Best bookcase

The best bookcase is spacious, well-designed, and easy to assemble. Our top picks tick all the boxes.

Best bookcase
(Image credit: @Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash)

Looking for the best bookcase for your lounge, home office, or hallway? Not all bookcases were created equal. When you're searching for the best one to suit your home, you should be looking for styles that are built to last (and look good too). It goes without saying that you should choose a design that will suit the books you have and your interior design. We're sure you can find something in our round-up below.

Our top picks range from minimalist and contemporary designs to traditional library-style pieces that will give your room an Old World charm. It was a tough call, but our best bookcase is the Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-tier multipurpose shelf for its high quality, great price, and good looks. Keep reading for our other top picks.

Best overall

Furinno multipurpose rack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-tier multipurpose shelf

Compact yet practical

This bookcase is sturdy and functional and won't break the bank.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy assembly
  • Multipurpose

Cons:

  • Basic design
  • Not for heavier objects
  • Particle board and plastic

If you don't want to overspend, you should seriously consider the Furinno bookcase. It makes for an equally good bookcase or bathroom storage. For such a small price, the unit has a lot of positives: a sturdy, stable construction that can hold up to 25 pounds of books per shelf and a simple but effective design that will work well with most styles. It won't win any style awards, but it sure does the job.  

Best wall-mounted

Nathan James Theo 5-shelf wood ladder bookcase

(Image credit: Amazon)

Nathan James Theo 5-shelf wood ladder bookcase

A stylish buy that's easy to assemble

This is the perfect bookcase design will suit any home since it's made of reclaimed wood.

Pros:

  • Reclaimed wood construction
  • Easy assembly 
  • Strong and sturdy

Cons:

  • May not suit traditional décor
  • Shelf height not adjustable
  • Anchors are weak

The Nathan James ladder bookcase is easily a favorite. Its simple and minimalist style won't overwhelm the room and a solid construction that even has eco credentials thanks to the reclaimed oak-laminate wood. Its open design will also accommodate house plants and ornaments. Assembly is super easy and can be done even by one person.

Best for home offices

Bookcase with books and decor.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Sauder Select Collection 5-shelf bookcase

Tall, classic design

Organize your home office with this sturdy and functional bookcase, complete with adjustable shelves and a classic design.

Pros:

  • Classic-looking furniture
  • Sturdy construction for bigger and heavier books
  • Decent price for the size

Cons:

  • Thin particle board backing
  • Difficult assembly
  • Heavy

Next on the list is the Sauder Select bookcase. This unit is perfect for those who need plenty of storage space, with five adjustable shelves to accommodate books of all sizes. It also has a classic design that would complement any interior design. And at an affordable price point, it's hard to beat.

Best ladder

Bookcase with books and decor.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Amazon Basics modern 5-tier ladder bookshelf organizer

A cute design for small spaces

Add a touch of rustic charm to your living space with this beautifully crafted wooden bookcase, perfect for displaying your favorite reads and decorations.

Pros:

  • Sturdy construction
  • Inexpensive
  • Works well in rooms with limited space

Cons:

  • Complicated assembly
  • Screws need to be hand tightened
  • Some arrive damaged from shipping

If you're looking for something practical and visually stunning, the Amazon Basics modern 5-tier ladder bookshelf organizer is worth considering. Its unique design features staggered shelves that give it an artistic flair while also providing ample storage space. It's also available in various colors to fit your style.

Best for small spaces

Bookcase with books and decor.

(Image credit: Amazon)

HODEDAH IMPORT 5-shelf bookcase cabinet

Good storage when there's no room

Maximize your storage space with this versatile and compact bookcase, featuring a minimalist design and multiple shelves.

Pros:

  • Easy assembly
  • Plenty of storage space for the size
  • Good value for the size

Cons:

  • Wall anchors are weak
  • Particle board construction
  • No screw covers

This HODEDAH IMPORT bookcase is perfect for those who need storage space, with five adjustable shelves to accommodate books of all sizes. It also has a classic design that would fit in with any style. Its narrow profile means it won't take up too much floor space. Despite its smaller size, it still has plenty of room for books and small knickknacks. And at an affordable price point, this bookcase is hard to beat.

Best mid-century style

Modway Transmit mid-century offset cube wood bookcase

(Image credit: Amazon)

Modway Transmit mid-century offset cube wood bookcase

It's on legs and is super stylish

This bookcase oozes class with its warm wood finish.

Pros:

  • Rich wood finish
  • Mid-century design 
  • Great proportions

Cons:

  • Not solid wood
  • Must be secured to wall for stability
  • Finish chips easily

Mid-century fans will love the Modway Transmit cube bookcase; it looks like an expensive piece of 1960s furniture, although it's actually very affordable. What we really like is that it's not too tall and not too wide, but just right for a living room wall. This makes a terrific open display for your decorations and vases, too. Just bear in mind that this is sprayed particle board and not real walnut, although, the finish is high quality and convincing,

Our verdict

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If you want the best of design, quality, and price, go for the Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-tier multipurpose shelf. It offers plenty of bang for (very little) buck. It's a stylish and affordable option for those who love a minimalist look and need book storage on a budget.

For pure style with storage, you can't beat the Nathan James Theo 5-shelf wood ladder bookcase. Its unique design has staggered shelves that give it an artistic flair while providing ample storage space. It's also available in various colors to fit your style.

Why trust us?

At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

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