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Oct 14, 2024

16 Small Bookcases and Bookshelves for Spaces for Your Home

All my random junk finally has a home! We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise. To all my fellow small-space inhabitants: I want you to know I

All my random junk finally has a home!

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

To all my fellow small-space inhabitants: I want you to know I understand what you’re going through. You’re not alone! It’s rough out here!! As someone who lives in a tiny New York City apartment, finding small-space furniture for my dollhouse home is harder than anything I’ve ever had to do. But! I’m happy to report that in my 10 years as a Big Apple, teeny-tiny apartment resident, I’ve finally mastered the art of fitting all my stuff into a tiny space without looking like a hoarder—and it’s all thanks to the existence of small and narrow bookcases and bookshelves. That’s right, shelving is about to—not to be dramatic or anything—change your life biiiiig-time. There are tons of small bookcases and bookshelves for small spaces out there that won’t take up much room. Sure, they’re ideal for storing books but also plants, home decor, or (lightweight!) miscellaneous, junk items that just don’t have a spot anywhere else in your humble abode. More storage space will always be music to my ears. Take a look at some of the chic options I’ve gathered!

Keep on scrolling to see all the best small bookcases and bookshelves for your small space. Whether you're looking for something to match your rustic vibe, an option with wheels, or a sleek metal style, you can trust that everything below is cute, compact, and budget-friendly. And if you’re struggling to furnish your snug pad, may I suggest looking into these small-space sectionals, dressers, and recliners? Thank me later!!

Its short and compact size already makes it a winner for your small-space constraints. But the fact that it has wheels?! Even better! Its ~mobile~ feature allows you to easily move it around, depending on your needs.

Glowing customer review: “This bookshelf is great for small spaces. It was easy to assemble. It is pretty sturdy for its size but the material does dent and chip pretty easily. It’s nice that it has wheels to move it around, but it’s not made for transportation of books or heavy items. This is good for my little one’s book nook. I highly recommend it.”

If you’re on the hunt for a simple wood option that’ll match the mid-century modern vibe of your humble abode, this top-rated style fits the bill. With seven shelves, there’s ample room to hold tons of books plus anything else you’d like to have on display. It’s also available in six other sizes you can choose from, depending on what works best for the space.

Glowing customer review: “We packed this shelf full of books immediately and are planning to order a second one. It’s very sturdy for a reasonable price. It does not need to be attached to the wall. I love the light-wood color to brighten our room. We also put decorations on top. Highly recommend!”

Other than the fact that it has more than 10 (!!) shelves, it also rotates! Just spin it around and you can easily grab whatever you need from it—back, side, wherever—without any fuss.

Glowing customer review: “I share a small bedroom with my husband for our desks and hobby area and I needed a small bookshelf that fit a lot of books that would fit in the small space we have. This is perfect because it is nice and tall and fits almost all the books I have currently. The only books it does not hold are larger ones. The shelf rotates so you can use all sides and has a flat surface up to to use for storage or decorating. I highly recommend this if you have a small space and need book storage!”

Low on space? Pro tip: Make use of those corners! This bookcase can easily be tucked into the corner in case you need more storage space or just simply want to dress up an otherwise dull part of the room. Plus, the gold accents and zigzag design give it a contemporary vibe that’ll match your glam interior design style.

Glowing customer review: “We needed a bookcase that didn’t take up too much room in our daughter’s bedroom. This was perfect and the assembly didn’t take long at all!”

For me, there’s nothing better than a two-in-one furniture piece. It means I have one less thing to have in my miniature space. This cool shelf also doubles as a standing lamp. Plus, it features an extra, large bottom shelf where you can store bigger items like shoes, bags, and more.Glowing customer review: “I love the look and design of this lamp/bookshelf. I wasn’t sure if it was the correct item when it arrived because it doesn't have any long pieces, but it came in such a small box. Everything fit perfectly into a small dense box. It does have quite a few pieces, but it’s not super difficult to assemble. It feels sturdy and looks fantastic.”

Let this be proof that you don’t have to drop hella $$ to get that modern farmhouse aesthetic. It’s narrow enough to be slotted into a corner or a tight area in your home. The shelves are also deep enough to hold small baskets—which also provide even more storage space for stuff! Huzzah!! Glowing customer review: “I needed a skinny bookshelf to put in a bedroom closet I am using for an office. This fit the bill and was very easy to assemble. I’m pleased with this purchase.”

I recommend this metal style if you’re on the hunt for something super-budget-friendly. Its simple, minimalist design will work with most aesthetics, and its got enough room for you to put books and medium-sized knickknacks on it. Also it’s less than $35. You can’t beat it!Glowing customer review: “I have a small space and I needed something just to hold a few books. The shelf is super affordable, easy to put together, sturdy, and holds a lot of books. I might even buy a second one since it’s so compact.”

The arch trend is here to stay, and this bookcase is a prime example of that. Plus, the glass shelves will reflect light and help brighten up the space.Glowing customer review: “I absolutely love this bookcase! It is small enough to fit into a small space in my office but adds so much style and charm! I got so many compliments on it. I would recommend it.”

For those with a boho, beachy aesthetic, look no further. Its light-wood finish paired with the rattan door will add an airy touch to your home. The open and closed storage options give you the best of both worlds! You can showcase your items while also keeping things stowed away for a cleaner look.

Glowing customer review: “I live in an apartment and it's a bit cramped so I’m always looking for different storage options, and I came across this. The shelf is made of steel and wood and frosted plexiglass. The shelf is about six feet tall, a lil over one foot wide, and, just under one foot deep. I use it as a makeshift liquor cabinet. I have glasses and decanters in the cupboard and my bottles of scotch, tequila, and whiskey on the shelves. It looks amazing and takes up no space at all. It comes with a stability strap to help you keep the shelf from toppling over just in case. Mine is very sturdy even with my nine bottles on it. I am very happy with this shelf and can recommend it to anyone in the same situation I’m in.”

Not looking for a super tall bookcase? Perhaps a mini one for your desk will do! It won’t take up much real estate on your desk and you’ll be able to put more things on it without it looking cluttered.

Glowing customer review: “I have a small shelf above my desk and this was perfect to give me a bit more storage. It has a simple, yet effective design! It’s adjustable to the area and it can be used in a corner area. I recommend that it rests against a wall because it slides to adjust and there is no way to lock it in place. From my experience, it needs a wall to keep it from shifting.”

If your aesthetic leans more modern and minimalist, consider this acrylic bookcase! Have it stand vertically as a regular bookcase or even lay it on its side as a cool nightstand.Glowing customer review: “The Invisibiliter Acrylic Bookcase is a chic and functional addition to my living room. Standing at 31.5 inches tall, it offers three tiers of clear storage for books or decorative items. The minimalist design enhances the aesthetics of my home, creating a stylish and organized space.”

A bookcase with more surface area is key. Use it as a coffee bar, a vanity, or just a catch-all landing station in your entryway.Glowing customer review: “Smaller than expected but perfect solution.”

If you’re trying to avoid a standing bookcase/bookshelf, I recommend a floating bookcase you can easily install on your wall and would also make for sophisticated wall decor! This will leave more room on the floor for seating or additional decor.Glowing customer review: “It’s a great shelf that barely takes up any space and is the coolest way to show off knickknacks or treasured memories. Pros: great value, durable, and easy to assemble.”

Looking for something with a little more oomph? How about this geometric bookcase for some added visual interest? It comes in three different colorways so you can choose one that best fits your vibe.

Glowing customer review: “This is perfect for a compact space, and has a strong center of gravity. My bookcase holds medium-sized planted pots with soil and stones and expensive art pieces.”

Building things is not my forté. I am no Bob the Builder! And if you’re in the same boat as me, allow me to introduce you to this foldable option that requires zero construction! Praise be!! Plus, it’ll make it super seamless to pack and move.

Glowing customer review: “It’s the perfect little shelf and it’s very sturdy. I looked for a shelf this size for a long time and I’m so happy I found this one. It’s easy to fold and put away. You will not regret this little beauty.”

Get yourself a ladder-style bookcase if you want something stylish and different. Not like the traditional bookshelf, this ladder option will bring a ~cool~ touch to any space. Its deeper shelves offer a generous amount of space for allllll the things.Glowing customer review: “The Fantol Narrow Bookcase was just the right size for utility and form for adding charm to a bedroom.”

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.

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