9 Bookshelves and Bookcases for Small Spaces
Updated: Aug. 03, 2022You can fit a bookshelf in a small room. Check out our favorite problem-solving bookshelves for small spaces.
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Furnishing a small space requires creativity, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to finding the right bookcase. A bulky traditional bookcase can often make a small room feel cramped.
But don’t give up on your book storage dreams just yet. There are plenty of beautiful bookcases out there, especially for small spaces.
“Bookshelves are one of the easiest ways to keep clutter, and of course books, up and off the ground in a small room,” says professional home organizer Britnee Tanner. “The added bonus is that you can display special keepsakes or pieces of art, so they work really well for creating order and adding style to a space.”
Read on for some organizer-approved bookshelves for small spaces.
Narrow Book Towers
This skinny book tower easily fits almost anywhere. Its 12 shelves hold a large number of books without taking up much space. Basically, wherever you can fit a stack of books, you can fit this sturdy tower. The thin shelves ensure your books are visually the star of the show. It’s affordable, too.
“I needed maximum book storage,” writes verified Amazon purchaser Missy. “I looked at several different corner shelves and particle board things with lots of broken photos in the reviews.
“I love that I found this and it’s metal. Super easy to assemble (my husband had it together in about five minutes). Feels stable on low-medium pile carpet. I have a clarinet case on the bottom and 45 books on all the other shelves. Worth every penny! I just ordered a second one.”
Floating Wall Shelves
Floating shelves are a great alternative to a bookcase. They don’t take up any floor space, but limited wall space can also be a challenge in a small room.
“If you don’t have floor space then consider a floating or hanging bookshelf,” says Tanner. “Alternatively, wall-mounted shelves that reach from floor to ceiling can provide a lot of storage and give a more dramatic look in a room if space permits.
This highly-rated set of bookshelves can be arranged to fit your needs. If you have a narrow strip of wall, stack them vertically. Only have space above a door? Hang them horizontally across the top of the door frame. They can go anywhere!
Corner Shelves
Don’t forget about unused corners for some of the most clever bookshelves for small spaces. This corner bookcase features triangular-shaped shelves to wedge into corners for a perfect fit. The open airy design also ensures it doesn’t add visual clutter — another decorating tip for small spaces.
Artistic Shelves
Its narrow footprint lets this tree bookcase fit just about anywhere. The stylish sculptural design also draws attention away from the items it holds and allows eyes to focus on it as a structural element. It’s beautifully displayed in a compact room, adding modern artistic flair to even the smallest spaces.
Desktop Shelving
If there’s no available floor or wall space, this desktop bookshelf could be the solution. Put it on a desk, nightstand or end table. We love the Tetris-style design element that feels modern and chic. Place it on your desk for small spaces for maximum efficiency.
Rolling Bookshelves
A piece of furniture with wheels functions well in a small space because it can be moved out of the way when needed. This metal bookcase cart can be rolled against a wall or used as a room divider in studio apartments. If the room starts to feel cramped when guests visit, simply move it aside.
Two of the wheels are lockable, and the price is surprisingly wallet-friendly for a major furniture brand. These also make excellent office storage spaces and impromptu work station dividers for already-tiny rooms.
Bookshelves with Seating
Need a bookshelf for a small playroom or kids’ room? This bookshelf seat for kids serves dual purposes, so you need fewer pieces of furniture.
Your kids will love sitting down to read, with all their favorite books within arm’s reach in the six storage cubbies. It’s one of the most genius small-space bookshelves because it’s an instant book-nook creator.
Shallow Depth Bookshelves
Traditional bookshelves can jut out from the wall and make the room feel cramped. These narrow book ledges solve the problem. Their shallow profile doesn’t impede on the open space of the room.
The pack of four can be hung on any available wall in the arrangement that best fits your needs. Throw framed photos, trip souvenirs, books and collectibles on them instead of cluttering your counters. If you’d prefer to make picture ledges yourself, here’s how to do it.
Room Divider Bookshelves
In a small studio apartment or an open-concept home, consider a thoughtful bookshelf to function as the room divider. This 25-cube organizing room divider can provide book storage while also dividing your space into cozy, functional zones.
Here’s another helpful organization tip: Fill some of the spaces with fabric storage bins that add visual interest and a place to keep odds and ends.
