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If you weren’t blessed with a gorgeous built-in shelving unit and you’re looking to compete with some of the best bookshelves on your Instagram feed, you’re in luck. 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 bookshelves, or maybe you’ve run the (sometimes astronomical) cost of custom wall-mounted open shelves, or have attempted DIY bookshelf 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. We’ve been gathering inspo from Clever homeowners for years—Billys reimagined! Stylishly upgraded garage storage!—and have quite a few tricks up our sleeves 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.
Story Bookshelf
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This is a classic bookshelf design that will grow with you as you move from home to home. One of the greatest aspects is the versatility—the vibe of this modern bookshelf really depends on what you fill it with. The slight footprint and minimalist, freestanding silhouette makes it easy to slip in any unused corner or wall. Our recommendation: Dedicate it to all of the books on your to be reading list, whether that means loading it with English lit staples or interior design inspo.
VASAGLE Wood Bookcase
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When it comes to storage, we say the more the merrier. In fact, we think that doubling up on this modular case is a great idea that will save you space in the long run.
Maydear Dousy Ladder Bookcase
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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.
The Floyd Shelving System
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Made with the minimalist decorator in mind, Floyd’s designs magically blend in and stand out in any space. Their shelving system comes in a Scandi-inspired silhouette, but with a dash of forest green for the minimalist who’s ready to experiment with color. You can also purchase it in 13 different configurations and two different wood types.
Trenton Ladder Shelf with Mirror
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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.
Castlery Esther Bookshelf
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Featuring alternating marble and dark walnut shelves, this mid-century-inspired bookshelf is an ideal space for displaying all of your favorite tomes and decorative items. The gold frame offers a subtle classiness and the contrast in colors makes it a focal point without drawing too much attention.
Talan Corner Bookcase
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If you’re after a splash of color, this sunshiny corner bookshelf will draw eyes. It is available in four other colors, just in case mustard yellow isn’t quite what you’re after.
New Order Bookshelf
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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.
String Floor Shelving by Nils Strinning
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A midcentury design that still looks fresh today, the String shelving system is beyond easy to install and customize.
Nathan James Theo 5-Shelf Modern Bookcase
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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.
IRONCK Triple Wide Six-Tier Bookshelf
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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.
Billy Bookcase
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Though it is one of the most ubiquitous cheap bookshelves out there, we love how versatile IKEA’s Billy series is. In Clémence Polès’s previous apartment (above), we hardly recognized the Billy when lined up in a low formation across her main living space. And if you have a knack for DIY, there are so many good ways to hack it.
Holladay Curved Wooden Bookcase
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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.
Linnea Bookshelf
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In the market for an office furniture refresh? Opendesk allows you to receive quotes from local makers on their standard designs so you know your new plywood bookshelf is made by the hands of someone in your community, not in a far-off factory.
Crate and Barrel Dolly Natural Wide Bookcase by Leanne Ford
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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.
Zig Zag Shelf by Studio deFORM
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The unique zigzag shape of this unit gives it dimension and a ton of visual interest. Plus it arrives flat-packed and requires zero tools to assemble. Boom.
Vivlio Shelving System by Skagerak
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For the indecisive decorator, Skagerak’s very Scandi, very high-quality system with adjustable shelves allows you to add piece by piece as you build your book collection. Start with a few frames—which can be flipped between tall or short—and choose from either flat shelves or tall boxes to give your bookshelf unit dimension and extra storage space.
Climb Shelving by La Chance × Bashko Trybek
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Who needs traditional bookshelves? After all, your apartment’s not a regular apartment. It’s a cool apartment, especially thanks to this funky wall shelf that functions as both sculpture and storage.
Global Industrial Extra Heavy Duty Shelving
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Don’t sleep on industrial shelves that are typically saved for garage storage. When given a coat of white paint and upgraded with walnut shelves, as exhibited in Annie Ferrer’s apartment, they can transform into something sturdy and stylish enough for even the most discerning home decor snob.
17 Stories Antique Nutmeg Lund Etagere Bookcase
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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.
