15 Best Bookcases on the Market

Bookcases are a major part of putting your living space together. While on one hand they add additional and necessary storage, they have the ability to speak to a room’s personality and by extension your personality. These are wildly important pieces of furniture that have come a long way since the days of just being a piece of thick wood with shelves.

But why sort through pages and pages of options when you could have 15 of the best bookshelves on the market laid out right in front of you? These are the cream of the crop when it comes to what is available right now and lucky for you none of them have to be imported from halfway across the world or cost an arm and a leg. Check out the  15 best bookcases that you should consider adding to your home.

FURINNO JAYA Simple Home Three Tier Adjustable Shelf Bookcase

It is hard to get more reliable than the Furinno Jaya. For a bookshelf that simply works, look no further. Its sturdy frame, easy assembly, and classic design make this one of the best pieces you can find right now. If that was not enough, it also comes in two sizes and six different colors, making it versatile to fit in your home within any capacity. Check out these features: 

• Three tiers, this bookcase measures out to just over three feet at 40 inches tall 
• This makes it great for a living room to stock DVDs, board games, video games, and much more
• If the height is a concern for you, then check out the five tier option, it reaches up to about six feet tall at 71.2 inches. These are two options that allow you to mix and match accordingly

Lastly, the Furinno Jaya is affordable. This makes it great for any room that might go through the ringer like a playroom, garage, or a college dorm. Alternatively, it is a great option to keep a foyer or family room looking nice without spending an arm and a leg. This is a bookcase that will please everyone around it, especially with its six different color options.

TomCare Cube Storage 6 Cube Closet Organizer

TomCare absolutely changed the game when it comes to how we look at bookcases. This Swiss army knife of an organizer has dozens of ways to utilize itself. The layout is simply six cubes that you can stack and change around however you see fit. This is a phenomenal asset to have when you are not sure how you want to set up your bookcase. 

• The TomCare Cube Storage 6-Cube Closet Organizer is made out of a durable and reliable plastic mold, shaped into six equally sized cubes to fit all of your belongings
• It backs this up by having a beautiful metal frame that will last as long as you do
• The plastic panels around the cubes themselves are both waterproof and dustproof, making this perfect for kids and adults alike

This bookcase does require assembly so get your hammer ready. It comes in 10 different colors and patterns. This is insanely affordable for something so versatile so be sure to check it out and see for yourself. If you are willing to spend more, this also comes in a nine cube set and a twelve cube set for additional storage.

IRIS USA CX Wood, Bookshelf Storage Shelf

A great option for anyone who needs some extra reinforcement from their bookcase should take a look at the IRIS USA CX Wood, Bookshelf Storage Shelf. Not only is it a solid looking bookcase in itself, it also boasts a carrying capacity of a whopping 66 pounds per shelf. This will surely keep your books aloft, or any other belongings you have on the heavier side. The Iris Bookshelf has more than that though. 

• Not only does it come in a versatile two-tier option, you can also choose between a four-tier, a three-tier, and a corner-fitted three-tier
• This gives you many options when deciding on where to put your bookcase, especially in tricky spots like corners
• The corner-fit three-tier is perfect for bathrooms or other areas where you need to store things without taking up too much room

For so many options, this makes it incredibly easy to mix and match pieces for either sharing the same load or maybe furnishing other parts of the house without having to look into multiple stores to see what they have.

Nathan James Theo Industrial Bookshelf

Now this is one of the sleekest bookcases on the market right now. Combining modern practicality and minimalistic, breathable style, the Nathan James Theo Industrial Bookshelf is as beautiful as it is perfect for storing your things. This is ideal for living rooms, offices, or even parts of your kitchen or dining room. It stands at just over six feet tall and offers both shelving and drawer space. 

• This bookshelf has a metal frame that is sure to last
• The shelves have an option to be mounted to the wall as well to keep anything high up from moving around too much
• The design itself saves space but not being too obtrusive either, making this an all-around great choice when it comes to your next bookcase 
• Check out the different options as well, it comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your home

A piece like this is almost a work of art, but that is not to say that it is flimsy or simply something to look at. The Nathan James Theo Industrial Bookshelf does have smaller options that run cheaper as well if you only want the shelf portion of the set.

VOJUEAR Cube Storage DIY Nine Cubes Closet Storage

In the same vein as the TomCare Cube set, the VOJUEAR Cube Storage DIY 9-Cubes Closet Storage set is an extremely reliable bookcase you can count on every day. Unlike the TomCare set, this comes standard with nine heavy duty cubes that can hold 15 pounds each. The bookcase is great, and the style is modern. The only downside is you cannot customize the layout of the cubes, but there is plenty to look past that.

• The way the Vojuear Cube Storage is laid out is perfect for just about any room. 
• It starts with one cube and then staggers up to about four feet tall
• This is perfect as a shoe rack, bookcase, holding electronics, or even placing a small TV at the top
• The material is waterproof and easy to clean as well, making sure no matter what it is being used for you will not have to stress about making it last

The bookcase is stylish, depending on which one of the four colors you pick for your home. Something also worth mentioning is that the set-ups are all equally symmetrical, meaning you can buy two if you would like and set them up side by side making a very cool bookcase that is sure to catch everyone’s eye as soon as they step into your space.

VASAGLE Bathroom Shelf, Five Tier DIY Storage Rack

The VASAGLE Bathroom Shelf, 5-Tier DIY Storage Rack labels itself as a bathroom shelf, but it is so much more than that. It has the stability to hold just about anything thanks to its steel frame and has an industrial look to it that can fit the style of a modern kitchen or bar area in your home. 

Each shelf holds a 22 pound load capacity and since the frame is specifically made out of repurposed water pipes, it has the ability to withstand the outdoors to hold plants on a patio.

• There are few places where this shelving unit does not work. Resin slat makes up the shelves themselves and is easy to clean on top of, being as sturdy as anything
• It looks great behind a bar holding a variety of bottles or other ingredients, or you can put it on your deck and adorn it with different plants or even some garden herbs
• This bookcase has multiple uses outside of strictly holding reading material

The Vasagle Bathroom Shelf comes in a standard 15 inch wide option, however if you would like to add additional space you have the ability to purchase more than one and connect them all together to create more shelving. 

Alternatively, the 25 inch variant of this bookcase is only a few dollars more if you would rather just have wider shelf space without buying multiple pieces. It requires some assembly but looks beautiful when finished.

Amazon Basics Modern Five Tier Ladder Bookshelf Organizer

This organizer is going to be a great fit, aesthetically and practically, in every room in your house. It has a rustic design mimicking that of a small ladder that you can even mount onto your wall to save space. Coming in at 70 inches tall, you will be hard pressed to find anything this bookcase cannot hold. Made out of durable rubber wood, this unit will be sure to please even the pickiest room decorator.

• The ladder design is space conscious as well, making sure not to obstruct anything going on wherever you decide to place it
• It is great for bathrooms, near entertainment consoles, enclosed patios, and even around the kitchen
• It weighs just under 12 pounds when fully assembled, making it a cinch to move from room to room if you deem necessary. Despite its lightweight, each shelf holds up to 25 pounds

The Amazon Basics Modern Five Tier Ladder Bookshelf Organizer only comes in one size, but it is a lot of space to take inventory with. With its flat back it will fit just about everywhere. Each “step” of the ladder starts smaller at the top and widens as you go lower.

NUMENN Five Tier Bookshelf

If you are in the market for a beautifully crafted bookcase that can withstand the load capacity of plants, full photo albums, small sculptures, or anything else in that category you would want to display in your living room then the Numenn 5 Tier Bookshelf is the one for you. It is created with engineered wood and a metal frame and is arguably the standard when it comes to bookcase manufacturing. 

• The engineered wood is a big draw here. Not only does each one of the five shelves has a 30 pound load capacity, but each one is scratch resistant and water resistant
• This is huge when it comes to these shelving units since you will more than likely be hauling it around for years to come, not having to worry about damage to the shelves
• Fixed rods apply to the structural integrity as well, making the load bearing better

This is an extremely reliable and durable piece though, potentially saving you money in the long run by avoiding cheaper and flimsier options on the market.

Coavas Folding Bookshelf

Space can come at a premium sometimes, especially in large cities and even some apartment complexes. Maybe some of the bookcases on this list do not speak to you because they are simply too tall or too wide. Well, fear not, because that is where the Coavas Folding Bookshelf comes into play. It has foldability, meaning when you are done with it you can simply remove the shelf and fold it up to save space. 

• The Coavas Folding Bookshelf labels itself as a shoe rack as well, which is great in and of itself
• The big seller here is the simple assembly of snapping the shelf into place after unfolding it, but also having the option to fold it back up when you are done with it
• This is perfect for a child’s play area or in the event that you want to treat a laptop or monitor as an entertainment station. Once you are done, just fold it up to conserve space

It is wider (~24in) than it is tall (~20in), which makes it great for apartments or other spaces where the ceilings are not as tall. Even outside of all of that, this is a great organizer that holds its own as a nightstand or a place to display a few things in any other room. It is super easy to move as well, making sure it sticks around for a while.

Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf with Drawer

Without a doubt, one of the most creative bookcases on the market right now is the Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf. While to some the design may leave something to be desired, it is brilliantly crafted to look like a tree to hold your books or other similar belongings. The shelves are at an angle and make it easy to rifle through whatever it is you are looking for.

• The angled shelves are not great for trinkets or plants. However, they are perfect for vinyl records, CDs, games, books, and other items of that nature
• At just under five feet tall it is perfect for just about anyone and includes non-slip pads at the base to keep your tree-shelves from shaking in the wind
• Also worth mentioning, there is a drawer at the bottom to store TV remotes or other belongings from being out in the open

Cleaning is easy, simply use a wet rag or other wood cleaner. There is some assembly required, but the biggest tool you will need is an Allen wrench. This is a perfect piece that is sure to get attention and even looks great in a themed playroom for kids. Just find a good spot and sow the seeds of interior design!

VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase, Display Shelf and Room Divider

This is one of the more interesting designs you will find on the market right now, but it is very cool looking. It may come off as abstract for your own taste, however it has a multitude of uses that is sure to please anyone in the market for a bookcase right now. Not only can you trust its functionality as a storage space, it also doubles as a room divider making it a great choice for studio apartments, bedrooms, and home offices.

• The VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase might look unbalanced but it actually comes with two anchoring devices that keep it in place for the long haul
• Standing at over six feet tall, it has all the space you would ever need to hold your possessions
• Putting two side by side actually causes them to lock into each other, creating a larger and aesthetically satisfying design for living rooms, studies, and offices

You could also consider putting storage bins in the spaces for office organization, but additionally this will create a partition between a home office and bedroom or perhaps break up some of the open flooring of a studio apartment. This is a great addition to any room of the house.

Rolanstar Bookshelf with Two Drawers

For those of you who maybe loved the Rolanstar brand but not the design of the Tree Bookshelf, this is the piece for you. A more traditional bookcase design, the Rolanstar Bookshelf with Two Drawers has just about everything you need for your living space. This bookcase is a freestanding wood design with 12 shelves that can hold up to 22 pounds a piece. 

• This unit stands at about 55 inches tall and 34 inches wide, but what makes it special is that it only comes out about 10 inches from the wall
• This makes it perfect for storing all sorts of things without being in the way, but also great for entertainment purposes like placing speakers on it for a sound system
• Two drawers at the base round out the storage capabilities of this piece

This is one of those pieces that just looks good no matter where you put it, it looks beautiful in an entertainment room though. Set up is not labor intensive, the most you will need is an Allen wrench and twenty minutes. The only thing missing is guests gathering around it. You will unlikely need anything else once you have this bookcase on display.

SpringSun Three Tier Ladder Shelf Bookcase

This is another one of those bookcases that might look like just another shelving unit but actually have a lot more going for it. It has a functional metal frame and beautiful wood shelves that not only look good wherever you decide to put it but also have the brawn to make sure it does not fall apart on the job. 

One look at the SpringSun Three Tier Ladder Shelf Bookcase and you can just picture it somewhere getting sunlight in your home.

• This organizer stands at just over 38 inches, 13 inches wide, and 13 inches long
• The height is manageable and has enough stability to be adorned with potted house plants or other types of greenery on a patio
• It looks great in a kitchen, maybe as storage for pots and pans instead of cluttering up your cupboards 
• Depending on the size of your counters, you could even put this on top to hold assorted spices or the like

It may look narrow but do not let that discourage you from purchasing this bookcase. It is one of the more universal designs on the market right now and has the practical frame to back it up. Every home needs one of these. 

Casual Home Three Shelf Folding Stackable Bookcase

This is another folding bookcase, which may not have been on your radar before but should always be considered when in the market for adjustable storage. This is a great option if you find yourself hosting parties or dinners in your home but do not have an abundance of shelving units in the high-traffic areas of your space. 

• The Casual Home Three Shelf Folding Stackable Bookcase has a sturdy wood frame and can be stacked up to two units high if so desired
• Shelves have a width of about 27 inches making sure there is plenty of space for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gift bags, or other similar offerings
• In this example, once your guests leave, simply fold it up and put it away until the next time you host a gathering

This organizer comes in 13 different color variations making sure it always fits into whatever designs you have for your home. It is a great option if you need a supplemental utility shelf space in addition to whatever you already have and can be moved whenever wherever thanks to its easy-to-use design. This is a purchase that will be sure to last you years to come.

HODEDAH IMPORT Five Shelf Bookcase Cabinet

This is another one of those bookcases that just looks good no matter where you put it. It has a classic design, augmented by the protection and practicality of cabinets where the opening of the shelves are. This makes it great for a little more privacy when having company over or otherwise subscribing to the thought of “out of sight, out of mind”. Standing at five feet tall with a variety of colors, it is sure to blend right in.

• The HODEDAH IMPORT 5-Shelf Bookcase Cabinet is made of recycled materials so it is as environmentally friendly as it is a perfect addition to any home or office
• The cabinets are a brilliant touch that will be sure to keep your more fragile belongings out of the reach of curious children or otherwise being bumped into
• Five shelves worth of space is optimal, and you can mix and match different sizes if need be

Other colors and sizes are available, making this a visual delight as well as a practical one. You will be left wondering why all of your shelves do not come with full cabinets.

Best Bookcase For Heavy Books

Bookcases have a lot of capabilities, but at the end of the day they should be able to carry the weight of your books – right? It can be easy to get caught up in a myriad of unique features when it comes to organizers. The two words you should look for when picking out a piece for your heavier books are “load capacity”. Look for something that can handle at least 20-30lbs.

There are heavy-duty bookcases that have a much larger load capacity compared to other bookshelves. In this case, the best bookcase for heavy books is the IRIS USA CX Wood, Bookshelf Storage Shelf, which can store up to 66 pounds per wooden shelf. This is well beyond the load capacity of your average bookshelf. 

Keep in mind that heavier items should be stored on the bottom shelf for safety and stability reasons.