Woud Arkiv bookend

The Woud Arkiv Bookend turns the simple task of holding books upright into this beautiful architectural moment on your shelf. Designer Ella Shegai drew inspiration from classical arches and columns, creating this solid concrete piece that somehow manages to look both ancient and completely contemporary. At just under 6 inches wide and nearly 8 inches tall, the Arkiv has this distinctive stepped, arch-like profile that creates fascinating shadows as light moves across it throughout the day. The grey concrete construction gives it serious weight - about 2.6 pounds - so it's not going anywhere when you lean heavy books against it, but the curved, tiered design keeps it from looking bulky or industrial. Instead of just being another boring bookend, it creates this graphic ensemble with your books that makes the whole arrangement feel more intentional and artistic.

What's really smart about the Arkiv is how it works in multiple ways depending on what you need. Obviously it handles bookend duties perfectly, but you can also lay it flat to use as a paperweight for documents or sketches, or just place it somewhere as a standalone sculptural piece when you're not actively using it for books. The concrete surface has this smooth, almost stone-like quality that feels substantial and permanent, and the stepped design means it works well with both tall hardcovers and shorter paperbacks without looking awkward. The way it catches and throws light creates this subtle visual interest that changes throughout the day, so it never feels static or boring even when you're looking at it constantly. Whether you need one for your desk, bookshelf, or just want something interesting to look at, the Arkiv adapts to whatever role you need it to fill.

Woud builds from Denmark with founders Mia and Torben Koed connecting international design talent with Scandinavian principles, and Ella Shegai represents this global approach perfectly. Born in Siberia and educated in Paris before settling in Oslo, Shegai brings her background in art history and cross-cultural design experience to create pieces that feel both familiar and unexpected. Her work focuses on exploring complex shapes and structures while maintaining that essential balance between function and beauty that defines good Scandinavian design. Since founding in 2014, Woud has built their reputation on collaborating with designers who understand that everyday objects should enhance rather than complicate daily life, creating accessories that work as both practical tools and meaningful design elements that bring intentionality and beauty to whatever space they inhabit.