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Oct 17, 2024

Best Bookshelves 2024 - Forbes Vetted

The best bookshelves do more than store books—they’re versatile pieces of furniture for showcasing art, displaying photo frames and tucking away belongings. Bookshelves can even house lighting and

The best bookshelves do more than store books—they’re versatile pieces of furniture for showcasing art, displaying photo frames and tucking away belongings. Bookshelves can even house lighting and plants. While some experts say bookshelves are open (like the Vlsrka Industrial Bookshelf, one of our top picks) and bookcases have a back and sides, other experts tell us the terms are interchangeable. No matter which aesthetic you prefer, we found plenty of options for every style and budget.

When choosing the best bookshelf, consider the weight of your collection, the material of the ... [+] bookcase and whether the piece offers adjustable shelving or hideaway cubbies.

When choosing the best bookshelf, consider the weight of your collection, the material of the bookcase and whether the piece offers adjustable shelving or hideaway cubbies. “It's important to balance your design goals with your lifestyle,” says interior designer Shivani Vyas of Studio Vyas. “Sometimes, a combination of open shelving and closed-off storage can be the ideal choice—a top space to display collectibles and closed-off storage down below to neatly stow away essentials.” Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorites right now, including open-shelving options, customizable picks and ones for small spaces, too.

Crate & Barrel

Materials: FSC-certified wood, FSC-certified oak veneer, engineered wood, iron | Dimensions: 115 x 18 x 86 inches | Finishes: Ebonized solid oak

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Crate & Barrel’s wall-mounted bookshelf features a drawer and two-door cabinet with a cord-management cutout for concealing digital devices, chargers, games and other belongings. It’s a top design pick by professional home organizer Lori Reese. Eight of the 14 open shelves and the internal cabinet shelf are adjustable—a storage must according to the experts we spoke to. “Adjustable shelving allows you to accommodate taller books and decorative pieces and truly customize the bookcase to your needs,” says Ashley Murphy, the co-founder and CEO of NEAT Method, a luxury home organizing company. Although it only comes in one finish, the ebonized solid oak and iron tubing is a contemporary choice.

Amazon

Materials: Engineered wood, metal | Dimensions: 31 x 11 x 65 inches | Finishes: Brown, white, wood

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Looking to brighten up a dark room? The five-tier Vlsrka Industrial Bookshelf features three dimming LED lights that can be set to automatically turn on when you’re approaching the bookshelf and turn off 30 seconds after sensing you've walked away. Users say the bookshelf is easy to assemble, and its shelves can support an impressive 100 pounds each. Keep in mind that the bookshelf must be plugged in for power—one reviewer suggested installing a cord organizer to hide the plug.

Rejuvenation

Materials: Solid walnut, brass | Dimensions: 75.8 x 10.3 x 78 inches | Finishes: Walnut

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Crafted from solid walnut rather than manufactured wood, the modular Rejuvenation Hart pays homage to classic furniture designed to last for generations. The combination of both open shelving and closed cabinets adds visual interest and more storage options. Keep in mind that each shelf supports a modest 30 pounds, so be mindful of how many items are displayed on each shelf. Choose from hardware options in rubbed bronze or black.

Horchow

Materials: Acacia wood, rubber wood, wood composite, metal | Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 70 inches | Finishes: White and metallic gold hardware

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The Caprice Tall Bookshelf has five spacious shelves for storing and displaying just about anything. Adding to its practicality is the drawer that’s fitted with metallic gold pulls. This option is made with acacia wood, rubber wood and wood composite; acacia wood is an exceptionally durable material that is naturally moisture-resistant and not prone to scrapes or scratches.

Burrow

Materials: Solid ash | Dimensions: 32 x 9 x 32 inches | Finishes: Walnut, oak, white

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Floating bookshelves—such as the Index Wall Shelf—are ideal when floor space is limited. If you want to change your arrangement or expand your system for additional storage, it’s easy to add additional units. The two-point mounting hardware and hanging template poster (both of which are included) make mounting a breeze, and multiple units fit side-by-side to give the illusion of a large, single-wall unit. They’re crafted from solid ash and can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Wayfair

Materials: Manufactured wood | Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.3 x 71.3 inches | Finishes: Dark oak, white, black, pink

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You can make your space appear bigger by drawing the eyes upward rather than filling it with oversized furniture. Achieve the look with the slender Gracyn bookshelf by Millwood Pines. The manufactured wood unit has eight adjustable shelves that are capable of holding up to 32 pounds. Note that assembly is required and because the bookshelf is quite tall, you won’t want to skip installing the anti-tip hardware.

Amazon

Materials: Engineered wood | Dimensions: 19.7 x 9.5 x 35.4 inches | Finishes: Warm white, bright blue, pear yellow, Tiffany green

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This three-tier wooden bookshelf is another small space solution. It’s available in five modest sizes and a variety of colors to complement any room and style. You can choose between solid wood legs for a classic look or a raised base for a streamlined, floor-flush design. The added stability of the solid base is particularly beneficial in rooms where safety is a priority, such as a playroom or nursery. Just keep in mind that it doesn't come with rounded corners.

Amazon

Materials: Bamboo | Dimensions: 14.5 x 6.3 x 24 inches | Finishes: Rustic brown, Black, Natural, White

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Whether for your small living space or a cozy reading nook, this bamboo bookcase can keep your favorite books within reach of your reading chair. The tree-like silhouette stores many titles and has a visually interesting design that doesn’t take up too much space. Plus, you can’t beat the affordable price.

West Elm

Materials: Eucalyptus or poplar, engineered wood, acacia wood veneer, metal | Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 70.3 inches | Finishes: Acorn, white

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This ladder bookshelf is made from sustainably sourced wood and features both open shelving and a closed drawer at the bottom with smooth-gliding hardware. The three fixed shelves can each support up to 100 pounds, which is ideal for displaying larger books or decorative items. Plus, the simple design and slim legs allow this piece to blend with different design aesthetics.

The Home Depot

Materials: Rubberwood, birch veneer | Dimensions: 24.8 x 16 x 72 inches | Finishes: Walnut

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The Linon Home Decor bookshelf has an open design and fixed shelving, making it an attractive option for those seeking a back-to-basics design. It’s still made of quality materials, being solid rubberwood with birch veneer in a walnut finish. If you’re looking for a medium-tone finish, reviewers say the actual product is darker than pictured. Each of the five shelves supports up to 20 pounds.

Wayfair

Materials: Engineered wood, oak laminate, steel | Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 72.4 inches | Finishes: Oak

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The Lumturi Ladder bookshelf combines engineered wood with laminate veneer shelves and a sturdy, wall-mounted steel frame. Suitable for a variety of different aesthetics, it includes three shelves with a 75-pound capacity for displaying heavier items like sculptures or a record player. While the fixed clearance between shelves limits the height of some items, the open-top shelf provides additional flexibility.

Amazon

Materials: Particleboard, steel | Dimensions: 22 x 12.6 x 54.1 inches | Finishes: Oak

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This sleek, industrial bookcase combines a particleboard frame with steel for sturdy, budget-friendly storage. Users appreciate the clear instructions and numbered parts, which make assembly quick—usually under an hour. Its versatile design fits seamlessly into any home, offering functional yet stylish storage at a great value.

AllModern

Materials: Steel | Dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 59.9 inches | Finishes: White, blue, red, yellow, anthracite

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The Ajax Steel Bookcase features a sleek all-metal design that fits seamlessly in both living rooms and home offices. While it’s more minimalist than some of our other picks, it’s modern, space-saving and built to last. Standing at 59.9 inches tall (or "human-sized," as the brand describes it), its ten 7.5-inch-wide stainless steel shelves offer plenty of room for books and keeping clutter at bay.

To choose the best bookshelves, we relied on our own expertise and researched the most popular options on the market from a variety of brands.

A quality bookcase is an investment, and there are numerous options on the market. Here’s what to consider before making a purchase.

You’ll want to consider the size of the bookcase and the size of your living space. “If you have a small space, picking an oversized, ornate bookcase with a grand depth wouldn't be the best choice. And vice versa, picking a small unit when you have a larger space to fill makes your interior look bare,” says Vyas. If your small space isn’t your forever home, explore modular bookshelves that can be mounted side-by-side to create the illusion of a single piece, like the wall-mounted Burrow Index Wall Shelf or Millwood Pines Gracyn Narrow Bookshelf.

In our search for the best bookshelves, we came across options crafted from various materials such as wood (walnut, birch, and acacia), metal, and engineered wood or MDF. According to Reese, your choice of bookshelf material depends on your style and budget. She outlined the pros and cons of bookshelf material options:

Choosing a bookshelf with a hideaway cubby, drawer, or cabinet is a foolproof organization recommendation from our experts. We discovered options with convenient features like cord cutouts and adjustable cabinet shelving.

Style is subjective but we asked our experts what the latest trends and timeless looks are for bookshelves. They say classic tones such as white are a cinch to match with, and wood tones are elegant and timeless. Vyas sees more and more shoppers shifting towards investing in pieces with greater longevity and personal relevance. Investing in well-made pieces built to last is a win-win since it's also a more sustainable approach to shopping. “Nine million tons of furniture end up in landfills per year,” she says. “Take the time to plan your design and layout then invest in quality pieces that stay with you over time—and maybe even some you can pass down to future generations.”

What Makes A Good Bookshelf?

A good bookshelf should have a sturdy shelf weight capacity, versatile usage and storage options and be made of high-quality materials. According to our experts, solid wood is a quality material, with acacia wood being moisture and scratch-resistant. Metal supports and frames add sturdiness to a bookcase but may rust in moisture-prone areas. Choose a bookshelf that fits your budget and space as well as fulfills your display or storage needs. Additionally, think about other features that may enhance its appeal or functionality, such as the addition of lights or hardware in a particular finish.

How Do You Choose A Bookcase Or Bookshelf?

Reese says a little forethought and planning go a long way in choosing the bookshelf for your space, potentially saving you the hassle of returns later on. Begin by measuring the room's dimensions, including width, depth, and height. Create a rough floor plan that incorporates the room's dimensions and the measurements and placement of other furniture. Lastly, don’t overlook the positioning of windows, outlets, or vents.

When it comes to choosing the right bookcase for the size of your collection, “measure your largest books to make sure they fit,” says Reese. Purchasing a bookshelf with adjustable shelving ensures your changing collection always fits.

How Do I Keep My Bookshelf Tidy?

Our experts recommend opting for a bookshelf equipped with a concealed cubby, drawer, or cabinet for foolproof organization. Look for bookshelves with convenient features such as cord cutouts and adjustable cabinet shelving. Even with open shelving, Reese provides these strategies to keep your bookshelf neat and tidy. For starters, organize your books by subject, author or title. You can also opt for organizing by color—it can be aesthetically pleasing, too. Next, periodically review your collection, considering which books you may be ready to donate to prevent the collection from appearing too cluttered. You can also incorporate decorative baskets to preserve a tidy appearance and contain loose papers. Utilize bookends to prevent books from toppling over. And lastly, add labels or tags to keep books systematically organized and assist family members and guests in locating and returning books to their designated spots.