Finding the best bookshelves for your space can be one of two things: a fun challenge or a depressing reminder that you weren’t blessed with gorgeous built-in shelving units. We consider ourselves experts when it comes to aesthetically pleasing shelves—after all, we named bookshelf wealth as the first interior design trend of last year.
Perhaps you were tuning in during the internet’s fascination with color-coded reads, have run the (sometimes astronomical) cost of custom wall-mounted open designs with adjustable shelves, or have attempted Frankenstein DIY bookshelf-storage cabinet projects for years. Whatever the case, there’s something that can’t be denied: Seeing all of your favorite books neatly arranged among carefully curated trinkets and treasured collectibles just makes you feel good.
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The good news is that order doesn’t necessarily have to come with an outrageous price tag, and you don’t have to settle for wood veneer or particle board options. AD’s editors have recently been testing some of the top shelving options out there to bring you the best bookshelves you can buy online right now. We also recommend gathering inspiration from homes AD has featured over the years—Billys reimagined! Stylishly upgraded garage storage! So stick with us—when it comes to finding the kinds of bookshelves that will spare your credit card and store your collection of reads, you’re in the right place.
Best Bookshelf for Large Spaces
Specs
- Dimensions: 70.5"H x 32.5"W x 15"D, There’s also a shorter option available that’s 35.5"H x 36"W x 16"D
- Materials: White oak, walnut, and wood veneer
Notes on Assembly
“There is definitely assembly required. I also opted for the white-glove assembly, which, for someone who is slightly DIY challenged, I’d highly recommend. The shelf is taller than I am (5'2"), so I’d especially recommend paying for assembly if you are on the shorter side. Getting the shelf set up took two delivery folks about 30 minutes from bringing it in to putting in the last screw. It didn’t seem to have too many elements that needed installing, but the size of the shelf definitely made it a lot smoother (for me anyway!).”
Keep in Mind
“I did struggle to find the perfect spot for the shelf in my apartment because it is quite large; I’d recommend it for people with larger spaces (I could even see it being used as a room divider in the right context), open floor plans, or suburban homes. It feels incredibly sturdy, and there is the option to mount it to the wall, which I haven’t done at this point, and I don’t think I’ll need to!”
“Like most of Article’s designs, this bookshelf leans Scandi/Japandi/minimalist in its aesthetic but also keeps in mind functionality and flair. I really appreciate the effort that went into the joinery, which makes it much more interesting than just your standard ladder bookshelf. Because it is a tapered shape, the bottom shelves are much wider and deeper at the bottom and get narrower the higher up it goes. This comes in handy if you’re storing more than just books on your shelf. For example, I have a few baskets on my bottom shelf containing all sorts of knickknacks and accessories. The color and the feel are also really elevated and soft, perfect for my home, which uses a lot of light-washed wood.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
Best for Multi-Functional Displays
Specs
- Dimensions: 42"W x 17"D x 78.75"H
- Material: Metal frame and legs, kiln-dried wood with oak veneer over engineered wood
Notes on Assembly
“Delivery was a breeze, and assembly was a non-issue thanks to West Elm’s in-home delivery option; the most involved part of the process was simply picking a delivery date and window for the team to arrive.”
Keep in Mind
”Each shelf has a different amount of height clearance.”
“This bookshelf is exactly what I was looking for with its slight-but-sturdy metal frame and light wood finish. What drew me to the design was that each shelf has a different amount of clearance, which lets me get creative with what can fit in each section. The shorter shelves are ideal for storing stacks of paperbacks, while I can use the taller ones to fit items like my Symbol Home x USM record crate and my KitchenAid mixer. The single cabinet storage level equipped with sliding doors is perfect for hiding away any items I don’t want on display, like spare candles or my overflowing snack selection. Plus, the brand has an entire Pierce line spanning wider shelves, low shelves, media consoles, and even a desk, if you really can’t get enough.” – Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Best Bookshelf for Small Spaces
Specs
- Dimensions: Standard: 62½" H 15¾" W 15¾" D, Tall: 75⅜" H 15¾" W 15¾" D
- Materials: Galvanized steel column with powder-coated aluminum sleeves
Notes on Assembly
“Assembly is required. The bookcase comes in two boxes, and you will need to affix the base as well as thread spacers and shelves onto the pole (which is not bad at all).”
Keep in Mind
“A vertical shelf like this is a specific look, which might not be for everybody. The unit itself was simple to clean—you can wipe dust away with a cloth—but it did require moving each shelf’s stacks of books, which is tedious. I liked that this design can be floated in a room, unlike a traditional wall-mounted bookcase; however, DWR does recommend fixing the shelf to a wall for safety reasons. (For what it’s worth, this wasn’t a concern for me, and mine never toppled in four years of use. It could be a different story if you have small children, though.)”
“To state the obvious, this is a vertical shelf: Meaning your books lay flat, rather than standing upright with their spines out. It has a compact footprint with a 15 3/4" square base (no doubt why it’s become such a go-to design in city apartments like my own). Because shelves can be turned to different positions from the center pole, the Story is a bit “choose your own adventure”—you can opt to keep it neat and lined up, or flare it out all willy-nilly. The construction is sturdy (heavy!), so moving it from one location to another feels a little like relocating a tree.” —Lila Allen, contributor
Best Customizable Bookcase
Specs
- Dimensions: Customizable
- Materials: Pine, steel
Notes on Assembly
Martin points out that putting the shelf together—a task she entrusted to her handy husband—can be slightly daunting. But once it’s assembled it has the capacity to carry serious weight and, thanks to the wide range of add-ons available, you can use the shelf in many contexts.
Keep in Mind
Martin suggests adding screw-in feet to the legs “so that the height can be subtly adjusted to address wonky, uneven New York City floors.”
“I have a large system of IVAR shelves that have followed me to multiple apartments, accommodating a truly massive book collection. It’s built to be expanded upon and its modular design can fit various apartment configurations. Ours, for example, wrap around the room. When I did a deeper dive on the system, I learned that it’s been in the IKEA catalogue since 1967, and the original design was supposedly conceived as an industrial storage shelf for the Swedish Post Office. I think that original, utilitarian intention is why the shelves remain so timeless. We used a set to build out our closet and a friend of mine has them stacked with bowls and cookware in her kitchen.” —Hannah Martin, senior design editor
Best Bookshelf Desk
Specs
- Dimensions: 65"H x 32 1/2"W x 15 1/2"D
- Materials: Manufactured wood
Notes on Assembly
“The desk did require assembly and, while it took a few hours, it wasn’t anything too difficult. I built the desk by myself and, with the instructions, was able to build it with relatively little blood, sweat, and tears.”
Keep in Mind
“While the desk does have a sturdy bottom base, the actual shelf portion is meant to be drilled into the wall for optimal support. The drawer on the desk portion also hangs a little low, so I can’t push my desk chair into it. Still, the compact size and vertical storage combined with the rustic wood make it the perfect addition to my room.”
“This is both my desk and bookcase, and it’s exactly what I needed. I live in New York, which means I live in a small room and I often need to get creative with my furniture, i.e. finding pieces that roll multiple purposes into one. In this case, I needed a compact desk that could fit in a small nook in my room. I also needed a new home for my book collection. Thus began my search for the perfect ladder bookshelf. I was drawn to the Sand & Sable desk for its midcentury-modern style, how it effortlessly blended functional storage with a vintage-esque silhouette that would only elevate my room.” —Megan Wahn, contributor
Best Mixed-Materials Bookshelf
Specs
- Dimensions: 64.2"H x 47.2"W x 13.4"D
- Materials: Metal frame, marble, engineered wood with walnut veneer
Notes on Assembly
“Assembly is very simple and straightforward. Though I will say that, while one person could do it, it’s much easier with two people.”
Keep in Mind
“There weren’t many parts, and everything was quite clearly labeled. The only thing we struggled with was which way round the shelves should be—it would have been helpful to have a sticker to indicate this side up or down. The individual shelves themselves are quite heavy (marble ones) and perhaps a little difficult to maneuver because of their weight, but we (two able-bodied adults) managed just fine. We completed the assembly in about 30 minutes."
“I love this shelving unit. It’s absolutely beautiful—quality materials and well-made. A design statement in itself, and more than just a functional storage furniture. Its beautifully curved shelves are elegant but sturdy (there’s ample space for displaying large coffee table books and also decorative objects). Assembly was straightforward; no special equipment was needed. Once assembled, it was very sturdy. And because of the material and design, this bookcase is versatile—it could work in a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan as perfectly as it works in our spacious living room with high ceilings. I love it because it is both sophisticated and warm.” —Michael Shome, global visuals director
Best Metal Bookshelf
Specs
- Dimensions: 84”H x 28"W x 10"D
- Materials: Tempered-glass shelving with a metal frame, available in three finishes: powder-coated black, chrome plating, or brushed brass
Notes on Assembly
“Yes, this piece requires assembly—and it’s a two-person job. (The instructions that come with the shelf confirm as much.) Don’t let that scare you off, though: The process is straightforward and illustrations make the step-by-step guide easy to follow. (CB2 helpfully has the assembly PDF available on the shelf’s product page, so you can get a preview if you’re nervous.) The most time-consuming aspect of the installation is setting and securing the shelf brackets, but even that moves quickly. You’ll also need to insert anchors into your walls to secure the shelf. Heads-up: If you have plaster walls, like I do, you may need a drill to help set the anchors in place. Second heads-up: The glass shelves are heavy! (See above—you’ll want a second set of hands.) If you’re working with drywall, you’re going to need to mount the shelf to studs. All in, it took me and my partner a little over an hour to put everything together. Styling the shelves took longer than the setup!”
Keep in Mind
“While setting up this shelf is not difficult, it would not be safe to try to do it by yourself. Make sure to enlist the help of a partner, friend, or roommate when it’s time to assemble. If you’re a nomadic type and plan on moving homes a lot in the coming years, this may not be the right shelf for you: Though it feels very sturdy and I’m not stressed about the glass shelves in situ, moving them to another location could be tricky (though not impossible).”
“This bookcase has a vibe-y ’70s feel, especially in the chrome-plated finish I tested. Its design comes courtesy of Mark Daniel of Slate Design, a product studio out of Illinois that has also done work for Crate and Barrel, DWR, and Z Gallerie. Unlike a lot of wall-mounted bookcases, this one sits parallel to the wall, rather than leaning (a feature I liked a lot). Its five glass shelves project several inches from the frame, but overall offer a slick, minimalist look.” —Allen
Most Affordable Bookshelf
Specs
- Dimensions: I have the 93 1/4"H x 31 ½”W x11”D and 15 ¾W x 11D x 93 ¼”H versions. Also available in 79 ½"H x 15 ¾”W x 11”D, 79 ½H " x 31 ½W x 11”D, 41 ¾H" x 31 ½W x 11D
- Material: Particleboard, paper foil, plastic edging, fiberboard
Notes on Assembly
“Like all IKEA classics, the Billy bookcase requires an Allen wrench, a packet of wordless instructions, and a bit of patience. That said, the assembly is not particularly difficult, especially in comparison to more complex flat-pack furniture. I recommend asking a friend to help, as the tall shelves can be unwieldy when moving them around on your own!”
Keep in Mind
“The Billy bookcases have a three-inch notch on the bottom to accommodate baseboards. If yours are taller than three inches (as mine are), you may need to cut a taller notch to stay flush with the wall. The taller versions come with hardware to secure the bookshelf to the wall, but require additional screws.”
“The Billy bookcase line is a classic for a reason: They’re inexpensive, modular, and infinitely customizable. In my experience, they’re surprisingly robust despite being made of particleboard. I’ve had my Billy bookshelves filled with heavy books for years, and I’ve yet to see a sagging shelf! In terms of design, I love the option to add extension units—a lifesaver for tall ceilings!” —Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor
More AD-Approved Bookshelves
Use Thuma’s easy-to-install shelving unit to bring your living room or bedroom to greater (or more minimal) heights. The brand’s modular base shelf units are 2x1 or 1x1 pieces that neatly stack either next to or on top of each other, making it easy to create a bespoke system that can evolve as your needs do. The possibilities with this DIY build are endless: Stack a couple in your entryway or walk-in closet for easy shoe storage, build a sprawling wall-to-wall office library, or even create a low shelf media console to prop up your entertainment setup.
Zara brings the utility-style shelf into modern times with this mossy-hued iron design that still maintains a classic-looking silhouette. We especially like the idea of using it as a storage solution in your kitchen: Use the open mesh material to your advantage and hang pots and pans with easily attachable hooks, and house delicate sauce and spice bottles in the lower tiered shelves with their convenient doors.
We know you’re still thinking about Kendall Jenner’s Wyoming hideaway (we are too!), so we took some inspiration from the model’s custom Jefferson West bookcase with this pick. It’s a unit that weaves in subtle texture thanks to the unfinished bamboo framework, and we like that the silhouette is topped with brass finials for a semi-polished look.
Sundays’ solid wood option features rounded shelves and a wide profile, creating lots of opportunity for meaningful decor moments. We’d maximize shelf potential by thoughtfully curatin a varying scheme of books and tchotchkes, creating a balanced act between something that looks equal parts studious and ornamental.
Arhaus’s James bookcase fulfills the desire for floating shelves without needing to pull out the stud finder and power drill. The staggered shelving is an intriguing way to catalogue your library of paperbacks and coffee table books or arrange treasured tchotchkes into an artistic display. The open top also accentuates its modern design, giving the overall silhouette an airy feel.
This minimal shelf from Crate & Barrel has endless versatility. We picture it sitting tall in midcentury studies, farmhouse living rooms, or even a maximalist’s boudoir with the right accessories. The triangular sideboards lend the design just a smidge of geometric flair. Though your books won’t be able to sit flesh against the angular edges, that’s what any of the best book ends are for.
If a tall bookshelf feels like it’ll overshadow your space, look to low bookcases, which offer slightly less imposing silhouettes. If the dimensions are wider, they can also offer just as much storage space as their taller counterparts. This bookcase from Lulu & Georgia provides open storage for a more spacious look, though it would also make a nice media console if you wanted to give your entertainment system a (spindled) leg up.
Where floor space is lacking, make use of cramped corners for squeezing in extra book storage. This corner bookshelf boasts an industrial-leaning, yet still modern design thanks to the muted colorways that disguise the metal frame.
AD global editorial director and US editor in chief Amy Astley uses a pair of Parsons bookshelves from West Elm to display her impressive collection of design books in the office. The shelves feel fairly traditional on their own, but when placed in a row, they resemble built-ins—no renovation necessary.
There’s a lot to love about a shelf that carries serious midcentury charm—at the top of the list is how timeless they can be. This ladder bookcase also has built-in levelers, giving it even more staying power as soon as you realize it will tackle that weirdly uneven floor in your living room. Made of solid eucalyptus wood and acacia veneer treated with a water-based finish, each of the five fixed shelves can carry up to 60 lbs. That’s a lot of books, tchotchkes, and home decor.
How to Style Your Bookshelf
Building a well-curated bookshelf is a subtle art. As we once noted in our investigation of the bookshelf wealth trend, “hominess, coziness, and character are key.” Your instincts may coax you to either end of the spectrum—going full maximalist with one million-plus objects thrown on the shelves, or pared-down minimalist with just one item on each slat—but nailing down your room’s overall aesthetic is the first step in building an optimal shelving system that also achieves a cohesive look.
Less is more (really): If that paperback has sat unread and uncracked for years at this point, it shouldn’t have a place on your shelves (or maybe in your home in general). Even if you’re the type of romantic that likes to keep even the receipts and ticket stubs from your trip (that pasta dish in Rome was life-changing, after all), purging excess will make your space look that much more intentional. When it comes to juggling books and objects, Kelly Croteau, founder of Maison Plage in Los Angeles, recommends more hardcovers for a more streamlined look. “Let the book speak for itself, and if it’s looking too cluttered, take it out.”
Mix it up: Using plants and risers to display your books at different heights is one way to make your storage look more compelling. You can also take cues from Laura Harrier’s Los Angeles home and adapt a mixed stacking method that incorporates sections of your books perched upright like you’d find in a typical library and vertical bunches to create a more varied set up.
Add some art: Paintings and photos make your shelves look more dynamic, and it’s an interesting way to display works off the wall. “That’s part of the vibe, that everything isn’t in a perfectly straight line,” says San Diego–based interior designer Kailee Blalock. “It also [shouldn’t] look like you bought it all at one time on Etsy and pre-designed it in your head.”
