How to Choose the Perfect Bookcase for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Bookcases

Overview

A bookcase is an essential piece of furniture for any home library, office, or living space. It provides an organized, stylish way to store and display books, magazines, and other items. When selecting the right bookcase for your space, there are a few important factors to consider: size, material, style, and functionality. This buying guide will help you choose the perfect bookcase for your home, providing information on how to evaluate each factor and how to get the most out of your purchase.

Key features

  1. Size/Dimensions - The size and height of the bookcase should match the size of the room it is being placed in and its intended usage. Consider how many books, items, and other objects need to be stored.
  2. Material - Different types of materials offer different levels of durability, protection, and style. Popular materials include wood, metal, and plastic.
  3. Features - Consider what features are important for your bookcase. Features such as adjustable shelves, doors, and drawers can add functionality and help keep the bookcase organized.
  4. Price - Bookcases can range in price from budget-friendly to high-end. Consider your budget and what features you need when looking for the best value for your money.
  5. Design - Consider the overall design of the bookcase. Does it match the room it’s going in? Is it a contemporary or vintage style? Do the colors and materials fit with the other furniture in the room?

See the most popular Bookcases on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Organization & Storage: Bookcases provide a great way to organize and store books, magazines, and other items, while keeping them easily accessible.
  • Space-Saving: Bookcases make great use of wall space, eliminating the need for extra furniture to store items.
  • Style & Versatility: Bookcases come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, so regardless of the look you're trying to achieve, you can find one that fits.
  • Functional & Practical: Bookcases are designed for practical use, allowing you to easily access and store items in an orderly manner.
  • Cost-Effective: Bookcases often come as much less expensive than other furniture pieces, making them an affordable option for any budget.

Cons

  • Size/Space: Bookcases come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so make sure the bookcase you choose will fit in the space you have available.
  • Material: Bookcases can be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.
  • Weight: Bookcases can be quite heavy when filled with books, so make sure to check the weight capacity of the bookcase you choose.
  • Assembly: Many bookcases require assembly and can be difficult to assemble. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before attempting to assemble the bookcase.
  • Appearance: The appearance of a bookcase can vary greatly depending on the material and style, so make sure the bookcase matches the overall look and feel of the room.
  • Price: Bookcases can range in price from very affordable to very expensive, so make sure you know what you're willing to spend before making a purchase.

Best alternatives

  1. Shelving Units- A shelving unit is a set of shelves placed side by side in a room or space. Shelving units can provide extra storage and help to keep items organized.
  2. Wardrobes- A wardrobe is a tall, upright storage unit with doors and shelves used for storing clothing and other items.
  3. Cabinets- A cabinet is a piece of furniture with doors and shelves, used for storing items and hiding clutter.
  4. Chest of Drawers- A chest of drawers is a low, rectangular piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothing, linens, and other items.
  5. Book Boxes- Book boxes are small, lightweight boxes designed to store and protect books.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bolts & Screws - Used to secure the bookcase to the wall
  • Wall Anchors - Used in place of bolts & screws when attaching the bookcase to the wall
  • Level - Used to ensure the bookcase is properly aligned during installation
  • Caster Wheels - Wheels that enable a bookcase to be moved easily
  • Bookends - Used to hold up books that span multiple shelves
  • Cabinet Locks - Used to secure bookcases with doors

Common questions

  1. What types of woods are commonly used to make bookcases?
    Bookcases are often made of wood such as pine, oak, maple, mahogany, or cherry. Other materials such as metal, glass, and plastic can also be used.
  2. How should I measure my space for a bookcase?
    Measure the width, depth, and height of the space where the bookcase will be placed. Take into account any furniture nearby that could impede the bookcase’s size.
  3. What features should I look for in a bookcase?
    Look for bookcases that are adjustable, have adjustable shelves, and have an appropriate number of shelves for your needs. Also, if you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing bookcase, consider the material it is made of, the color, and the style.
  4. How do I know what size bookcase to buy?
    Consider the size of the books or items that you plan to store in the bookcase. If they are mostly small items, you may need a smaller bookcase than if you plan to store large books or other bulky items. Also, measure the space where the bookcase will be placed and make sure you purchase one that will fit.
  5. What type of bookcase would be best for a home office?
    For a home office, look for bookcases that have adjustable shelves so you can customize them to fit your storage needs. You may also want to consider a bookcase with drawers or cabinets to store documents and other office supplies.

Trivia

In the 1950s, the Swedish company IKEA developed the world’s first flat-pack bookcase. The design allowed customers to purchase the bookcases and assemble them themselves at home. This revolutionary design was so successful that IKEA’s flat-pack bookcases remain popular today. Source: IKEA's Flat-Pack Story.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.