The humble ladder bookshelf is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add some extra storage to your home. Because they're often freestanding, these bookshelves require minimal assembly and offer minimalist style, so can be moved around your home and used to store more than just books. Some of the ladder bookshelves in our roundup feature drawers and even desk solutions. They come in a variety of finishes and an often-industrial style (our favorite ClosetMaid 1316 4-tier wood ladder shelf bookcase is one of the best examples of this) without breaking the bank.
You may not be planning on storing books with your new ladder bookshelf, and that's okay. These bookshelves can support photo frames, trinkets, even cosmetics and towels for easy bathroom access.
ClosetMaid 1316 4-tier wood ladder shelf bookcase
Stylish, industrial design with a freestanding frame
Perfect for books, photo frames, ornaments, and more.
Pros:
- Freestanding
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy steel base
Cons:
- Only two available colors
The ClosetMaid ladder shelf bookcase offers undeniable style. With its metal and wood construction, including a metal cross at the back for both style and security, this industrial model is really affordable and maxes out on that minimalist look.
Rolanstar ladder shelf with drawer
A retro-style bookshelf with extra storage
Rustic brown wood and metal design with a retro drawer for added storage.
Pros:
- Sturdy wood and metal design
- Drawer for added storage
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Shorter than some
Because you don't always want to display everything you store, the Rolanstar ladder shelf with drawer is a great versatile choice of ladder bookshelf. Its drawer is retro-style and will easily tuck away clutter while you let your books do the talking. With a freestanding design and four generous shelves, this is a winner.
Nathan James Theo 5-shelf wood ladder bookcase
Vertical open shelving
Minimalist open shelving in four neutral finishes.
Pros:
- Five generous tiers
- Wall-mounted and secure
- Minimalist design
Cons:
- Installation required
A lot of ladder bookshelves have a bottom-heavy design with more storage on the lower tiers. If this isn't for you (and you don't mind a little wall mounting) then you should consider the Nathan James Theo ladder bookcase. Each of the five tiers has loads of storage, and the subtle frames are easily anchored.
Zenna Home ladder-style bathroom linen tower
Super affordable and easily assembled
An easily assembled ladder bookshelf with non-slip feet suitable for any room.
Pros:
- Non-slip feet
- Works in many rooms
- Super affordable
Cons:
- Not the most stylish
Ladder bookshelves aren't the most costly pieces of furniture, but even so, the Zenna Home ladder-style bathroom linen tower is a great buy. As the name suggests, this was designed for bathroom use – that doesn't mean it can't go in your home office or kitchen, though. In fact, its non-slip feet mean this leaning ladder bookshelf is a reliable and sturdy choice.
The verdict
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The most classic ladder bookshelf in our lineup is the freestanding ClosetMaid 1316 4-tier wood ladder shelf bookcase, but we've covered some more niche options too. The ultra-affordable Zenna Home ladder-style bathroom linen tower is designed for bathroom use, and for an option with a drawer you should check out the Rolanstar ladder shelf with drawer. Not everyone on the hunt for a bookshelf ladder is looking for a wall-mounted option, but if you are, try the Nathan James Theo 5-shelf wood ladder bookcase.
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