25 Small Bookshelves That Look Amazing

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If you’re like me and you love the idea of having a cozy book nook in your home but struggle with space, then you’re in the right place.

I’ve gathered 25 fantastic bookshelves with an incredible range of designs that prove size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a statement in your home interior.

Built-In Alcove Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @imjessicabrigham

Are there any odd recesses in your home that you’re dying to add function to? Here’s a solution to that: a built-in bookshelf for your small alcoves.

As these spaces are hidden, you need terrific pops of color to make this structure stand out.

You can also add baskets or boxes to help arrange your items here and maintain the neatness of the living space.

Now, an option for the minimalists and those who prefer a safer aesthetic. This design maintains the white interior and uses plain white shelves to blend in.

This subtle look is great for simple and clean homes. It’s also best for those who want their book collection to remain lowkey.

It may not be the most stylish approach, but it does allow your books to shine by not directing any attention towards the shelves themselves.

Bright Yellow Shelf

INSTAGRAM @rakksshelving

Make your shelves just as vibrant as the stories of your books and get ones in striking solid colors.

You can go for neon greens, oranges, blues, and pinks. The point is to have a stunning statement piece up on your wall.

Aside from the color, do consider the material as well. These shelves should be sturdy and they should hold the bright colors well so they won’t fade over time.

Related Article: Yellow Bedrooms: 14 Stylish Ideas For Small Spaces

Story Bookcase

INSTAGRAM @girlonthehudson

This chic modern home has an intriguing side feature at the edge of the sofa! A story bookcase offers a sleek and space-efficient way of stacking your favorite books and magazines.

It’s the perfect way to fill in the small gaps in your home and maximize the potential storage space.

Get structures that can match your interior. Also, think about how many layers you might need.

Mounted Wooden Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @ravenroxanne

Here’s a nifty workspace with a snazzy built-in book holder. Actually, this whole structure was made with function in mind.

The design optimizes your places of productivity and gives you ample storage and sufficient space to work.

The classic wood material will work well in most traditional homes. It’s advisable to not make the design too distracting since you’ll need to focus while you’re working here.

Learn how to transform even the smallest corners into productive home offices.

INSTAGRAM @ferrin.woodworking

Check out this adorable tiny design! The little shelf is made of good old oak and fits a handful of books while displaying them.

It even has two slots and a mini drawer for keeping trinkets, bookmarks, and other small items.

If you want to enhance this area for more storage, you can install a few hooks under the shelf so it can double as a rack.

INSTAGRAM @chidaneh

We’re occupying the whole wall with these wall-mounted cubbies to showcase your books and decor on the wall.

This design is also an easy D-I-Y project if you already have wooden planks at home. You can also thrift for crates or other boxes for a similar outcome.

I love how the design is open but it also sections off different compartments for your objects.

Reading Nook Library

INSTAGRAM @weespacesinteriors

Integrate your bookshelf into your reading area with a clever design like this. At one end of the nook, there’s a bookshelf with a glass door to keep your books at bay when reading.

Putting a glass door helps prevent the accumulation of dust and just any general damage that could happen to the books.

I appreciate how the design uses the layout of the nook and doesn’t add any other bulky structures for storage.

Tree Bookshelves

INSTAGRAM @wilder_home_

For a modern and contemporary interior, this green iron tree grid shelf stylishly stacks books beside a gold-framed chair.

This space-economic option also makes your books more accessible. It’s so compact you can place it anywhere in your home.

You can sneak in some decor on some of the layers so the structure won’t be too cramped with books.

INSTAGRAM @sunmory_official

Now, a rustic alternative would be this wooden tree bookshelf with an added compartment on the bottom.

The design gives you two ways of storing books–diagonally and horizontally–all in one cool compact structure.

This would look amazing beside a few houseplants or several indoor trees. You can also hang up some artwork around it to decorate it even more.

Four-Tiered Wooden Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @linspositivevibesonly

This magnificent bookshelf is a unique storage piece for coffee table books and magazines. The warm brown feature livens up the modern interior.

The wooden design simply changes the orientation of the usual square shelves to create this innovative result.

It’s an excellent storage unit and statement piece that would sit perfectly in your living room or office space.

White Geometric Designs

This captivating design provides an interesting way of arranging your books on top of your counters.

The shelves complete a geometric outline that branches out layers to display your books horizontally.

It has a sharp but freeing and unassuming layout that matches the wall color to blend into the aesthetic instead of standing out. However, if you want to bring more attention to it, install one in a darker color.

This pristine design contains two white bookshelves: one in the usual style and the other with pointed ends.

The latter design is just shy of being a hexagon, so getting a full hexagonal design is another plausible option for a more established look.

Either way, I love how the layout uses two distinct shapes for a bit of variety in your book storage.

Wavy Corner Bookshelf

Here’s a softer geometric look with more flow because of the wavy design. It’s another wooden bookshelf but with a curvier outline.

It can definitely stand as an accent piece and incorporate more pizazz into your room. 

Don’t forget to put stoppers on the open end of the shelf so your books don’t fall. Make sure they match the aesthetic too!

Read Also: 32 Corner Bookshelves That Look Amazing

Wooden Corner Shelves

This design gives you an endearing way of maximizing your corners – and it’s so easy to pull off!

Put as many or as few as you’d like. Remember, the corner is a tricky placement so ensure that the shelves are properly installed and can hold the weight.

You can also use longer or shorter shelves. They can extend the length of the wall for more storage (and so you can make the most of the rest of your wall space too).

Minimalist White Shelves

Here’s a minimalist modification to your bare staircases. The under-the-stairs placement of the shelves adds purpose to the area and gives you an extra thing to look at when you pass by.

You can also use some of the space to display family pictures, trophies, and souvenirs. 

To turn it into a reading nook, put in some seating with comfy cushions and pillows. Then, sit back, relax, and read!

You can also create a cozy under-stair seating nook for reading.

INSTAGRAM @crateandkids

We haven’t forgotten about kids’ rooms! Here’s an easy design that is perfect for their playrooms or bedrooms.

The simple shelf makes sure you won’t collect clutter and maintain a tidy space for your kids.

It even has more containers for their toys but the compartments can also hold the rest of their books that aren’t on display.

INSTAGRAM @rafterapi

We have one for your tween as well! This taller minimalist bookshelf can store several comic books, mangas, and novels – whatever is currently piquing your kids’ interests.

Aside from leisurely reads, they can also keep their academic material and even study in the small desk space.

I recommend putting a lamp beside it so it can be a brighter and more productive space.

Kitchen Counter Placement

If your kitchen is brimming with cookbooks, you’re going to need an efficient way of keeping them. What better location than right by the counter?

This design repurposes a section of the kitchen counter storage to serve as an open two-layered bookshelf.

It makes the books easily accessible and away from all the mess when cooking. I suggest making the compartments deeper so the books aren’t too exposed.

Slanted Wooden Bookstand

This modern living room has a storage piece that’s sure to be a conversation starter when guests come over.

The rich, dark wood stand slants towards the couch and each compartment has softer, curved edges which aren’t what most are used to.

I love how changing the smallest details of a regular shelf makes it a more stylish, eye-catching unit.

Golden Book Rack

Give your space a luxurious touch with a fine gold book rack with mesh layers and a sleek design.

It’s such an elegant way of keeping your books and it even looks like it’s part of the decor!

A practical alternative to this is to just pop some wheels on it to make it a cart! It’ll also let you move it about more freely.

Modern Green Shelf

You might enjoy a trendier structure with a pop of color. In that case, this modern green freestanding bookshelf will do just the trick.

The design comes in such a beautiful yet subtle color that brings a quiet elegance to the place.

I admire the simplicity and classiness of this shelf. It really is a beautiful storage piece. Place some succulents on it too to liven up the design.

Classic Wooden Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @urbansize_home

Nothing beats a classic design. So, when most of these bookshelf choices overwhelm you, you can always go for a reliable style that has a guaranteed pleasant outcome.

The key is to choose a wooden finish that will match and complement the rest of your interior.

You can also thrift for high-quality wooden furniture or get them secondhand to save money.

Abstract Green Organizer

Be a trendsetter with this wavy space-saving organizer! It sorts your books and magazines in the slots of each wave.

The great thing about this is that even when it’s empty, it effectively embellishes your home.

It’s perfect for coffee tables, entertainment rooms, and lounge areas. It also makes returning your reads a breeze.

Barn Door Bookshelf

INSTAGRAM @tuishomemag

Lastly, we give you this genius barn door bookshelf design that also serves as the door to your bedroom.

When closed, you wouldn’t think that there’s a room behind it! It even has a cool, jagged outline that fits like a puzzle.

This design can be quite heavy, so make some adjustments like putting wheels or using lighter material to make opening and closing it easier.

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