If you’re a reading enthusiast, you probably have a collection large enough to warrant a bookcase. You probably also know that the best bookcases for a home library strike a balance between attractiveness, functionality, and design. Unfortunately, finding the right bookcase for your needs can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You see, there are a plethora of options to choose from, and it doesn’t help that all sellers tout their products as the best.
However, narrowing down your search will be so much easier if you know what you need and what to look for. That’s where we come in. We’ve provided a list of the top 10 bookcases for your home library to make your selection easier. In addition to this, we’ve included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Rolanstar Bookshelf with Doors
Whether you’re working with limited space, you prefer a rustic look, or simply want a bookcase that adds a touch of class to your space, you won’t go wrong with the Rolanstar Bookshelf with Doors. This bookcase has a unique design that will make it stand out in any space you put it. Apart from the design, several things make it an excellent option.
For starters, it’s the perfect bookshelf if you have a ton of books. It features 10 open shelves that are spacious enough to hold numerous books. That’s not all. The bookshelf is made of medium-density fiberboard that’s sturdy and durable. Not to mention, the materials are safe and eco-friendly.
This bookshelf also has an S-style asymmetrical design that gives it an artistic look. Each tier of the bookshelf creates a partitioned shelf that allows you to display your collection with ease. There’s also a bit of space on top of each tier where you can place plants or knick-knacks to make the space even more beautiful. You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to install this bookshelf.
JAYA Simple Home Bookcase-14110 series
If you’re going for a more traditional design, look no further than the JAYA Simple Home Bookcase-14110 series. The bookcase is made of composite wood, which is known for its strength and durability. The shelf is 40 inches tall to keep the highest shelf within reach. However, the bookshelf is designed to fit standard hardback books.
At only 9.5 inches deep, the bookshelves are too shallow to fit bigger books like children’s books, coffee books, and textbooks. Besides, Amazon reviewers say that even though the shelves are adjustable, it’s impossible to fit larger books even when you adjust to the highest height. For this reason, we’d recommend getting this bookshelf if you need one to store standard hard books.
The manufacturer doesn’t provide weight capacity for this bookcase. However, based on its composite wood construction, there’s no doubt that it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the books that can fit inside it. The bookcase comes in a variety of finishes in different colors, making it easier to find something that fits effortlessly in whichever space you plan to place the bookcase.
Rolanstar Tree-Shaped Open Shelf Bookcase with Drawer
Another excellent option from Rolanstar is the Rolanstar Tree-Shaped Open Shelf Bookcase with Drawer. This bookcase is a perfect option if you’re interested in something artistic and unique. The bookcase features 12 open shelves that are partitioned into three rows and two bottom drawers. This unique layout makes it the perfect addition to an office, living room, or any space in public display.
You’ll also love the unique rustic design that creates a balance between traditional and modern aesthetics. This bookcase is made of engineered wood, which is known for its strength and durability. Besides, the materials used are EPA TSCA Title VI and Carb certified, which means they’re safe and eco—friendly.
The shelves on this bookcase are also deep enough to hold large books like textbooks, children’s books, and coffee table books. The top part is open, thereby allowing you to place decorative items like plants and other knick-knacks that elevate your interior décor. That’s not all. This bookcase also features non-slip foot pads that not only prevent your bookshelf from falling over but protect your floors from scratches.
Nathan James Theo Bookcase
Another excellent option for limited space is the Nathan James Theo Bookcase. This bookcase is also the best option if you’re going for an industrial look and prefer a mounted bookcase to a traditional freestanding one. The bookcase attaches to the wall with the included screws to ensure reliable security. And because the shelves are 11.7 inches deep, the case shouldn’t jut very far from the room.
The iron and particle board design gives it a stylish look, making it the perfect addition to any public room in your home. And according to Amazon reviewers, assembling this bookcase is hassle-free. Most people reported that it took them about 40 minutes to get the bookcase in position without too much effort.
And if you’re worried that the bookcase doesn’t have its own back, you don’t have to. The bookcase has iron rods on the side to keep the books from tumbling off. Each shelf can hold about 55 pounds, and the entire bookcase is 85 inches tall. However, the tallest shelf is low enough for most people of average height to reach.
Furinno Storage and Organization Cabinet Bookcase
If you don’t have a large collection of books but still want a bookcase to hold the few books you have, the Furinno Storage and Organization Cabinet Bookcase would be an excellent fit. This bookcase has a simple and stylish design that’s perfect for any room. It’s also made of high quality engineered wood that guarantees its sturdiness and durability.
However, the shelves are only 9.7 inches deep, which means you won’t be able to store large-sized books like textbooks, children’s books, and coffee table books. This bookcase is suitable for standard size hard copy books. The bookcase comes in different colors to fit your interior décor, and you can adjust it to various heights depending on your needs. But don’t expect to adjust the shelves too high. Even at the highest point, they can only hold standard-sized books.
This bookcase is also an excellent option if you’re environmentally conscious. According to the manufacturer, this bookcase is made using CARB compliant composite wood carrying the Forest Stewardship Council Certification, which has fewer undesirable effects on the environment compared to other materials.
Humble Crew Kids Book Rack
If you’re trying to help your kids adopt a reading culture, chances are you have numerous bedtime books in their room. These books can take up too much space or make the room look untidy if there’s limited space. You can keep things organized, neat, and beautiful with the Humble Crew Kids Book Rack. This simple bookcase can hold a good number of children’s books, and doesn’t take up too much space.
We love that the bookshelf is designed to display books while facing forward, making it easier for you and your little ones to identify the books. Furthermore, the bookcase features four deep storage pockets that are large enough to hold children’s books, coloring books, magazines, and other large-sized books. The bookcase also has a sturdy engineered wood construction that’s easy to clean and assemble.
And as we’ve mentioned, the bookcase has a sturdy, compact design that makes it possible to fit it in any room. This is an excellent feature considering kid’s rooms are often not as spacious as other rooms in the house. Besides, it only weighs 7 pounds, which makes it easy to move it around if need be. The bookshelf is perfect for aged 3 years and above.
IRIS USA CX Wood Bookshelf
The IRIS USA CX Wood Bookshelf is an excellent option if you don’t have many books but still crave perfect organization for your small collection. This two-tier bookcase can hold several books. And because it has a simple, elegant finish, you can rest assured that it will add a touch of class to any room you add it to. However, this bookcase is only suitable for standard-size hard copy books. Don’t expect to store large books like children’s books and coffee table books.
The bookshelf is made of high quality wood and comes in a variety of colors, which makes it easy to find the best finish for your décor. This bookcase weighs about 40 pounds and is quite sturdy. While the manufacturer doesn’t provide details about its capacity, Amazon reviewers say that it’s sturdy. Furthermore, you’ll appreciate the fact that this bookcase is easy to assemble. Most buyers say that it only took them a few minutes to assemble the bookshelf.
This Iris bookcase is perfect for kids’ rooms because it doesn’t hold too many books and only takes up a little space. However, if you decide to get it for your child’s room, it may be a good idea to add some safety features like corner guards and edging strips around the edges to prevent your little one from getting hurt when they bump into the bookcase.
Amazon Basics Modern 5-Tier Ladder Bookshelf
Ladder bookshelves are all the rage these days, and it’s not hard to understand why. These bookshelves add a touch of class to any room they’re added to, and they can hold numerous books. Not to mention, you can add decorations to some of the shelves to boost the overall look of the bookcase. If this is your preferred design, you won’t go wrong with the Amazon Basics Modern 5-Tier Ladder Bookshelf.
One of our favorite features of this bookshelf is the descending design that has the shelves widening as you go down. This design gives you a lot of room to play with when it comes to decorating the shelves. You can have the larger books on the bottom shelves and add smaller items and books to the top shelves.
The shelf also has a straight back, which allows you to lean it against a wall for added stability. Each of the shelves holds 25 pounds, which is enough to hold a good number of books. Amazon reviewers say that the shelf is easy to assemble and fits perfectly in any room.
Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf
Another excellent option for the rustic design lovers is Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf. As you’ve seen with the other bookcases from the same brand, Rolanstar doesn’t come to play when design and style are involved. This bookshelf isn’t an exception. It has a unique tree design that will elevate the look of any room you place it in.
The bookshelf is made of sturdy and durable materials that are eco-friendly and safe. Furthermore, it features eight open shelves with one open drawer for additional storage. The open shelf design makes it an excellent option if you like displaying your books. Besides, with this design, it’s so much easier to identify and locate each book.
Amazon reviewers live this bookshelf. Apart from the design, most people rave about how easy it is to install the bookshelf. You see, this bookcase comes with a set of instructions that direct you on how to go about the installation. And as always, Rolanstar doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality. Users attest to the fact that this bookshelf is extremely durable.
Tribesigns Bookshelf Bookcase
For anyone looking for an industrial look, the Tribesigns Bookshelf Bookcase won’t disappoint. This clean-lined bookcase offers a perfect display space featuring open back panels and sides. The airy design showcases 5 tiers with asymmetrical shapes that make it easier to showcase items of various sizes. It’s the perfect bookcase if you want to display a few books and add décor items to the rest of the shelves for display.
The bookshelf is made of a metal frame with a rustic laminate board and comes in black and white. Both colors offer an effortless industrial look that fits well with different personal tastes and interior décor without sacrificing functionality and practicality.
The bookshelf is also made to last. The shelves are made from environmentally preferred laminated particle panels. They are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and resist dents for longterm use. Combined with the metal frame, the bookcase has exceptional sturdiness, even on uneven floors. Each of the shelves can hold up to 35 pounds.
The Ultimate Bookcase Buying Guide
As you can see, the selection of bookcases is endless. There’s a bookcase for every need, and they all come in different designs. You’re probably confused by the incredible options we’ve listed on the list. Which one do you go for? Which case will offer you the best functionality without sacrificing on style? The truth is, each of these bookcases provides functionality and style.
However, everyone has different needs. Therefore, not all bookcases on this list will work for you. So, how do you narrow down to the best bookcase for your needs? The trick is to understand what you need and evaluating your space to figure out which bookshelf would be the perfect fit.
Once you have a clue of what you need, it’s time to go over some key points for shopping for a new bookcase. Consider the following:
Size
The first thing you need to do is to measure the space you’re working with. This way, you’ll know which options to focus on in a sea of options. If you have plenty of room, you can look at bookcases that measure several feet across. However, if you have limited space, it would be best to go up, not out. And if you have kids, consider whether or not you’d like them to reach the items on the shelf. If not, go for taller bookcases to protect fragile items on the case.
It’s also advisable to measure shelf space if you prefer fixed shelving. In addition to this, factor in the head space above the books as well.
Type
There are also different types of bookcases on the market. Therefore, figure out the type of bookcase you need and the items you’d like to fit in this piece of furniture. If you only want a standard bookcase for showcasing books and displaying some of your knick-knacks, a standard bookcase will suffice. You can go for tall or wide with either open or closed shelves. Cube bookcases are also an excellent standard choice.
Some bookcases are meant to be decorative. For instance, etagere bookcases are designed to display and show off your nicest décor. In most cases, these types of bookcases are not exactly heavy-duty. They have many decorative features and are not meant to hold too many items. Therefore, think about what you’re trying to achieve, and you’ll have an idea of the type of bookcase that suits your needs.
Style
It’s also important to consider the style. When you think of bookcases, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the typical traditional wood. While this is a popular choice among book lovers, there are numerous styles to choose from.
A great way to decide is to consider your furniture. For instance, you have traditional furniture, a traditional wooden bookcase would fit right in. However, if you have modern pieces of furniture, it would be best to stick to a modern style. Metal bookcases with glass shelves are the preferred option for most people. However, if you prefer wood, you can still get a modern design. Just make sure the colors blend well with the rest of your furniture.
Source: Living Spaces
Adjustable Shelves
The ability to customize your shelves is a god-sent if you’d like the freedom to change the layout of the bookcase from time to time. If this is something you’d like, consider getting adjustable shelves. While the adjustability for most bookshelves doesn’t make a dramatic change, it will allow you to fit different-sized items into the shelves with ease when you want to change up the layout.
Open Back
It’s also a good idea to consider your room layout and whether or not an open back bookcase would be the best choice. This type of bookshelf is perfect for small rooms because it can act as a room divider. Besides, it makes it possible to access the books from the front and the back, which gives you the freedom to decorate both sides for a better aesthetic appeal.
However, open backs are not only great as room dividers; you can also use them in large spaces if that’s the design you prefer and lean them against the wall.
On Display or Hidden Away
It’s also crucial to consider whether you want your books hidden away or on display. If you’d like the books to stay hidden, opt for bookcases with doors or drawers to hide any unwanted clutter you don’t want on display. Hidden bookcases also have the advantage of protecting your valuable items from dust, and they keep them concealed.
An open bookcase is perfect if you want to display your books. Most of these bookcases also have enough room that allows you to add decorative items and knick-knacks to elevate the overall look of the bookshelf. However, this type of bookshelf only holds your items and doesn’t offer any protection against dust or falls.
You also have the option of combining both designs. Some bookshelves feature an open design with several drawers where you can keep items you want out of the way. Again, consider your needs and narrow down to the best option for your needs.
Source: Hay Needle
Is It Cheaper To Buy Or Build A Bookshelf?
Building bookshelves is one of the easier projects for people who are interested in learning how to work with wood. If you fall in this category, you may be wondering if it’s cheaper to buy or build a bookshelf. It’s not.
For starters, you won’t have the same tools manufacturers use to make bookshelves. Besides, you’d need to invest in a lot of things to complete the project, which will make you spend way more than you would have on a ready-made bookshelf. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things you’ll need.
Tools
If you don’t have the necessary tools t make a bookshelf, you’ll have to start from scratch. The first thing you’ll need is a set of tools to complete the project. Some of the tools you’ll need include:
- A good 3/8” corded drill
- Decent corded circular saw with a general-purpose blade
- Panel cutting blade
- Corded jigsaw
- Clamps for gluing boards together
- Ratcheting trigger type clamps
- Dual Action Palm Sander
- Set of chisels
- countersink for your drill
- Basic hand tools like a tape measure, hammer, screwdriver set, brushes or rollers for paint and stain, and many other little items, depending on your design.
If you consider the price of these individual tools, you’ll notice that you’re already a couple of hundreds of dollars, and the bookshelf isn’t up yet.
Materials
The materials needed to build a bookshelf can also cost more than a ready-made bookshelf. You need to consider several things here. For starters, do you plan to paint or stain the bookcase? Whichever option you go for, chances are you’ll end up spending even triple what it would cost to buy a ready-made bookcase.
The type of wood you use will also go a long way in determining the overall cost. Obviously, if you’re building a bookshelf, you’ll want to use the best materials. These come with a hefty price tag.
Other Materials You Need
Apart from the tools and materials, you’ll also need additional items to assemble the bookshelf, such as wood screws, construction adhesive, or wood glue. Depending on which option you go for, you may end up spending way more.
Not to mention, you need hardware like hinges for doors and pulls and other hardware to finish the piece. And if you need decorative elements, you’d have to spend more on these items as well.
Should You Buy or Build a Bookshelf?
As you have seen, just getting the tools and materials will cost you a couple hundred of dollars. Finishing the project will set you back even more money. Therefore, it’s a good idea to know what to expect in terms of the overall cost before you start. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to purchase a ready-made bookcase.
However, if you have room to splurge and you’re excited to try a wood project, it may not be a bad idea. Besides, you get to keep all the tools, which will make your next project cheaper.
Source: Your Repair
Wrapping Up
There you have it; our top 10 bookcases for your home library. As you can see, there are numerous options to consider. Just take the time to consider your needs to make it easy to narrow down to the best option. Most importantly, consider the durability, style, size, and overall design of your bookshelf, especially if you’re getting one for decorative purposes. Also, purchase a bookshelf that blend well with your other furniture and interior décor.