The Best Bookshelves
Furinno 5-Tier Reversible Open Shelf Bookcase
The Furinno line of shelves come in four different arrangements and four different color options, adding a creative spin to a classic accent piece. These shelves are made from an engineered particle board which is not known for its longevity, however, if assembled correctly and cared for well you should get many years of use out of it. Assembly takes very little time needing only a screwdriver or a power drill if you prefer. Spice up your room with this unique shelving option.
Pros
- Affordable
- Shelf colors are reversible allowing creative control on how they are assembled
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Materials are unlikely to stand the test of time
Key Features
- Engineered particle board
- Available in white, blue, green, or pink
- Perfect for books and DVD collections
Specifications
- Brand: Furinno
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 9.4 x 52 inches
- Shelf Height: 9.7 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
Sauder Beginnings 3-Shelf Bookcase
If you are looking for an affordable shelving option, don’t overlook Sauder. This three shelf bookcase stands about three feet tall, and works great in a bedroom or living area. The two middle shelves are adjustable to ensure you have enough room for whatever you plan to display. The shelf is easy to assemble and works great for its purpose, and despite not being made from hardwood materials, if treated with care, there is no reason this shelf will not last for many years to come.
Pros
- Adjustable shelves allow more flexibility
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Particle board construction
Key Features
- Engineered particle board
- Two adjustable shelves
- Stylish wooden finish
Specifications
- Brand: Sauder
- Dimensions: 24.6 x 11.5 x 35.3 inches
- Weight: 30.8 pounds
IRIS USA 3-Tier Wide Open Wood Bookshelf
The IRIS USA line of bookcases comes in three different sizes which can be mixed and matched depending on what you are looking for as each has the same depth and height, the only difference being the width. These shelves look like real wood, adding a modern feel to any room you add them too, however they are made from composite wood materials and not solid hardwood. The two wood finishes provide options while the adjustable shelves add additional flexibility. Display your books and tchotchkes with pride in a space as narrow as eight inches wide.
Pros
- Looks like hardwood
- Sturdy, adjustable shelves
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Assembly required
Key Features
- Laminated particle board construction
- Adjustable middle shelves
- Great wooden design
Specifications
- Brand: IRIS USA
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 23.6 x 34.6 inches
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Weight Limit (Per Shelf): 44 pounds
VASAGLE Industrial 4-Tier Ladder Bookshelf
If your room motif is on the industrial side, the VASAGLE ladder shelf will match beautifully. Standing at four and a half feet, its open shelf design will display your items while leaving them easy to access. Choose one of three wood finishes to expertly match your decor. The matte black frame juxtaposes the wood finish of the shelves nicely. You will have it assembled in no time and ready to help bring some much needed organization.
Pros
- Industrial look
- Easy to assemble
- Shelves look like real wood
Cons
- Assembly required
Key Features
- Iron frame with particle board shelves
- Stability crossbar
- Variety of shelf heights
Specifications
- Brand: VASAGLE
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 13.3 x 54.1 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
Tribesigns 12-Shelf Vintage Tree Bookshelf
The shelf by Tribesigns will add a unique and contemporary look and feel to whatever room you add it. The manufacturers call it a 12 shelf unit, but there are actually 13, albeit one that is quite small and near the bottom and thus more difficult to use. All shelves have two sidewalls to ensure your books stay upright. The unique design allows more flexibility when arranging your items and removes the annoyance of long rows of books that you might struggle to keep upright. It is unfortunate that none of the shelves are adjustable, so make sure to compare the shelf sizes to the heights and widths of your items to ensure that they will fit as desired.
Pros
- Contemporary look that will stand out more than a traditional bookcase
- Smaller individual shelves to keep books from toppling over
Cons
- Shelves are not adjustable
Key Features
- Veneer covered particle board construction
- 13 individual shelves for a clean and organized look
- Funky design
Specifications
- Brand: Tribesigns
- Dimensions: 37.8 x 9.8 x 59 inches
- Weight: 55.1 pounds
Convenience Concepts Oxford 5-Tier Bookcase with Drawer
A sturdy shelf with a ‘X’ pattern incorporated into the side panels for a a unique look and a great option for your home. Convenience Concept has matching pieces that range from an A-Frame bookshelf to a coffee table, and many bookshelf varieties and sizes in between. The five-tier model includes a drawer at the center for items that you would like to keep out of sight. The unit does require assembly and is helpful if you have a partner for the job. Bring a little class to your room with this unique bookshelf.
Key Features
- Four shelves
- One drawer
- Particle board construction
Specifications
- Brand: Convenience Concepts
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 11.8 x 59.8 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds
Bookshelf Buying Guide
Finding the perfect bookcase for your space is not a simple task. After all, there are seemingly endless options to sort through. Don’t let the choices overwhelm you, just use our handy buying guide to help you make a more well informed decision.
Materials
Choose a shelf based on how durable it is based on how it was constructed. You must decide whether you are interested in spending more or less now, and whether you are okay with potentially repurchasing agin in the future if the initial purchase does not last. Hardwood and metal frames — while more expensive — should last longer than particle board pieces. Each material has its place and time; it is just important that you choose the material that works best for your needs.
Size
Make sure to measure not only the space that you are looking to fill but also the items you are looking to store. Buying without measuring is all but ensuring that you will run into a space issue such as a book being too tall, or the unit being too small to fill the desired space. Nothing is worse than spending 30 minutes to an hour assembling something just to realize that the item you purchased won’t work.
Design
Look for a design that compliments the decor you already have in your home. Many shelves are part of larger room sets, so look into the additional pieces available and choose whether or not you would like to purchase one or more to bring the room together. Don’t buy something that you will grow to hate in the long run, as trendy patterns and designs may look exciting and new at first, but you may grow to resent your decision after time, so finding a classic look is often preferred, but a more creative contemporary may be more appealing to you.
