26 Narrow Bookshelves That Look Amazing

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In this guide, we’ll explore 26 narrow bookshelf designs that not only serve as functional storage but also elevate the overall look of your home decor.

From minimalist designs to rustic farmhouse styles and modern industrial pieces, there’s a narrow bookshelf to suit every taste and space.

Tropical Bedroom Shelves

INSTAGRAM @advanessafaivre

We’re starting this journey with this tropical bedroom with scenic jungle wallpaper and a light green wardrobe to match.

The wardrobe has a modified end to serve as a tall bookshelf to adequately store and arrange several books.

It’s a great way to incorporate storage with space that’s already consumed and it doesn’t change the layout of the room at all.

Minimalist Desk Shelves

INSTAGRAM @5architects

Moving on to a stripped-down look, we have this minimalist desk space that maintains the simple aesthetic with its cleverly built-in shelves.

It’s another customized cabinet design, this time with a desk attached to it. Also, you can hardly see its contents from a different angle which makes it more discreet.

I love how this storage option keeps the desk neat but also lets anything you might need within reach.

Mounted Box Shelves

INSTAGRAM @alexandragater

In this cozy little reading nook, there’s the softest seating and a fun box shelf design to display books aesthetically.

It uses a combination of different-sized boxes to complete this intriguing pattern. 

You can easily recreate this feature by repurposing any scrap wood or unused boxes you have at home, which can help save you the big bucks.

You can also use wooden crates if you want to go for a rustic theme.

Library In Staircase Landing

INSTAGRAM @houseandgardenuk

Transform your landing into a library with this creative design! The shelves frame the large window and the comfy chair gives you the perfect spot to sit and read.

This design gives purpose to a space that is often overlooked and unused – which is a great hack because it helps maximize the space of your home.

While you’re at it, you might want to add a lamp too. It’ll help make sure you can read in a better light.

Related Article: 41 Under-Stairs Seating Ideas That Just Work

Kid’s Bedroom Niche And Stair Storage

INSTAGRAM @advanessafaivre

We also have this kid’s bedroom with some pretty neat storage ideas. The quirky space has a wall niche, stair shelves, and cabinets built into the elevated bed.

You won’t have to worry about toys and trinkets lying around when you have this much storage! 

To sort their items inside the cabinets, I recommend getting bins and boxes with labels on them to properly separate them.

Blue Bathroom Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @laadstudio_

Now, we find ourselves in an area of the house where we wouldn’t normally find bookshelves but this modern blue design makes that a possibility!

Whether you need a good read for your toilet time or just a cubby to store items, this bathroom niche offers the perfect solution.

The bathroom is usually a humid space, so if you’re going to keep books on these shelves, don’t place plants right beside them. They might damage the pages, so store them elsewhere in the bathroom.

Industrial Ladder Shelf

INSTAGRAM @ohhjennn

In this lovely home, you can sneak in a little corner filler in the form of an industrial ladder shelf.

The design is sleek and with just enough space on each layer to let you display a handful of books.

I appreciate the addition of a trailing plant. It’s the only live element in the room and it really livens up the aesthetic and embellishes the shelf.

Wooden Bookshelves

INSTAGRAM @aguilar_design_studio_

Now, in this bedroom corner, we can see a comfy and compact nook ideal for reading and relaxing in. To its left, several narrow shelves are mounted on the wall to hold a few personal items.

The design is your classic, standard style to complement the homey aesthetic of the bedroom. Its modest layout also allows its contents to shine more.

I suggest implementing storage under the reading nook too. It will help make use of the space and provide more stowaway options.

INSTAGRAM @cubbyathome

Here’s another cushy kid’s space with a bright mustard yellow bean bag by the window and more wooden shelves on the wall!

This time, the shelves primarily store kid’s books, which adds to the efficiency of this adorable reading nook. 

I recommend filling up the space with more soft carpeting to define the corner so your kid can lounge around comfortably in a plush area.

Bookshelf For Narrow Hallway

INSTAGRAM @bellemaison_days

Placing a bookshelf in an already narrow hallway might seem counterproductive, but not this design! It comes in a slender layout that is small enough to fit in and not overpower the space.

The tall wooden structure jampacks the books and boxes into exact compartments.

To make sure you get the right size, you can also have this shelf customized to your interior’s measurements or have a hand at it and try making it yourself with any spare wood you might have.

Compact Kitchen Shelves

INSTAGRAM @advanessafaivre

Hungry for kitchen storage ideas? We know just what to serve you: this space-saving design. It uses one narrow end of the kitchen counter for tight open shelves.

These compartments can fit all your cookbooks, coffee books, and lifestyle magazines. It can also display and store your wine bottles.

This small kitchen doesn’t look like it has limited space with its multiple lighting options, so invest in smart lighting solutions to make your home appear bigger.

Alcove Daybed Storage

INSTAGRAM @home.small.home

Imagine laying back and lounging in this cozy, angled, alcove bed design. It’s lined with an elegant floral backdrop, has built-in bottom storage, and sleek slots in its frame.

You would want to display the gorgeous wallpaper, so putting a niche into the design wouldn’t be in your favor.

The next best thing to do is utilize the frame of the alcove bed for keeping your books.

I advise installing high-quality fixtures into the daybed too!

INSTAGRAM @indigopruitt

In a smaller version of the design, we can see another artistic touch with the framed artwork. Also, this compact alternative puts the shelves in the bed area instead of the frame.

This makes your books more easily accessible. For lighting, get LED strip lights to line the shelves. 

Maximize every inch of this nook by getting bins that can fit under the daybed so you can keep more items. I recommend getting them in woven material for an aesthetically pleasing option.

Modern Kitchen Counter Storage

Check out this refined kitchen area that’s quite functional too. The end of the kitchen counter isn’t just a partition but a tall, stunning storage unit with several compartments.

Aside from the standard shelves, you also get ones that are mounted on the outside which you can use to store more items or display your wine bottles.

I suggest using the outer shelves for showcasing ornaments to decorate the counter.

Wooden Shelves With Downlights

Following the previous design is this shelf solution with an added feature: downlights in each layer.

Your shelves can be so much more than just plain storage space. Emphasize them with incorporated lighting to have them be a part of the decorative aspect of your home too.

What’s great about downlights is that they are usually concealed in the interior to give a cleaner and more luxurious aesthetic.

Here’s another example of how dramatic lighting can instantly elevate your bookshelves and your overall interior.

It’s a no-fuss design with just equal wooden square compartments built into the wall, but you can’t help but look because of the awesome lighting. 

I recommend this design for the shelves where you would display any family photos, artwork, souvenirs, and accolades.

Classic Wooden Bookcase

Now, the old souls might enjoy this antique bookcase. The classic design is timeless and reliable, every generation can appreciate it!

The grandiose structure screams opulence, but there are many ways to get it without breaking the bank. 

Keep an eye out for yard sales and thrift stores. You can get a classic bookcase for much less and just restore it to your liking.

Geometric Wooden Bookcase

If you’re on the more adventurous side, this modern piece will sit beautifully in your home. The wooden shelf has an interesting layout with its geometric design.

As it isn’t your conventional bookshelf design, it is less bulky and actually highlights the space instead of taking up too much of it.

This eye-catching feature shouldn’t be hidden behind corners or in dark spaces. Place it in an area of your home where you can show it off!

Wall Niche Bookshelves

One of the best ways to optimize your interior for storage is to incorporate niches in your walls. They promote more storage options without consuming floor space.

For example, this tall shelf is tucked into the wall and gives the space a practical function. 

It also gives modern minimalist interiors more flavor! For a sleeker look, consider a bookshelf with glass doors.

Here’s exhibit B, a similar niche bookshelf design this time in a suburban home. Its versatility makes it a sensible addition to any interior.

Whether you have a fancy home or a humble one, anyone can use space-saving solutions. Get the most out of your living space by having wall niches for storage.

You can get built-in lighting so you won’t have to add any more bulky fixtures to this area.

Shelves With LED Light Strips

To copy this aesthetic, get high-quality dark wooden shelves and line their compartments with warm LED strip lights.

It evokes a cozy and alluring ambiance that doesn’t just stick to the shelves but adds to the style of the rest of the room. 

I suggest getting light strips with multiple settings so you can switch up the mood of the place whenever you’d like!

Rustic Wooden Bookshelves

On the other hand, you can choose light wooden material for a more rustic aesthetic. The bright wood is a more low-key option for endearing homes.

The design even lets you display little ornaments on the side or hang a few items. 

You can also wrap fairy lights around the wooden frame to give the structure an entrancing charm, especially when it gets dark.

We have a taller option for vertically-advantaged spaces. Stacking shelves on top of one another instead of spreading them out definitely saves up some square footage.

The simple design is ideal for showcasing your prized possessions and home decor. 

Just to be safe, I recommend getting bookstoppers if you’re going to keep your books here. Don’t forget to make them stylish!

Now, if you need even more storage, this all-around design will do you well. It maximizes the vertical and horizontal space to fit all your books and office items.

I absolutely adore the use of houseplants to decorate the room. They enhance the organic atmosphere of the place.

You can get away with placing a vintage lamp in the corner, just to provide sufficient lighting and separate the two bookshelves.

Staircase Office

INSTAGRAM @emedesign_melbourne

There are tons of under-the-stairs and built-into-the-stairs modifications but how about having a tiny office right beside it?

You get several shelves for your books and so much more: a productive desk space, a comfy chair, and a whole area to dedicate your working hours to.

I recommend putting in blinds or a curtain on the window so you can eliminate any distractions from the outside.

Read Also: Home Office Ideas With Two Desks (Small Spaces)

Shelves In Brick Wall

INSTAGRAM @kaitcetera

Lastly, we give you this subtle design that fills up the end of this colored brick wall with tons of knick-knacks.

It’s definitely better than having an empty and lifeless space. I also love how it adds so much personality with all of the trinkets on display.

Place more trailing plants and flowers to liven up the design even more.

Enjoyed this article? You can also read my article on creative bookshelves shaped like trees.

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