Bookshelves are a frequently-underestimated item when it comes to decorating a home library, but it actually plays a huge role on how books are displayed and how your library looks. The right bookshelves, moreover, can optimize both the storage space and your living space.
If you know nowhere to start finding the best bookshelves for home library, let our expert team help you. Below are the top 6 picks we’ve found on the market:
Here are the best bookshelves for home library you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Heavy Books: Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase
- Best For Small Corners: VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase
- Best For Large Rooms: Tribesigns Triple Wide 5-Shelf Bookcase
- Easy To Assemble: Walker Edison Andersen Metal X Back Bookshelf
- Unique Design: IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf 5 Tier Display Shelf
- Sturdy: Tribesigns 6 Tier Bookshelf 71 inch Tall Bookcase
| 6 Best Bookshelves For Home Library | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Heavy Books | Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase | |
Best For Small Corners | VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase | |
Best For Large Rooms | Tribesigns Triple Wide 5-Shelf Bookcase | |
Easy To Assemble | Walker Edison Andersen Metal X Back Bookshelf | |
Unique Design | IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf 5 Tier Display Shelf | |
Sturdy | Tribesigns 6 Tier Bookshelf 71 inch Tall Bookcase | |
Best For Heavy Books: Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase
- Filled with heavy books without warping – heavy-duty construction
- Able to bear tropical environment - waterproof melamine coating and the P2-class environment protection plate
- Flexible to use - three adjustable shelves
- Unclear instructions
- A bit difficult to assemble – heavyweight
First, we have the Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase.
It distinguishes itself from many wood bookcases out there for the waterproof melamine coating and the P2-class environment protection plate, making it very strong, beautiful, and perfect for a tropical environment.
Aside from being a great piece of furniture, this 5-tier bookshelf is strong enough to hold thick, heavy books with no warping.
We also appreciate the three adjustable shelves to meet different storage needs.
Lastly, it is backed by the manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
| Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 36'' (W) x 11.6'' (D) x 59.8'' (H) |
Materials | Engineered Wood |
No of Tiers | 5 |
Highlight Features | heavy-duty construction waterproof melamine coating and the P2-class environment protection plate three adjustable shelves |
The Sunon Collection 5-Shelf Wood Bookcase is heavy-duty, scratch-resistant, and waterproof. For heavy books, we find it to be the shiniest contender.
Best For Small Corners: VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase
- Ideal for small corners or small rooms – dimensions of 27.6” L x 9.4” W x 62.6” H
- Very secure - anchoring devices
- Safe to use – concealed screw hardware & sealed edges
- The instructions weren't very clear
- Wish the screw covers blended with the shelf
Next, we have the best bookcase for small corners, the VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase. It is measured by 27.6 inches long and 9.4 inches wide - which is a lot smaller than other models that we tested.
This bookshelf has five tiers with 22 pounds of weight capacity each.
Though small and lightweight, it is very secure and reliable.
Once installed, its anchoring devices keep the shelf in place. There are also no sharp edges or pointy tips plus all the screw hardware is concealed with caps.
| VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 27.6”L x 9.4”W x 62.6”H |
Materials | Engineered Wood |
No of Tiers | 5 |
Weight Limit | 22 pounds/shelf |
Highlight Features | dimensions of 27.6”L x 9.4”W x 62.6”H anchoring devices concealed screw hardware & sealed edges |
With modest width and length, the VASAGLE Wooden Bookcase is compact, practical, and perfect for small corners.
Best For Large Rooms: Tribesigns Triple Wide 5-Shelf Bookcase
- Perfect for a large room – dimensions of 70” H x 70.86” W x 12.59” D & 14 open shelves
- Strong & versatile - steel frame with engineered wood & self-leveling feet
- Bring an industrial and vintage looking
- Wish the black metal was scratch-resistant
Contrasting to the VASAGLE Bookcase above, this model is for a large room.
Its dimensions are 70” H x 70.86” W x 12.59” D, divided into fourteen open shelves with 75 pounds of maximum loading weight each, which can keep books at various sizes and weights without warping.
That's a big thank you to the strong steel frame with high-quality engineered wood plus the self-leveling feet. The brilliant material blend also brings a nice industrial and vintage look, making it very catchy.
| Tribesigns Triple Wide 5-Shelf Bookcase Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 70” H x 70.86” W x 12.59” D |
Materials | Engineered Wood, Alloy Steel, Metal |
No of Tiers | 5 |
Weight Limit | 75 pounds/shelf |
Highlight Features | dimensions of 70” H x 70.86” W x 12.59” D & 14 open shelves steel frame with engineered wood & self-leveling feet |
Measured by 70” H x 70.86” W x 12.59” D, the Tribesigns Triple Wide 5-Shelf Bookcase is roomy, durable, and stable. For a large room, it's an unbeatable choice.
Easy To Assemble: Walker Edison Andersen Metal X Back Bookshelf
- Farmhouse-style design
- Easy to assemble - four-fixed-shelf design & including wall-mounting hardware and detailed instructions
- A bit wobbly
The Walker Edison Bookshelf is a beautiful farmhouse-style 64" bookshelf with four roomy compartments that not only can hold a lot of books but also match nicely with most home decor styles.
But the best thing about this model is unlike many other bookshelves that we tested, it comes with all wall-mounting hardware and detailed instructions.
It is ready to assemble right out of the box and the installation process can't be simpler thanks to the four-fixed-shelf design.
| Walker Edison Andersen Metal X Back Bookshelf Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 64” H x 14” D x 30” L |
Materials | Engineered Wood, Alloy Steel |
No of Tiers | 4 |
Weight Limit | 50 pounds/shelf |
Highlight Features | four-fixed-shelf design & including wall-mounting hardware and detailed instructions |
If you are in search of a farmhouse-style standalone bookshelf that is easy to assemble, then we highly recommend the Walker Edison Bookshelf.
Unique Design: IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf 5 Tier Display Shelf
- A great, attractive decoration to your home library - unique S-shaped Z-shelf design & beautiful wood grain finish
- Multifunctional - scientific division & reasonable layout
- The anchors for the metal brackets aren’t sturdy at all
We were totally hooked into this bookshelf right from the first glance because of its unique S-shaped Z-shelf design and beautiful wood grain finish that is hardly found on the market.
It's a great match for any room decor style and surely a fantastic conversation starter if you have some guests.
Speaking of quality, there's no highlight but nothing to complain about, either. It's double supported with a metal frame and engineered wood - like most other bookshelves here. And, each of its compartments features a maximum weight capacity of 48 pounds.
But its scientific division and practical layout are really a big bonus.
| IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf 5 Tier Display Shelf Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 29.5" L x 11.8" W x 70" H. |
Materials | Engineered Wood, Metal |
No of Tiers | 5 |
Weight Limit | 48 pounds/shelf |
Highlight Features | unique S-shaped Z-shelf design & beautiful wood grain finish scientific division & reasonable layout |
The IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf 5 Tier Display Shelf has the best of both worlds – a great storage cabinet and an appealing decoration due to its unique design.
Sturdy: Tribesigns 6 Tier Bookshelf 71 inch Tall Bookcase
- Sturdy & reliable - max loading weight of 110 pounds each shelf & 5-layer 0.59-inch E1-class wood board
- Deliver optimal storage space - 47.24
- The bottom shelf can’t hold much weight
The Tribesigns is a simple and classic A-shaped bookshelf, but don't let that fool you about its strength.
It boasts the 5-layer 0.59-inch E1-class wood board and heavy-duty steel frame that can bear the max loading weight of 110 pounds - something that hardly other bookcases can do.
The measurement of 47.24" L x 11.81" W x 71.65" H plus open construction allows it to optimize the storage space. Therefore, not only a bookcase, it can work as a storage organizer, plant stand, ladder shelf, and more.
| Tribesigns 6 Tier Bookshelf 71 inch Tall Bookcase Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 47.24L x 11.81W x 71.65H |
Materials | Engineered Wood |
No of Tiers | 6 |
Weight Limit | 110 pounds/shelf |
Highlight Features | max loading weight of 110 pounds on each shelf 5-layer 0.59-inch E1-class wood board |
Featuring high-grade materials and the max weight capacity of 110 pounds each shelf, the Tribesigns 6 Tier Bookshelf 71 inch Tall Bookcase becomes our top pick for sturdiness.
How To Choose The Best Bookshelves For Home Library?
Before choosing bookshelves for your home library, consider your budget, purpose of use, and the space. Bookshelves have valued the brand, material, and size. Therefore, the price ranges are generally vast - from $50 to thousands of dollars.
Materials
On the market, bookshelves are available in three material choices:
Metal – which is perfect for people who love a neat, contemporary look. Metal bookcases are also sturdier and less cumbersome than other materials.
Particleboard or MDF – which is the common choice for budget-conscious buyers. MDF bookshelves look like real wood but they’re not that sturdy, so you should mind its weight capacity before picking.
Wood – which brings a traditional look. Wood bookshelves are mighty and long-lasting, yet bulky.
Functionality
Bookcases for home library are usually used:
- As room dividers
- For often redecoration
- For different rooms
In a large home library, bookcases are also used as room dividers. If that is also what you intend to use, choose a standalone model.
For those planning to redecorate their home library more often or move it from room to room, a bookcase with wheels comes in handy.
Lastly, bookcases with detachable shelves are versatile enough for people who are going to upsize their library capacity or those who haven’t decided on the decoration style for their home library.
Size
When considering the size of bookcases, pay attention to these four measurements:
Space between shelves, especially if you intend to buy a bookcase with fixed shelves – to make sure it fits your accent items or book height
Depth – to provide enough storage. 12” in the depth of a bookcase is the least to go.
Width – which is usually relative to the height of the bookcase. If you want large storage space for your books, it’s more flexible to opt for 2+ narrow bookcases instead of a big one.
Height – which depends on your practical and aesthetic concerns. The general height range of bookcases is from 3’ to 8’. While shorter models offer extra functionality of its top like a buffet or media cabinet, taller bookcases bring a more formal and expensive look.
Which Brands Make The Best Bookshelves For Home Library?
Sunon
With more than 370 internationally-granted patents and over 40 years' history, Sunon has currently been one of the leading brands in the furniture industry. They set up offices in the US, Europe, India, Japan, and many other countries.
VASAGLE
VASAGLE is a reliable stop for those who want trendy, high-quality furniture at affordable prices. Since 2017, they have been one of the best-selling furniture brands on Amazon with the rapid growth of sales. Their products are well-loved in Japan, the US, and Europe.
Tribesigns
Tribesigns has been in the US home furniture industry for over 10 years. What makes them outstanding and top-notch is the integration of environmental awareness into their products at a highly competitive price range.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy or build a bookshelf for home library?
We would say building a bookshelf for a home library is cheaper than buying one whilst you’ve got the freedom to select the material kind and quality. However, it is only true for people who have handyman skills.
Which material is best for home library bookshelves?
Birch is considered the best wood material for home library bookshelves because of its top-notch durability. But it’s expensive.
Can I put a bookshelf in front of a window?
Yes, you can. If a bookshelf is reasonably put in front of a window, you’ll be golden. While adding extra storage space, you still can get a lot of light. Here are some interesting ideas to put a bookshelf in front of a window:
- Choose a minimalist bookshelf
- Install it in the middle of the window
- Use wall-to-wall shelf
- Install a built-in shelf
Should I store books vertically or horizontally?
You should store your books horizontally, but not tilted because this way is easy for you to get the desired book from the bookshelf without messing up the rest plus it protects the book covers or spines.
How to style a bookshelf when you have a lot of books?
Here are some great ways to style a bookshelf when you’ve got a lot of books:
- Arrange books by size and utilize bookends
- Harmonize your bookshelf by adding color to the back
- Vary vertical and horizontal stacking
Conclusion
With the vast assortment of selections available on the market, picking the best bookshelves for home library can be tricky. Our experts listed out the essential attributes when it comes to choosing the right one for your needs. Remember to purchase from a reliable brand, too. That's all for this article. Thanks for reading!
