The Best Bookshelves for Book Worms

The only thing as important as a good book is a safe place to store it. 

white bookcase holding colorful array of books
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  • Photo Credit: Luisa Brimble / Unsplash

Whether you’re a reader yourself or the close loved one of a reader, you know just how important it is to have the proper bookshelf. Like eyes, books are windows to the soul; so the vessel in which we bear our souls must be worthy of the books we choose to include in our libraries

But alas, our specific needs are just as complicated as the souls in question, so we’ve curated a list of the best bookshelves to address the most common bookshelf queries.

Traditional Bookshelf 

traditional mahogany wooden bookshelf with 5 tiers

Though many people seem to have outgrown the desire for a traditional-style bookshelf, many of us simply have large libraries and require the extra space. And for those who also enjoy book-related knick knacks to spice up their shelves, a roomier bookcase is probably going to suit you best. 

This freestanding model comes with five open storage shelves, three of which are adjustable, with quick and easy assembly so you can have all the glory of a traditional bookshelf without the hassle. Plus, the cherry wood is available in multiple stains and finished on all sides, so it makes for versatile placement anywhere in your home. 

Large Bookshelf 

rustic brown, open shelf corner bookshelf with 5 tiers

If you’re in the market for a large bookshelf but are looking for something with a modernized appearance, a bookshelf with more open shelving and a rustic stain may be more your speed. This durable, six-tier corner bookshelf does just that—and it thinks ahead by providing baffles on each shelf to keep things from falling off. 

Small Bookshelf 

floating bookshelves wall mounted with storage above and below shelf

If you need a space-saving solution, look no further than a set of floating bookshelves. Getting your books off the floor or desk in a small space is no easy task, but floating shelves get them up and out of your way without taking up valuable floor space. The unique thing about these particular shelves though is that you can display books both above and below the shelf. 

The premium craftsmanship ensures that books can sit comfortably on the top of the shelf, and they also come with smooth elastic bands suspended from the bottom so that you can hang books there as well. Along with being extremely convenient, it’s also a cool, innovative design that isn’t featured in a lot of homes. 

Low Bookshelf 

sand open shelf cubed bookshelf under TV

For those who have ample horizontal space but don’t have room for anything too tall, a customizable cubed bookshelf is an easy and attractive solution. A bookshelf that can also function as a desk or even a TV console stand, it features six open shelving spaces and can be adjusted in various ways to best fit your space. Though low to the ground, it still has plenty of space for your entire library. 

Customizable Bookshelf 

rotating, round, wooden bookshelf with five tiers

This versatile, revolving bookcase not only saves major space by providing storage on every inch, but it’s also stackable. Using only two tiers would ensure it’s small enough to put it on a desk, while the full four tiers can fit easily in the corner of any room. 

Its round shape saves more space than trying to fit it perfectly into a corner, and the revolving nature adds a sprinkle of professionalism to your library…even if you primarily read books that wouldn’t be found in a professional setting. 

Unique Bookshelf 

black wrought iron tilting stacked-cube bookshelf

Doing a complete 180 here, many of us are in the market for a more unique option. Due to its lesser storage space, this bookshelf is often marketed towards kids–and though its tilting feature does give it a Dr. Seuss sort of feel, its matte black finish definitely provides a little edge and modernity. 

What’s really convenient about this bookshelf is that it comes with an anti-tip tool that mounts to the wall, so you or your children can enjoy its unique whimsy without any accidents. 

Cool Bookshelf 

pastel green tree-shaped bookshelf

There is something so satisfying about a tree-shaped bookshelf; it’s like the reading process comes full circle. If you’re simply looking for a cool bookshelf that holds much more than it looks like it does, a tree-shaped shelf is the one for you–especially when it has an open base at the bottom for extra storage like this one. 

It comes with anti-tip and anti-slip features for safety and durability, but we also like that this one comes in some fun colors. Just because it’s shaped like a tree doesn’t mean it needs to be brown, after all. 

Bookshelf for a Dorm Room

black wrought iron grid 3-tier bookshelf

Something that people often don’t consider when sending their children off to college is that they’ll need a place to put their books! Whether you want the extra storage for textbooks or pleasure reading, a free-standing bookcase with grid shelving provides an organized, scholarly solution for book storage. 

This particular one boasts easy assembly, which is extra convenient on move-in day when you already have so many other structures to set up, and also comes in multiple heights to ensure that you have room for any textbook, no matter the size. 

Bookshelf for Kids

white rounded children's bookcase with cotton pockets

One of the joys of parenthood for bookworms is to instill that love of reading in their children. For this reason, if you’re looking for a kid’s bookshelf, it needs to have three things: safe and sturdy construction, organization promotion, and reading encouragement. A bookshelf with rounded edges and a sturdy base discourages tipping or accidents. 

The cotton pockets teach your children to put their books back properly to avoid damaging their books or a messy room. And best of all, the child-sized height encourages your children to read, making viewing and selecting their favorite titles easy. 

No-Assembly Required Bookshelf

gold three-tier industrial-chic bookshelf

Some of us simply want to get this bookshelf up and functional as quickly as possible so we can return to our reading. If that sounds like you, a foldable bookshelf with no assembly required is a valuable solution. This particular one features an arc shape and industrial-chic look, with several color options. It has multiple size choices, from two tiers to five tiers, and regular shelving or wide shelving, to suit your specific requirements. 

Featured Image: Luisa Brimble / Unsplash