31 Great Built-in Bookshelves (Floor-to-ceiling)

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Maximizing storage space is easily achieved with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The style of these structures can also significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your interior.

In this compilation, we present 31 awe-inspiring bookshelf designs and a few ideas on where you can place them.

White Shelves For Little Girl’s Room

INSTAGRAM @alexandragater

For your precious little one, we present this simple and efficient white bookshelf design at the end of the bed.

There are also shelves mounted up on the walls where you can keep more books and items.

I recommend using bins and containers when storing things in the compartments at the foot of the bed. It’ll make everything neater and easier to arrange.

Built-In Shelves Around Bed

INSTAGRAM @getclever

A mature alternative for even more storage would be this bedroom design. It utilizes every inch around the bed to serve as shelves.

The bed is tucked away nicely into a little niche and is surrounded by tons of books!

This is a great idea if you work or study in the bedroom and don’t have a separate office for your more productive activities.

Backlit Wooden Desk Shelves

INSTAGRAM @lilaherrera.arquitetura

On the other hand, if you do have a designated workspace, you would benefit more from this design. It features a desk for two people and backlit wooden bookshelves in the corner.

One layer of the bookshelf even extends as a desk for this space. What an innovative design!

I suggest using succulents to decorate so that you’ll have some natural elements that are low-maintenance and not distracting.

Shelves For Narrow Hallway

INSTAGRAM @organized_home

Add some function to your bare hallways with a majestic bookshelf design like this one.

To truly save up on space, go for storage that goes into the walls instead of those that protrude. That way, the design won’t be disrupted and you’ll have the same amount of space as when you started.

Take this opportunity to display your favorite family photos and souvenirs too!

Related Article: 26 Narrow Bookshelves That Look Amazing

Reading Nook Library

INSTAGRAM @boardandvellum

This homey design shows you how you can have your very own library right by your reading nook – how convenient!

All you have to do is find wall space that can accommodate a good amount of shelves and make the vision a reality. It wouldn’t hurt if the nook itself had storage too.

You can also embellish the area with a quirky light fixture like the one presented here.

INSTAGRAM @s_h_construction

In another example, this cozy area looks like it could be part of a cozy breakfast nook. Either way, it accommodates several books for your perusal.

You can store your cookbooks, some coffee magazines, and encyclopedias here to discuss over breakfast. 

The white makes it look wider and more spacious, but a dark wood would make it look more rustic. So, consider what aesthetic you’re aiming for when choosing this design.

Shelves Around Cabinet

INSTAGRAM @rcjoinery

If the inside of the cabinet wasn’t enough storage, let’s turn to the outside! This compact design jampacks more storage units around the cabinet so you can keep your books and clothes in one area.

The clever design actually compartmentalized the units in such a smart way. Now, your things won’t be scattered all over your room but in one spot.

Just to make sure this impressive feat doesn’t go unnoticed, add some lights to the design as well.

Get inspired by bookshelves with lights that look absolutely amazing!

Blue Office Library

INSTAGRAM @clovenoak

With a design like this, you won’t have to go too far to get what you need while working. It also comes in calming blue colors to create a calming aesthetic.

When you’re overwhelmed with your workload, you could always take a break in the comfy blue couch on the corner.

You can also add labels to the shelves or color-coordinate the books so you’ll have an easier time looking for the item you need.

Patterned Wallpaper And Built-In Compartments

INSTAGRAM @rosannabossomltd

Breathe some life into your interior with vivid wallpaper designs. This living space takes the natural route with a nature-themed pattern that matches the color motif of the room.

The shelves provide a nice break from the lively design and are positioned to let the books be just within reach when you sit on the chair.

I love all the elements and decor add character to the space. Don’t neglect the small details, they make all the difference!

Read Also: Wallpaper For Bookshelves: 23 Beautiful Ideas

Kitchen Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @moretti_interior_design

You can never have too much storage space in the kitchen. Hence, this nifty design with a narrow bookshelf beside the appliance corner.

It’s an excellent placement for your cookbooks, recipes, magazines, etc., The shelves also have lighting installed, giving them an extra oomph.

Place some decorative ornaments on the shelves too like some flowers or figurines. They can enhance the storage greatly.

INSTAGRAM @kristikrausshome

This version is a bit more sneaky, incorporating the bookshelves on the side of the fridge and not necessarily in the kitchen area.

Regardless, it’s still a useful storage solution you can easily implement as long as you have a spot like this.

You can swap out the books for some wine bottles if that’s more fitting to your kitchen area needs.

Bright Yellow Shelves

INSTAGRAM @resourcefurniture

Well, there’s nothing bland or basic about this loud and colorful design. It features an intricately patterned couch booming with color and a bright yellow shelf structure.

If you’re not afraid of being adventurous with design, then this option will suit you just fine!

Go the extra mile and install lighting on the shelves to make them pop out even more.

Entryway Shelves

INSTAGRAM @sarahkdesignslondon

Have you ever looked at your entryway and wondered what else is there to do to improve it? One way is to incorporate storage around it!

It is just another part of our home that remains bare, so might as well optimize it with some shelves.

This design follows an arch, softening the outcome and creating this appealing structure for your books.

INSTAGRAM @built.by.luke

Here’s another version with a more standard layout and a beautiful light blue color. It displays all your prized possessions and items quite adequately.

This design uses the whole wall of the entryway and makes sure every nook and cranny can store something.

You can install downlights if you want a dramatic lighting effect for these shelves or to just emphasize them more.

Maybe you prefer a bright white aesthetic. Then, this design will do the trick for you.

It tightly packs your book collection into your living space tidily. However, you might need a ladder or stepping stool to reach for the shelves higher up.

Consider getting book stoppers too. So, when you don’t fill in the shelves with books, they’ll still sit nicely and not have any awkward gaps.

This living area also boasts a white entryway storage design but inside a larger interior. This feature separates the two spaces and looks incredible in doing so.

The design is very neutral, so I suggest adding small trees and a lamp to the layout to liven things up.

Or you could also get a more vibrant carpet to spice things up.

Small Room Design

When you have smaller areas of your home like the one depicted here, then you now know what you can do with them.

Incorporate bookshelves of course! To make the design more interesting, have the compartments vary in shape and size.

Don’t forget to add a ladder so you can still access the hard-to-reach places of this design.

For a pop of color, throw a vibrant purple chair into the mix! It just goes to show how you can jazz up the design according to your preferences.

You can also have more colorful shelves if you’d like. Try changing the color of their backgrounds to make them more intriguing too.

Remember to decorate the structure as well.

Tiny Kitchen Wooden Storage

INSTAGRAM @levoyageinterieur

This tiny kitchen proves that spatial restrictions can’t stop you from having an amazing interior design.

The storage hack here utilizes the layout of the kitchen to double as storage to really maximize the design.

Don’t be afraid to decorate the place to your heart’s desire. After taking notes from all of the previous designs, I’m sure you can fit everything in nicely!

Minimalist Shelves

We’ve got something up our sleeves for those who want a safe, clean, and minimalist aesthetic. First, is this lovely window design.

It contains two straightforward minimalist white bookshelves framing the window area and seamlessly blending into the rest of the interior.

I appreciate how even the books on display come in minimal colors, and most of them are neutrals.

Or maybe a corner placement would suit your fancy. This white design exhibits what that would look like in a traditional space.

It’s a great way of repurposing your corners and adding more storage to your interior.

You really can’t go wrong with this design, especially if your home is already following a white color scheme. So, what are you waiting for?

Colored Corner Storage Setup

Then again, you might like the placement but not the white theme. So, this colored corner shelf would be our rebuttal for that.

The color really emphasizes the space and distinguishes it as its own little area.

Throw in a bean bag and some pillows and you have a makeshift reading nook! It’s such a quick and easy way of transforming a part of your home into something this inviting.

Neutral Theme

If you still want a simple yet elegant design but not a dominantly white one, then opt for a neutral theme. It gets the same job done with a hint more color.

This refined space isn’t exactly minimalistic but it’s gorgeous nonetheless.

I recommend getting a vintage lamp with a bright shade to also add a pop of color and style to this interior.

Similar to this design, you get just the right amount of color without overwhelming the space.

The shelves also surround the window for a change in location. Depending on the layout of your home, place them wherever it is most convenient and practical.

For this design, I would only suggest getting houseplants and small trees to decorate around it.

This beige dream is also a magnificent design to consider. It exudes the utmost sophistication and has just enough details and character to make the aesthetic captivating.

The design would fit classic and traditional homes like a glove. So, if you’re looking for a timeless look, this is it!

Enhance the design with vintage decor and antique furniture pieces to tie everything in.

Library With L-Shaped Seating

Now, this wonderful space can cater to more than one person and store more than a few books. This shelf design is perfect for a receiving area too.

The comfy L-shaped seating lets you either welcome more people in or just lie down here by yourself.

The seats also have storage underneath them, making them a multifunctional feature and a great addition to your home!

Bookshelves And Niche

Just by looking at this design, you know some really good conversations are going to go down here.

The intimate seating area fit for just two people is yet another aesthetically pleasing pick on our list. If you ever run out of topics, you can just grab a book from the shelves or marvel at the artwork on the niche.

Of course, putting lighting inside the niche will elevate the look of this design even more.

Built-In Wooden Bookshelves

This earthy and organic design contains a lot of vibrant and warm wood, resulting in a refreshing and natural theme.

The rest of the interior is also made up of natural materials and woven elements for a charming appeal.

I love how there are also a ton of plants distributed in the design. Don’t be shy, add a small tree in there too!

Wooden Partition

INSTAGRAM @levoyageinterieur

Living in a studio apartment can be quite tricky, especially when it’s all just one big space. That concern is diminished in this design where the storage around the bed separates it from the rest of the space.

The partition is a brilliant way of defining the different areas of this home and functioning as storage.

Even the platform of the bed can be optimized for storage. What a treat!

Discover more tips and space-optimizing hacks for studio apartments.

Stairway Storage

INSTAGRAM @stonecottage2250

This dainty little staircase has a nicely hidden storage compartment on its side.

In a more modern design, you can also build some drawers into the stairs so you’ll have more storage space. But since this is an older design, it might need some reinforcements first. 

To make it even cooler, add a door to the shelves so you can conceal your storage.

Vanity Area Shelves

INSTAGRAM @laurengranger.design

Lastly, we’re combining beauty and brains with a design that lets you store your books right by your vanity.

When you have a massive wardrobe like this and a vanity area right in its center, then you probably also have some storage space that could double as a bookshelf.

You just have to be creative and resourceful when planning out your design. You’d be surprised with all of the possibilities that could transform your home!