15 Space-Saving Bookshelves for Small Spaces

One thing book lovers are drawn to? Book shelves! But if you’re like me and lacking the square footage for floor-to-ceiling shelving, these bookshelves for small spaces may just be what the doctor ordered. When choosing a great bookshelf, whether large or small, I like to consider a few criteria:

How much space will it take up?
What material is it made of?
Will it require assembly?

If you’re like me, then this list of recommendations will be super useful. Whether you’re still shopping around or ready to commit, I know you’ll find these picks helpful.

15 Space-Saving Bookshelves for Small Spaces

These bookshelves for small spaces will look great in a nursery, a small home office, a kid’s room, or even your room!

Rolanstar Tree Bookshelf

This narrow bookshelf feels like having a tree at home. It’s made from durable particleboard material and sports nine tiers and a drawer. It’ll look good in any room and can bear the weight of everything from novels to cookbooks.

Specs

Color: Rustic Brown
Material: Particle Board
Product Weight: 9.3/24.4LB
Size: 23.6″H*11.8″L*”6.7″W/58.7”H* 14.9”L* 8.1”W

Furinno Luder Bookcase

If you’re looking for a minimal bookshelf with lots of sizing options, check out this one. It’s available in sizes up to 4 tiers and 11 cubes. You’ll also find a variety of colors including green and pink available. It will need assembling, but all you’ll need is a screwdriver.

Specs

Color: Several options available
Material: Engineered wood
Product Weight: 13.33 pounds
Size: 9.3″D x 12″W x 31.5″H

Topfurny Tree Bookshelf

Tree Bookshelf - Best Bookshelves for Small Spaces

If the previous tree bookshelf was too large for you, you may like this one. It’s finished in a classic black color and has three tiers with no drawer.

Specs

Color: Black
Material: Engineered wood
Weight: 12.12lbs
Size: 23.6(H) x 12.2(L) x 3.7(W) inches

PAG Desktop Storage Shelf

Most of my book storage outside the living shelf is on my desk. If you have a large work desk and don’t mind storing a few books there, you may like this easy-to-assemble desktop bookshelf. It’s made from wood and available in four different finishes.

Specs

Material: Wood
Product Dimensions 6.7″D x 32″W x 16.54″H
Item Weight 8.09 Pounds

Nathan James Open Wall Mount Ladder Bookshelf

Not afraid of a little DIY? Then check out this minimalist wall-mounted shelf. This tall shelf is available in many frame colors, including the gold option pictured here. Reviewers rave about how minimalist it looks and how versatile it is regarding where it can be placed and what it can house.

Specs

Product Dimensions: 12″D x 24″W x 73″H
Mounting Type: Wall Mount
Material: Engineered Wood, Metal

Nursery Bookshelf for Small Spaces

Nursery Bookshelf with a white peg across

Finding the right bookshelf for your little one’s nursery can be challenging when you’re low on square footage. It’s handmade from fine pine wood and can be customized to any size between 11.8-and 39.4 inches wide. You can also add a personalized sign to your order for an additional fee.

Specs

Materials: Pine wood
Height: 10 centimetres
Depth: 6.4 centimetres

OIAHOMY Industrial Bookshelf

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of this industrial, vintage, oak-finished shelf. It’s another wall-mounted option for the superstars who are not afraid of some DIY. You’ll find this one available in Brown Oak and Rustic Brown.

Specs

Product Dimensions 12.19″D x 29.52″W x 65.55″H
Mounting Type: Wall Mount
Material: Iron
Item Weight: 45.8 Pounds
Furniture Finish: Oak

SOLEJAZZ Rolling Storage Cart

If you have no space for a bulky shelving system, try a book cart. I love these because I can move them from room to room or from corner to corner as needed. You can also use a book cart to house library books, even if you have a full shelving unit elsewhere in your home. This one is available in black, grey, and white and in wide and slim fits.

Specs

Product Dimensions: 8.66″D x 15.75″W x 25.96″H
Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Color: Available in white, grey, and black

Jerry & Maggie Adjustable Wood Display Shelf

This fan-favorite desktop shelf is available in four different finishes and is perfect for keeping all those books on your desk in order. If you work from home like I do and have a large enough desk to hold books, this is my number one recommendation (if you don’t have bookends already).

Specs

Product Dimensions: 6.8″D x 15.8″W x 15.5″H
Material: Wood
Item Weight: 2.6 Pounds

CosyStar Standing Bookshelf

CosyStar Rustic Wood and Metal Standing Bookshelf - Best Bookshelves for Small Spaces

Sauder Cottage Road Bookshelf with Doors

If you’re not afraid of something a little bulkier, you’ll like this cottage-style bookshelf with adjustable shelving and extra storage behind closed doors. It comes in two different finishes and comes with a 5-year warranty. It will require assembly.

Specs

Material: Engineered Wood
Product Dimensions: 14″D x 29.25″W x 71.5″H

STORAGE MANIAC Invisible Floating Bookshelves

For some people shelves and carts are just out of the question. If your space is that tight, try these floating shelves (bonus: they work with pretty much anything besides books). I love the minimalist look and the fact that they come in packs of 3 or 4.

Specs

Product Dimensions: 4.59″D x 6.42″W x 4.92″H
Mounting Type: Wall Mount
Material: Metal
Number of Shelves: 4 pack

Industrial Bookshelves

Here’s another industrial-type shelf for those who like something wall-mounted but sturdy. Customers loved the color of the wood, but some complained the smell of the wood stain was a bit strong at first. It eventually cleared up.

Specs

Materials: Metal, wood
Height: 60 inches
Width: 48 inches
Depth: 12 inches

Tribesigns Corner Ladder Shelf Small Bookcase

If you’re less about storing books and more about making a statement with books, collectibles, and plants, this is the bookcase for you. It can easily be tucked away in a corner without swallowing up too much space. Standing at 70 inches tall, this is pretty much the perfect height.

Specs

Product Dimensions: 18″D x 18″W x 70″H
Mounting Type: Flush, Wall, Freestanding
Material: Metal

BON AUGURE Small Bookshelf

Our final pick is a shorter, sturdy industrial-style bookshelf. The shelving on this one is super wide so you need to add some bookends into the mix. It will, however, support other decor items besides books — which is a plus.

Shelf Type: Etagere Shelf
Product Dimensions: 12.67″D x 23.62″W x 37.01″H
Mounting Type: Freestanding
Room Type Living Room
Material: MDF + Metal Tube

There they are: 15 of the best bookshelves for small spaces (from one book lover to another). If you live in a small space, how do you store your books?