Either would work fine, but personally I like the black one best. It has more of an interesting presence and balance with all of the white pieces in the living area.

That said, it’s hard to be sure without seeing the actual rooms — how thing are arranged, lighting, room dimensions, wall color, flooring, ceiling height, etc.

The main question: do you want it to be more of a focal point? If so, black. Do you want it to recede a bit? White. (Again, depending on wall color.)

Maybe wait until everything else is in place before deciding?

I think the black joins everything together, at least in your pictures against a white background. It may change depending upon the wall color you choose.

Black, you have enoigh white already. also , presumably the books or decoratove items on its shelves will not be black and will lighten it up if youre concerned that it is too dark.

IMO it depends on what you are planning to put on the book shelf IMO often these are just a collector of stuff to create eye clutter so a good plan of what you want to display comes first.You mention pieces in black so maybe show those.

i like the black too :)

Black and suggest if you have the space, to consider a wider version. It will feel more substantial and impactful by the additional accessories, increased textures and variations and being able to create more of a layered look. See difference below.

Black, but not the ladder style you show. You need more of an etagere, as shown by Maurene. If it is really for books, then the more substantial the better. It should at least have a back brace so books won't fall off.

62"H Home Office Etagere Bookcase with 4 Tier Open Storage Shelves - Black · More Info

Convenience Concepts Omega 5 Tier Bookcase, Black, Black · More Info

My choice would be white which is purely based on practical matters. I would appreciate not seeing the dust that will show up again on the shelves an hour after dusting. On the white it will still be there, but you won't see it the same way.

I like white bookcases better so that is my answer! Good point on the dust, too. If you can get something a little bigger or put two together that might look better for your space.

Thank you for your feedback! Based on your responses I decided to go with the black one, it has also always been my first choice. I didn't go for an etagere because I like the look of a ladder bookshelf for a living room. It's a 25" W so I think it's perfect for the apartment. FYI: my walls are white! :) Will show you all results when the space is finished.

Thanks again!

I like the black one better too, and I have one just like the one you showed.

The ladder style bookcases are much better during earthquakes. My ladder style bookcase never fell over, but other tall pieces of furniture did.

If i lived in a quake zone, all my wall-placed casegoods would be screwed in!

Ours are connected to the wall with earthquake straps now, but in 1994, they were not. I was not as prepared then as I thought I was. We also have items held in place with earthquake putty, so they will not fall off of shelves.

It seems like the black bookcase brings everything together more.

Black! It helps to pull in the rest of the black pieces since it seems like the white is more dominant.