Calling all bookworms and interior enthusiasts - we've gathered 10 of the best bookcases and bookshelves on the market. Whether you're looking for an impressive background for your work call meetings, or want to inject some colour into a plain living room, a bookshelf or bookcase can really elevate your space.
The perfect way to display your beloved plants, photo frames and ornaments, as well as your books, bookcases are an effortless way to add character to a room.
What's the difference between a bookcase and a bookshelf?
While similar in function, bookcases and bookshelves have slightly different designs. Bookcases tend to be standalone furniture pieces with closed-off shelves. This means the books are fully encased. A bookshelf on the other hand has a more open-shelved design which allows for more space for taller objects. You may choose to secure a bookshelf to the wall to ensure it stays firmly in place.
We've taken style, space and budget into consideration, and put together a list of 10 bookcases and bookshelves. From the colourful and contemporary to the more traditional wooden designs, we've got a bookcase or bookshelf for all rooms and style preferences in our roundup. Take a browse below, and find the right fit for your home library.
For more inspiration on how to display your favourite books, browse our bookshelf styling ideas.
Best bookcases and bookshelves for 2024
Ladder bookshelf
Ladder shelving units are an inexpensive and stylish bookshelf option that work well for a minimalist, laid-back feel. Of course if you're feeling crafty, and have a spare ladder around, you can have a go at making your own, but you'll find plenty of lovely and affordable designs online.
This ladder bookshelf, available from Amazon, features four tiers. The steps are wider at the bottom which is handy for awkwardly shaped vases and heavy, hardback special editions. There's also an 'anti-tip kit' included to help you securely attach your bookshelf to the wall for peace of mind.
Ideal for an industrial look, you'll be one step closer to creating that edgy, New York vibe with this bookshelf.
Fulton Bookcase
There are a number of bookcases available from Dunelm, and we were taken with this contemporary design. More of a statement that some of the more straightforward options, this bookcase features a mix of shelves and little cabinets, so you can decide which items you'd like on display.
This model is perfect for those last-minute clear up jobs as it's ideal for hiding clutter! A top choice for displaying your favourite coffee table books and glassware too, you can get really creative when it comes to styling this bookcase.
Corner bookcase
- Buy now from Wayfair (£95.99)
Corner bookcases are great if you're tight on space, and they help to create a homey, snug vibe. This Wayfair design is under £100, and it's available in a range of fun colours including turquoise and red. The narrow bookcase features five shelves so you should have plenty of room for all of your favourite knick-knacks and books.
Check out the best compact living essentials for more space-saving solutions.
Malu Vintage Style 5-Level Shelving Unit
If you're after something a little more eye-catching, La Redoute is well worth a browse. This rattan shelving unit has been finished with a gorgeous green colour, allowing you to liven up a white or beige room, and the open shelf design is perfect for plants.
This vintage bookshelf would look nice in a vibrant eclectic home bursting with character, and rattan is always a winner in our books.
Isobel Bookshelf
- Buy now from Urban Outfitters (
£599.00£479.00)
For a standout bookshelf that's sure to create a serene reading corner, look no further than the Isobel bookshelf from Urban Outfitters. The curved arches and rounded alcoves really help this design stand out and it's a super way to display unique artwork.
This bookshelf is certainly on the pricier end of the scale, but we'd say it's worth it for the wow factor.
Wooden Shelving Unit
- Buy now from Marks and Spencer (£599.00)
You can always rely on Marks and Spencer for timeless furniture pieces that are built to last.
This durable shelving unit will slot into a range of décor schemes with ease, and even though it's a ladder design, the shelves are all the same width for a more solid structure. This light oak bookshelf would look fabulous in a bright and sunny room with lots of natural light, and with plenty of matching furniture sets available online, you can create a sleek, uniformed living room in no time.
Explore the best home deals and sales for more Marks and Spencer furniture ideas.
Habitat Kids Crocodile Bookcase
We couldn't resist this adorable bookcase - the perfect room accessory for budding bookworms! Add this sweet green crocodile bookcase to your little one's room and let them store their favourite books and cuddly toys in true style.
This fun design not only adds a splash of colour to a bedroom, but may even encourage your children to tidy up after themselves so it's a win win.
Vasagle Bookshelf
If you've got lots of trinkets and books without a home, this bookshelf is sure to lend an organisational hand. With its thirteen shelves, and quirky non-uniformed design, this bookshelf has got both style and functionality covered.
A lovely piece to go against a large living room wall, bring your books down from the attic and display them with pride!
Abacus 7 Shelf Bookcase
For a no-frills, wooden bookcase that'll see you through many years of reading, this John Lewis model could work a treat. Made of FSC-Certified oak veneer, and offering a timeless and classic design, you can't go wrong with this bookcase. It'll work in any room, from the contemporary to the more traditional, and there's loads of space for all of your favourite recipe books, magazines and novels.
Oxford 3 Tier Cube Bookcase
This dinky bookcase is ideal for a kids' bedroom, or hallway perhaps, as it won't take up too much room. You may not fit your whole library into this design, but it's a great option if you're after some additional storage. Measuring just 80cm by 32cm, you can slot this white bookcase into the most compact of spaces, and it's an easy way to keep clutter at bay. We like the simplicity of the white exterior as it'll work with all colour schemes allowing you to move this bookcase between rooms as suits.
On the lookout for home accessories to display on your new bookshelf? Browse our favourite earth-toned accessories.