8 Best Bookshelves For Stylish Storage, Tested and Reviewed | Architectural Digest

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Finding the best bookshelves for your space can be one of two things: a fun furniture search for something chic or funky, or a depressing reminder that you weren’t blessed with gorgeous built-in shelving units. We consider ourselves experts when it comes to an aesthetically pleasing shelf—after all, we named bookshelf wealth as the first interior design trend of 2024. Perhaps you were tuning in during the internet’s fascination with color-coded reads, or maybe you’ve run the (sometimes astronomical) cost of custom wall-mounted open designs with adjustable shelves, or have attempted Frankenstein DIY bookshelf-storage cabinet projects for years. Whatever the case, there’s something that can’t be denied: Seeing all of your favorite books neatly arranged among carefully curated trinkets and treasured collectibles just makes you feel good.

The good news is that order doesn’t necessarily have to come with an outrageous price tag, and you don’t have to settle for wood veneer or particle board options. AD’s editors have recently been testing some of the top shelving options out there to bring you the best bookshelves you can buy online right now. We also recommend gathering inspo from homes AD has featured over the years—Billys reimagined! Stylishly upgraded garage storage! So stick with us—when it comes to finding the best bookcases and best bookshelves that will spare your credit card, make your home look great, and (hopefully) give you a little satisfaction, you’re in the right place.

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Article

“Like most of Article’s designs, this bookshelf leans Scandi/Japandi/minimalist in its aesthetic but also keeps in mind functionality and flair. I really appreciate the effort that went into the joinery, which makes it much more interesting than just your standard ladder bookshelf. Because it is a tapered shape, the bottom shelves are much wider and deeper at the bottom and get narrower the higher up it goes. This comes in handy if you’re storing more than just books on your shelf. For example, I have a few baskets on my bottom shelf containing all sorts of knickknacks and accessories. The color and the feel are also really elevated and soft, perfect for my home, which uses a lot of light-washed wood.” — Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“There is definitely assembly required. I also opted for the white-glove assembly, which, for someone who is slightly DIY challenged, I’d highly recommend. The shelf is taller than I am (5'2"), so I’d especially recommend paying for assembly if you are on the shorter side. Getting the shelf set up took two delivery folks about 30 minutes from bringing it in to putting in the last screw. It didn’t seem to have too many elements that needed installing, but the size of the shelf definitely made it a lot smoother (for me anyway!).”

Keep in Mind

“I did struggle to find the perfect spot for the shelf in my apartment because it is quite large; I’d recommend it for people with larger spaces (I could even see it being used as a room divider in the right context), open floor plans, or suburban homes. It feels incredibly sturdy, and there is the option to mount it to the wall, which I haven’t done at this point, and I don’t think I’ll need to!”

Design Within Reach

“To state the obvious, this is a vertical shelf: Meaning your books lay flat, rather than standing upright with their spines out. It has a compact footprint with a 15 3/4" square base (no doubt why it’s become such a go-to design in city apartments like my own). Because shelves can be turned to different positions from the center pole, the Story is a bit “choose your own adventure”—you can opt to keep it neat and lined up, or flare it out all willy-nilly. The construction is sturdy (heavy!), so moving it from one location to another feels a little like relocating a tree.” — Lila Allen, AD PRO associate director

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“Assembly is required. The bookcase comes in two boxes, and you will need to affix the base as well as thread spacers and shelves onto the pole (which is not bad at all).”

Keep in Mind

“A vertical shelf like this is a specific look, which might not be for everybody. The unit itself was simple to clean—you can wipe dust away with a cloth—but it did require moving each shelf’s stacks of books, which is tedious. I liked that this design can be floated in a room, unlike a traditional wall-mounted bookcase; however, DWR does recommend fixing the shelf to a wall for safety reasons. (For what it’s worth, this wasn’t a concern for me, and mine never toppled in four years of use. It could be a different story if you have small children, though.)”

Castlery

“I love this shelving unit. It’s absolutely beautiful—quality materials and well-made. A design statement in itself, and more than just a functional storage furniture. Its beautifully curved shelves are elegant but sturdy (there’s ample space for displaying large coffee table books and also decorative objects). Assembly was straightforward; no special equipment was needed. Once assembled, it was very sturdy. And because of the material and design, this bookcase is versatile—it could work in a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan as perfectly as it works in our spacious living room with high ceilings. I love it because it is both sophisticated and warm.” — Michael Shome, global visuals director

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“Assembly is very simple and straightforward. Though I will say that, while one person could do it, it’s much easier with two people.”

Keep in Mind

“There weren’t many parts, and everything was quite clearly labeled. The only thing we struggled with was which way round the shelves should be—it would have been helpful to have a sticker to indicate this side up or down. The individual shelves themselves are quite heavy (marble ones) and perhaps a little difficult to maneuver because of their weight, but we (two able-bodied adults) managed just fine. We completed the assembly in about 30 minutes."

Wayfair

“This is both my desk and bookcase, and it’s exactly what I needed. I live in New York, which means I live in a small room and I often need to get creative with my furniture, i.e. finding pieces that roll multiple purposes into one. In this case, I needed a compact desk that could fit in a small nook in my room. I also needed a new home for my book collection. Thus began my search for the perfect ladder bookshelf. I was drawn to the Sand & Sable desk for its midcentury-modern style, how it effortlessly blended functional storage with a vintage-esque silhouette that would only elevate my room.” — Megan Wahn, contributor

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“The desk did require assembly and, while it took a few hours, it wasn’t anything too difficult. I built the desk by myself and, with the instructions, was able to build it with relatively little blood, sweat, and tears.”

Keep in Mind

“While the desk does have a sturdy bottom base, the actual shelf portion is meant to be drilled into the wall for optimal support. The drawer on the desk portion also hangs a little low, so I can’t push my desk chair into it. Still, the compact size and vertical storage combined with the rustic wood make it the perfect addition to my room.”

Floyd

“The Floyd shelving system is great because of its modular and minimalist nature. Based on the shelf and wood options too, the aesthetic can blend into a variety of decor styles. I have the white shelves with the ash-wood frame and love how it gives off a sleek, modern, slightly industrial look. After several moves, adjustments, and arrangements, it feels as sturdy as ever. It’s nice to feel like you can load the shelves with thick art books or intersperse some novels with delicate ceramics and it will all stay safe and secure. While you can’t move around the shelves with the ease of an IKEA Ivar shelf, it is clear that the quality and longevity of the Floyd shelf is there.” – Zoë Sessums, senior design editor

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“The shelf requires assembly, but it’s on par with the difficulty of an IKEA shelf (in my mind, not hard at all). There are few parts to assemble, and a single shelf takes about an hour. You can anchor the shelf to the wall if you’d like additional support and sturdiness, but I’ve never found it necessary.”

Keep in Mind

“The only real pain point I can think of with this shelf is if you’re someone who wants to rearrange and readjust the shelving height constantly. It takes some time to take the shelf apart and put it back together, but even still, it can be done solo and with a single tool they provide. The shelving system can be purchased in several configurations. I have a single tall shelf, but it can be low and short, long and tall, or a combination of heights and sizes.”

Urban Outfitters

“If you’re not privy to Urban Outfitters furniture line, let the Tara bookshelf be your first introduction. I love home objects with character, so I was immediately drawn to the soft curves and open, arch-shaped dividers that give this piece a uniquely airy feel. Half of what I buy online ends up being returned, and purchasing furniture feels like even more of a mixed bag, but I think the Tara shelf actually looks even better in person than it does on the website. Assembly is simple (albeit slightly time-consuming), but the shelf feels incredibly sturdy and looks high-end. There’s ample storage space, which I use to store books, magazines, colored glassware, and a few playful knickknacks that hang out on the outer edges of the shelves. Plus, Urban Outfitters has an entire Tara line spanning stools, floating shelves, a tray, and shoe rack, if you really can’t get enough.” – Audrey Lee, commerce editor

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“The shelf requires assembly, but it’s on par with the difficulty of an IKEA shelf (in my mind, not hard at all). There are few parts to assemble and a single shelf takes about an hour. You can anchor the shelf to the wall if you’d like additional support and sturdiness, but I’ve never found it necessary.”

Keep in Mind

“The only real pain point I can think of with this shelf is if you’re someone who wants to rearrange and readjust the shelving height constantly. It takes some time to take the shelf apart and put it back together, but even still, it can be done solo and with a single tool they provide. The shelving system can be purchased in several configurations. I have a single tall shelf, but it can be low and short, long and tall, or a combination of heights and sizes.”

CB2

“This bookcase has a vibe-y ’70s feel, especially in the chrome-plated finish I tested. Its design comes courtesy of Mark Daniel of Slate Design, a product studio out of Illinois that has also done work for Crate and Barrel, DWR, and Z Gallerie. Unlike a lot of wall-mounted bookcases, this one sits parallel to the wall, rather than leaning (a feature I liked a lot). Its five glass shelves project several inches from the frame, but overall offer a slick, minimalist look.” - Lila Allen

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“Yes, this piece requires assembly—and it’s a two-person job. (The instructions that come with the shelf confirm as much.) Don’t let that scare you off, though: The process is straightforward and illustrations make the step-by-step guide easy to follow. (CB2 helpfully has the assembly PDF available on the shelf’s product page, so you can get a preview if you’re nervous.) The most time-consuming aspect of the installation is setting and securing the shelf brackets, but even that moves quickly. You’ll also need to insert anchors into your walls to secure the shelf. Heads-up: If you have plaster walls, like I do, you may need a drill to help set the anchors in place. Second heads-up: The glass shelves are heavy! (See above—you’ll want a second set of hands.) If you’re working with drywall, you’re going to need to mount the shelf to studs. All in, it took me and my partner a little over an hour to put everything together. Styling the shelves took longer than the setup!”

Keep in Mind

“While setting up this shelf is not difficult, it would not be safe to try to do it by yourself. Make sure to enlist the help of a partner, friend, or roommate when it’s time to assemble. If you’re a nomadic type and plan on moving homes a lot in the coming years, this may not be the right shelf for you: Though it feels very sturdy and I’m not stressed about the glass shelves in situ, moving them to another location could be tricky (though not impossible).”

IKEA

“The Billy bookcase line is a classic for a reason: They’re inexpensive, modular, and infinitely customizable. In my experience, they’re surprisingly robust despite being made of particleboard. I’ve had my Billy bookshelves filled with heavy books for years, and I’ve yet to see a sagging shelf! In terms of design, I love the option to add extension units—a lifesaver for tall ceilings!” – Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor

Specs

Notes on Assembly

“Like all IKEA classics, the Billy bookcase requires an Allen wrench, a packet of wordless instructions, and a bit of patience. That said, the assembly is not particularly difficult, especially in comparison to more complex flat-pack furniture. I recommend asking a friend to help, as the tall shelves can be unwieldy when moving them around on your own!”

Keep in Mind

“The Billy bookcases have a three-inch notch on the bottom to accommodate baseboards. If yours are taller than three inches (as mine are), you may need to cut a taller notch to stay flush with the wall. The taller versions come with hardware to secure the bookshelf to the wall, but require additional screws.”

West Elm

There’s a lot to love about a shelf that carries serious midcentury charm—at the top of the list is how timeless they can be. This ladder bookcase also has built-in levelers, giving it even more staying power as soon as you realize it will tackle that weirdly uneven floor in your living room. Made of solid eucalyptus wood and acacia veneer treated with a water-based finish, each of the five fixed shelves can carry up to 60 lbs. That’s a lot of books, tchotchkes, and home decor.

Amazon

Amazon has tons of versatile shelving solutions, like this modern-looking wall/mount bookcase that’s ideal for narrow spaces. Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, as well as options from three to six shelves, this highly customizable pick is a quick assembly and will hold even your heaviest knickknacks.

DWR

If you’re into the utility-shelf style, this powder-coated aluminum design from Hay doesn’t stray far from the tried-and-true silhouette. It’s the boost of color—a bright farmhouse red—that brings this bookshelf into 2023. There are 11 configurations total, meaning you can build upon a single shelf to create an entire system.

Target

The curved apex of this wooden bookshelf turns it into more of a centerpiece than an afterthought. Four shelves offer plenty of space for storing your favorite books, plants, and more, while the anti-tip hardware will give you peace of mind that nothing will come toppling down.

Wayfair

17 Stories’ simple and practical design is an easy way to integrate an impressive display shelf setup into your existing decor. Featuring four tiers and ample storage shelves, it’s easy to picture this option as a lovely home library fixture or even a handsome room divider.

AllModern

This is one of our favorite modern-style storage solutions, whether you opt for the iconic walnut brown or one of the other clean, timeless color options. The five-shelf bookcase features staggered supports and a backless design for a geometric look that results in stunning looks without going overboard on design. It’ll fit in with any interior design style and is the perfect home for your collection of knickknacks or display-worthy tomes.

Amazon

Another one of Amazon’s best sellers, here’s a three-in-one bookcase that’s perfect for anyone looking to really maximize their storage. Solidly constructed with a metal frame and sturdy MDF boards, this industrial-style fixture features a whopping 17 open shelves, which you can use to showcase all your heavy books or maybe tuck away some miscellaneous items in some handy storage bins.

Crate&Barrel

We love this solid wood option with its interesting curves and wide profile, lending what could be a standard bookcase a ton of personality. Whether in your living room or home office, a piece of furniture that makes you smile is always worth the investment.

Wayfair

If your home already feels bogged down with stuff, opt for a leaning bookshelf or ladder bookcase that gives the illusion of space and airiness. The price tag and simple pine wood make this five-level ladder-style bookshelf ideal for book storage in small spaces.

Pottery Barn

This ladder-style bookshelf has a round mirror at its crown, perfect for placing near your front door for last-minute book grabs. You’ll never be stuck on the subway, bus, or riding passenger in the car without a good read again.