I've got a bit of a complex about tall furniture, so I wouldn't like it to be more than approximately 24 inches in height. It should be deep enough for all the art books I gather from time to time (not so much now since I moved and didn't find any real value in holding onto most of those books). I'd seen these bookshelves once that were essentially benches. It made perfect ergonomic sense, kind of like those storage ottomans, only you don't have to get up to access their contents. Adjustable shelves or compartments wouldn't really matter given the size of most books I have. I don't really buy paperbacks anymore; I get hardcovers when I can, and that's a rare compulsion.