep it on a level floor.

Where it works

Home libraries and living rooms. A full wall of books that still feels light, with the wall colour or wallpaper visible between the rows. Mix stacked and upright books with a few objects for rhythm.

Studies and home offices. Files, binders and reference books stay within reach without closing in the room.

Open-plan homes and lofts. Freestanding and open on both sides, it separates a work corner or a dining zone while letting daylight through.

Executive offices, galleries and showrooms. A display system for books, catalogues, objects or product that frames rather than hides them; in a hotel lounge or members' library it gives a strong architectural backdrop.

Style and pairing

Teso is the essence of Modern and Minimalist shelving, and it lifts Contemporary interiors with stone, concrete or pale wood. Against a saturated wall colour the glass all but disappears; against white the green edges of the shelves draw clean horizontal lines. Pair it with the matching Teso table or console, a reading chair and a floor lamp, and leave a little empty space on each shelf so the glass can be seen.

Why choose the Teso bookcase

• Six 94.4 in float-glass shelves on glass uprights, 78.7 in tall.
• Open on both fronts: a wall bookcase or a see-through room divider.
• Daylight passes through, so a full bookcase does not darken the room.
• Chromed metal ties are the only visible metal.
• Renzo Piano's glass shelving for FontanaArte, from 1989.

Care

Dust shelves regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and clean them with a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, not directly onto the glass. Wipe the chromed ties with a soft dry cloth. Spread weight evenly, keep heavy items low and near the uprights, and use felt pads under ceramics and metal objects. Never climb the shelves or use them as a ladder, and check that the unit stands level after moving it.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the FontanaArte Teso bookcase? It is 94.4 in (240 cm) wide and 78.7 in (200 cm) high.

How many shelves does it have? Six glass shelves.

What is it made of? Float-glass shelves and uprights with chromed metal ties.

Does it have a back panel? No. It is open on both fronts, so it can stand against a wall or freestanding as a room divider.

Can it be used as a room divider? Yes. Leave at least 30 to 36 in to walk around each end.

How much ceiling height do I need? At 78.7 in tall, a ceiling of 8 ft or more gives the top shelf room to breathe.

How much shelf space does it give? Six shelves of 94.4 in each, about 47 linear feet in total.

Can I use both sides? Yes. With no back panel, books and objects can be reached and displayed from either side.

Is it certified? FontanaArte lists ETL (Intertek) certification as pending.

Who designed it? Renzo Piano, in 1989, as part of the Teso glass collection with the table and console.

Trade & project orders

Interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers can join the MetropolitanDecor trade program for trade pricing. We also prepare quotes for multi-unit and project orders; contact us with your quantities.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.