Bookshelves are a stylish way to store and exhibit a variety of items, including miniature plants, candles, photo frames, and other decorative items. We spoke with an interior designer for advice before researching the best options in every size and price range. Continue reading to learn about the Best Bookcase available today.
Top picks
- Best Overall: ECR4Kids Birch Bookcase
- Best Budget: Furinno Luder Bookcase
- Best for Small Spaces: Sauder Nova Loft Accent Storage
- Best Wood: Mid Century Modern Wide Bookcase
- Best Oak: Sauder North Avenue Bookcase
Buying Guide
1. Material
Because bookcases often have to carry a lot of weight, choosing one constructed of solid and durable materials is critical. The best option is usually solid wood such as the Mid Century Modern Wide Bookcase, but it can be fairly costly. Metal, which is particularly durable, and manufactured wood, which may have a lesser weight capacity per shelf, are both more economical possibilities.
2. Size
When comparing bookcases, make sure to check their dimensions to make sure they'll fit in your space. (You should also measure to make sure they'll fit through doorways or up narrow stairwells.)
Other factors to consider are the height of the shelves and whether or not they can be modified. This is especially crucial if you want to showcase tall books or big decorations. Sauder Nova Loft Accent Storage is the best option for small spaces.
3. Capacity for weight
Books can be extremely substantial. A one-foot row of average-sized books weights roughly 20 pounds, so check the weight capacity of bookcase shelves before buying. With the Sauder North Avenue Bookcase, each shelf should be able to hold 50 pounds or more if you wish to showcase a complete shelf of books (depending on its width).
4. Price
Bookcases come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their prices vary widely as well. Some of the best bookcases can cost hundreds of dollars, but you can also discover some affordable bookcases that will suit your needs well, for example, the Furinno Luder Bookcase.
I'd suggest setting a budget and looking for a bookshelf that satisfies all of your needs after taking into account the above considerations.
FAQs
1. What is the ideal depth for a bookcase?
Whether you plan to put heavy encyclopedias, paperback novels, small potted plants, or a collection of picture frames on it, it all depends. A bookcase's shelves, on the other hand, should be at least 12 inches deep. Many models go far deeper, up to 20 inches in some cases like the Sauder North Avenue Bookcase. Make sure you have ample clearance space in front of any situation.
2. When is a solitary bookcase preferable to floating shelves?
This is largely a question of personal taste, so think about your storage needs and design preferences. Although you may obtain a similar look by hanging many floating shelves like the Greenco 4 Cube Intersecting Shelves, a single unit will usually provide more area to showcase objects.
3. Is there a distinction between a bookshelf and a bookcase?
A bookcase, for example, the ECR4Kids Birch Bookcase is a closed-sided unit that literally encases books and is intended to be placed on the floor, whereas a bookshelf is intended to be hung on the wall and does not have encased ends.
4. Are bookcases no longer fashionable?
Bookcases are not outdated, especially if they are built of high-quality wood and have a modern style such as the Mid Century Modern Wide Bookcase. However, recent trends and buying habits of younger generations suggest that having a bookcase in our homes is no longer necessary.
Conclusion
It's all about constructing layers when it comes to raising your working space. This does not imply that you should construct a staircase in the midst of your room. Rather, the Best Bookcase is one of the simplest and most effective methods to create a beautiful living environment.