Bookshelves and Bookcases for Small Spaces in 2024
6/7
Best Bookshelf With Seating
Wooden Bookcase Reading Nook
Need bookshelf ideas for small spaces like a playroom or kids room? This KidKraft bookshelf seat serves dual purposes, so you’ll need fewer pieces of furniture. Your kids will love sitting down to read with all their favorite stories within arm’s reach in the six storage cubbies. It’s one of the most genius bookshelf ideas for small rooms because it’s an instant book-nook creator.
Pros
- Seating and book storage in one piece
- Cushion stays in place with adhesive strips
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Kids will eventually grow out of the kid-size proportions
7/7
Best Room Divider Bookshelf
Iron Geometric Bookcase
The best bookshelf ideas for small spaces are multi-functional furniture pieces. In a studio apartment or an open-concept home, consider a thoughtful bookshelf to function as a room divider. This geometric bookcase provides book storage while also dividing your space into cozy, functional zones. Sprinkle in decorative accessories to break up the books and add visual interest.
Pros
- Divides room and organizes books
- Six tiers for ample storage space
- Scratch-resistant
Cons
- Shelves are not made of real wood
What to Consider When Buying a Bookshelf for Small Spaces
Study the layout of your small space to best determine where a bookshelf will make the most efficient use of your limited square footage. Is there an unused corner where you can tuck a corner-shaped bookshelf? How about a blank wall that could support a few wall-mounted shelves?
Keep in mind, the best way to choose furniture for a small space is to find multitasking pieces (like a bookcase with seating or a desk with built-in shelves). Once you determine the type of bookshelf you’ll need, take detailed measurements of the space including height, width and depth.
How We Chose the Best Bookshelf Ideas for Small Spaces
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What can I use instead of a bookshelf?
Instead of a bookshelf that eats up floor space, use wall-mounted shelves. Freestanding shelves can be arranged to fit your needs. Narrow ledge shelves are ideal for kids rooms because they can easily see the front of the books to pick their favorite.
Where do you put a bookshelf in a small room?
For a small bedroom, consider a short bookcase at the end of your bed that can double as a bench. In a small living room, a narrow vertical bookcase fits nicely against the wall without taking up too much space. Corner bookshelves and ladder bookcases are other options that fit anywhere in a small space.
How do you store a lot of books with little space?
The best way to store a large amount of books is to utilize wall space. Instead of hanging art or photos, cover an entire wall with shelves. You’ll be able to fit your big collection of books without sacrificing the flow and function of the room.
